Brenda_md

I have laid out an itinerary for 15 days in New Zealand in early March 2018, most of which will be in the South Island. We would loved to have had more time, but that is not the case, so I have tried to get in areas without over taxing the trip. We would like to do two days of trout fishing, one on each island. The rest of the time will be touring and hiking the towns/parks, enjoy a winery, etc. We were excited about being able to get in a designated Dark Sky area which happens to be at Lake Tekapo. However, we should have planned our schedule better by looking ahead at the moon phases. Appears there will be a full moon when we are at Lake Tekapo, so may not be worth going to the observatory. Please let me know your thoughts on the plan and if we would be better splitting our time up differently. I did not put in every small detail of our activities for each day. Thanks..

Day 1, Arrive Auckland at 9 a.m from the U.S.
Explore around town, early to bed.

Day 2, Taupo
Up early and drive to Taupo by way of Waitmo

Day 3, Taupo
- Trout fishing.

Day 4, Taupo
- Hike around Tongariro Natl Park
- Then, drive to Rototura

Day 5, Rototura

Day 6, Christ Church to Lake Tekapo
Take early flight to Christ Church, then immediately head to Lake Tekapo. Dark Skies observatory, may be questionable do to full moon.

Day 7, Lake Tekapo
- Horseback riding or hiking.

Day 8, Aoraki/Mt. Cook
Explore area

Day 9, Aoraki/Mt. Cook
- Plane Tour of area.

Day 10, Wanaka
Head off to Wanaka

Day 11, Wanaka
- Trout fishing here or in Queenstown instead.
- Wine tour if not trout fishing.

Day 12, Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown from Wanaka

Day 13, Queenstown Events for days 13 and 14 could be reversed.
- Jet boat “safari” between mountains and glaciers into Mount Aspiring National Park.
-- Or ---
- Trout fishing if not done in Wanaka

Day 14 Queenstown
Day enjoying wineries if not done in Wanaka

Day 15, Auckland
Fly from Queenstown back to Auckland

Day 16, Home
Fly Home on early afternoon flight

Melnq8

I think your plan is very reasonable, although a bit heavy with Tekapo. I'd add a night to Wanaka and cut back a night in Tekapo. Not a whole lot of hiking there - some yes, but much better on offer elsewhere IMO.

Wanaka makes a good base from which to explore Mt Aspiring on your own also.

You'll find more wineries in/around QT than Wanaka - in fact I can only think of one in Wanaka, but you could always drive to Cromwell or Bannockburn, where you'll find plenty of wineries and some pretty fabulous Pinot Noir.

Diamantina

If you start off in the South Island, maybe fly directly to Queenstown or Christchurch when you arrive in the country, would this timing work out better for stargazing? Same trip, just in reverse.

Consider this. If you get into AKL at 9 a.m., go through customs and immigration, you can get into the city by about 11:30 a.m. more or less (Auckland-based Tasmangirl would know) What if your accommodation won't allow you check in until 2 p.m.? You might have to sit around waiting, or leave your luggage in their storage area while you go exploring.

I like many parts of Auckland, I really do, but I think Queenstown or Christchurch would make a better first impression than downtown Auckland or a hotel by Auckland airport. If you decide to fly to Christchurch first, please do spend the night here before driving off to Tekapo.

Tekapo has the great observatory, telescopes, camera mounts, and highly trained staff. So if conditions are good, you will enjoy the Mt. John Observatory tour. The daytime views from the observatory are good as well and, if you have time and you're keen on hiking, you can walk to it (only during the day).
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...o-town-tracks/

Because we didn't want to spend so much on our stargazing tour, we took their cheaper Cowan Observatory tour. This small observatory is located not at Mt. John but in a location closer to the township, and this tour is shorter in duration. Nonetheless we enjoyed it. Having major star clusters pointed out to us, being able to view the "rings" of Saturn through a telescope, and other planets as well was a treat. Even with a star chart, I'd have trouble finding these celestial landmarks (if I can call them that) on my own.

NZ's International Dark Sky Reserve encompasses not just Tekapo, but also Mt. Cook, Lake Pukaki, Twizel, etc.
https://mackenzienz.com/scenic-highl...sky-reserve-2/
Tekapo and Aoraki Mt. Cook have observatories, telescopes, expert guides, etc., but the night skies are beautiful throughout this region, you need only look up (bring binoculars if you want a closer look).

The night skies are beautiful in many parts of NZ!

I don't fish, but I know the hydroelectric canals and natural streams around Twizel are popular for trout and salmon anglers. I've always seen people fishing around here.
https://fishingmag.co.nz/fishing-des...-pukaki-tekapo
http://www.aspiringflyfishing.co.nz/twizel-fly-fishing/
http://www.flyfishingnz.co.nz/fly_fi...wizel_area.htm
So if you fish around Twizel and decide to stay there, make sure to look up at the stars at night (but it's best to drive a little ways out of the township to get away from the lights of the town). You can even take a tour, though it'd be basic (no telescopes or observatory).
http://stargazing.co.nz/

Aren't you going to Milford Sound?

Some March events to be aware of (as these could affect available accommodation):
Cultural events:
Rotorua Pipe Band Competition March 8 to 9
Wanaka A & P (Agricultural & Pastoral) Show March 9 & 10
Pop Concerts:
Grace Jones, Queenstown, March 2
Bruno Mars, Spark Arena, Auckland Feb. 27 - March 2
James Blunt Spark Arena, Auckland March 6
James Blunt, Horncastle Arena, Christchurch March 8
Sporting events:
Nutrigrain Ironman 70.3 Taupo March 3
MacPac Motutapu Queenstown/Wanaka (Off Road Marathon) March 10
Blackcaps vs. England (cricket match) March 10 5th ODI Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Medical meeting:
Australasia Interventional Radiology, Auckland
March 8-10
Please double-check the above dates, if you're concerned/interested.

Diamantina

Have a look at this splurge stargazing accommodation (I'm not recommending you stay here, just saying "have a look"):
https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/desti...kenzie-country
http://skyscape.co.nz/availability/

What a disappointment it'd be to stay at the above on a cloudy rainy night.

Brenda_md

Melnq8, thanks for the suggestion to not spend as much time in Tekapo and the winery comment. After seeing other comments, I agree eliminating a day from there could be better used elsewhere.

Diamantina, appreciate your insights into the itinerary. Arriving in Auckland is set in stone as our flights have already been booked. I know we will be dog tired when we arrive, so wasn't expecting to do much in Auckland. Even if we can't get into our hotel right away, I will make sure they can hold our luggage until check in. Most likely we will just take public transportation into the city for a bit, then crash later at the hotel and get a fresh start in the morning.

Thanks for the additional observatory information, that certainly sounds like another option. I did relook at the moon phase schedule and see that at our time in Topeka, the moon will be waning, but I may also look at doing the trip in reverse on the South Island.

As far as seeing Milford Sound, I didn't see that we could fit it in. However, if we take one day away from Topeka, it could be added to the Queenstown stay. Since I know it takes some time driving to Milford Sound, maybe it would be best to fly there and back from Queenstown. I have seen where some drive one way, then fly back on return, but I think that would be hard with rental car issues. Even with an extra day added to the Queenstown area, we may be too rushed with driving to and from in one day. However, if we do the fishing in Wanaka, that may work. I still want to get in a relaxing day enjoying wineries around Queenstown since that area has more options.

Melnq8

Diamantina - thanks for the heads up on Cowan Observatory. I'd looked into Mt John, but was a bit taken aback at the cost.

I'm wrangling with whether to head up the West Coast or the inland route for our trip in May. I love the West Coast, but the inland route has it's attractions too, so currently stymied.

That Skyscape cottage looks amazing....and not cheap!

Diamantina

I never noticed how Topeka is an anagram for Tekapo! If you end up only spending one night in Tekapo and the stargazing conditions are unfavorable, then you'd have another chance in Aoraki-Mt. Cook.
http://www.hermitage.co.nz/en/the-si...sky-stargazing
And, as I previously mentioned, Twizel also has basic night sky tours.

Twizel is not considered overly scenic. It was as purpose-built in the 1960s to house workers involved with the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme (hydroelectric canals and dams). Tourists unable to secure accommodation in Aoraki Mt. Cook sometimes stay in Twizel. I've not stayed there myself, but I find the area around it beautiful, especially Lake Ohau. If you've seen the LOTR film trilogy, the Battle of Pellenor Fields was filmed in this area:
https://www.newzealand.com/au/featur...ing-locations/

Full moon will be on March 2, 2018, which will also be the date for the Chinese Lantern Festival that ends the Chinese New Year holidays. According to NZ statistics, a total 343,799 visitors arrived in March 2017, of these 123,856 were Australian, 42,000 were Chinese, 38,432 were from the USA, and the rest were from everywhere else.

Another event to be aware of in March:
Round the Bays (run & walk), Auckland, March 4

If you stay by the airport, Villa Maria Winery is very near. They have a lovely restaurant and the wines are excellent. You'd be able to try their best offerings, and ones not widely available. Motels near the airport might even arrange for free drop off at and pick up from the winery. I think you'd have a better chance of checking in early if staying by the airport, as one reason guests close to the airport is because they have early flights.

You can take an all-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Yes, they will give you the option of flying back (weather permitting).

Brenda_md

I will keep Twizel in mind as a place to stay in if we have accommodation issues in Aoraki Mt. Cook and as a backup to night sky viewing.

After taking one night away from Tekapo and adding it to Queenstown, we will be able to fit in the Milford Sound overnight cruise. Actually, since our flight time home on Day 16 isn't until 2:30 pm, we think we will just stay in Queenstown an extra night and take the 9:30 am flight back to Auckland to catch our afternoon flight home. This will allow us ample time for the activities and areas around Queenstown.

Melnq8

Oh yes...Villa Maria.

We miss our forays to Villa Maria between flights from Perth and the US via NZ - an early morning nap at the Auckland Novotel after the overnight flight from Perth, a walk to Villa Maria for some fresh air and a fabulous wine infused lunch, a shower and another rest at the Novotel...and we were almost ready for that grueling overnight flight to the US.

Diamantina

Brenda, I hope you won't have accommodation issues in either Tekapo or Aoraki Mt. Cook. You won't regret going to Milford Sound. It's a stunning place. The overnight trip is wonderful. As a late afternoon/early evening activity, you'll be given the option of kayaking or taking a small boat nature trip on the sound, during which you can get closer to shoreline. Dolphins and NZ fur seals are often seen at Milford Sound, you might even see an albatross or a Fiordland Crested Penguin. If the night is clear, don't fail to go up to the top deck to look at the stars. It's the best!

Melnq8, can't you do both the West Coast and the inland route? Don't you usually start and end your driving trips in Christchurch?

I last did a wine tasting at that Villa Maria in June and was most impressed by their albariño. We can't get it in Dunedin, but I had to pass on buying a bottle as I didn't want to lug it to Finland, Sweden and Spain (I was outbound and already had four bottles of Aussie reds in my luggage). I walked to Villa Maria as well, as I wanted to get some exercise, but enroute my sunny day turned to heavy rain. When done with my tasting, I called my motel for a pick-up. It's a long walk.

Yes, the Skyscape cottage looks amazing, but I wouldn't/couldn't pay that much. In Finland's Lapland, there's similar glass igloo accommodation for aurora spotters. (I've been thinking about returning to Finland to see the aurora.)

Brenda_md

Diamantina,I will be making lodging reservations shortly to hopefully avoid any availability issues and get rid of trip planning stress. I am glad we are now including Milford Sound and extra time in Queenstown.

Melnq8, with your hotel recommendation and Villa Maria winery being that close, your description painted a perfect picture of how to end a horribly long flight!! That will be our plan.

Thanks to you both for suggesting the Villa Maria winery.

Melnq8

<<Melnq8, can't you do both the West Coast and the inland route? Don't you usually start and end your driving trips in Christchurch?>>

Yes, usually, but this time we're flying into QT and beginning there, which has thrown a spanner in the works. Our flight cost was the same whether we flew into Christchurch or QT, so we decided to fly into QT for a change. We will collect our rental car and make the short drive to Bannockburn for our first five night stay (and one of many lunches at Mt Difficulty).

This routing meets our usual criteria - getting started with the holiday straight away, yet not driving very far on arrival day - and I was able to find a lovely cottage in Bannockburn that will allow us to check in as soon as we arrive, which is a big plus.

From there we will spend several nights in Manapouri and Glenorchy, then head up the west coast (or not) and eventually end up around Tasman, Upper Moutuere or Kina Beach, and then move on to somewhere between Picton and Blenheim and then on to...well this is where my itinerary fizzles out, but I've got plenty of time to get it sorted.

We will then fly out of Christchurch and on to Auckland for departure.

After more than a dozen trips to the SI, and with a month to work with, you'd think I could plan my itinerary in my sleep, but I still agonize as if it were the first time.

Brenda - it is a bit of a walk to Villa Maria, but you could always walk one way and call a cab to return you to the airport. We did this once, and the winery staff was very helpful in securing the cab. It's not an inexpensive ride though.

Diamantina

Melnq8, 5 night in Bannockburn sounds great. FYI: Ownership of Mt. Difficulty might soon change. I'm hoping the winery tasting room and restaurant will stay the same, and the quality of the wines stays just as high.
https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/foley-...wines-b-209084
https://www.odt.co.nz/business/farmi...ly-wines-talks

I'm sure you've thought of breaking up your drive from Picton to Christchurch in Kaikoura (to see how it's changed) or Waipara/North Canterbury (to see how it's changed, new wineries, restaurants, etc.)

There's more great wine coming out of Waipara/North Canterbury these days.
Black Estate is getting a lot of attention for its wines and restaurant:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/ne...in-the-country
Perhaps of interest to you, Graystone Winery has one of those "Pure Pod" cabins:
https://www.purepods.com/location/greystone/
Graystone/Muddy Water (same tasting room) also makes great wine.

So savvy to come in May, the least busiest month. Except in Dunedin, which will be hosting an enormous international travel industry conference Mon. May 7 through Thurs. May 10. I know you won't be coming to Dunedin. Though some of these folks will be adding Central Otago to their itineraries.

Melnq8

Diamantina -

Actually, Kaikoura isn't under consideration at this point, but Waipara very well may be.

I'm afraid to look at the rates for the PurePod, as enticing as it sounds!

Thanks for those links, I shall definitely peruse them.

You know us, the fewer people the better, hence May. Hopefully, we aren't taunting the weather gods too much.