FromDC

I'm close to finalizing our SI itinerary but I'm especially struggling with one part of it and could use some feedback. Fly to Queenstown (from Sydney after 3 weeks in Australia) and drive to Wanaka. There for 4 nights, so we would have 3 full days (one of them a fly and cruise to Milford Sound). Drive to Franz Josef for overnight (no glacier climbing, only explore area). Drive to Hokitika, stay 2 nights (Big luminaries fan), drive to Arthur's Pass, stay 2 nights. Drive to Akaroa, stay 2 nights. Fly to NI from chCh. I know this isn't "typical" but I've had to prioritize.

However, we've been thinking about Lake Moreaki (Wilderness Lodge there looks lovely) for 2 nights instead of the night in Franz Josef and one of the nights in Wanaka. When we stay at a really nice accommodation, we like to be there for 2 nights. Any thoughts about this trade off ? It's really tough to find out anything about lake Moreaki except for lodge reviews on TA. thanks everyone.

Melnq8

I think two nights at Lake Moeraki is a good compromise, especially as Franz Josef doesn't seem to be a draw for you. Be prepared for sandflies. Giving up a night in Wanaka will still leave you one full day to explore. If you plan your day well, it's quite possible to see some of Mt Aspiring Nat'l Park (about a 90 minute drive from Wanaka) do a couple of hikes, and still get up to Mount Iron or whatever appeals to you (I've crammed a heck of a lot into one full day in Wanaka myself).

We stayed at Lake Moeraki many years ago and absolutely loved the experience. You really can't go wrong there. It's about so much more than the lodge.

Are you also considering staying at their lodge in Arthur's Pass? If so, Id love to hear what you think about the place, as I've yet to stay at that location.

What time of year are you going? This will make a huge difference in how much you can accomplish in a given day.

FromDC

Thanks, Mel, we will be there in early/mid November. Any more details about your specific activities at Lake Moeraki? Any recommendations for dealing with sandflies?

And yes, the Arthur's Pass Lodge is a definite. It's been quite a challenge to eliminate all the wonderful possibilities, but we travel more slowly so more than 2 nights in one place is ideal but not really possible on this trip. After Akaroa we will fly to NI and spend 5 nights total in Hawkes Bay area and then Rotorua before flying back to the US.

Songdoc

Unless I'm missing something, you're flying into Queenstown then immediately driving to Wanaka. So ... you're not spending any time in Queenstown???

IMO, Wanaka is similar to Q'town -- but without the "wow" factor. If you're not spending time in Queenstown, I'd shift the Wanaka time to Queenstown. Wanaka is fine for a night--but I wouldn't recommend it with such a limited amount of time.

Personally, I was underwhelmed by Franz Josef--but I'd seen truly spectacular glaciers elsewhere. The drive to FJ was really taxing, and if I had it to do over again, I'd have skipped it.

New Zealand is gorgeous and you'll have an amazing trip whatever you decide. And FYI, I highly recommend Waimangu Volcanic Park in Rotorua for truly unearthly scenery.

Melnq8

I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one Songdoc. I suspect that many visitors to Wanaka never see the best bits because they only spend a night or two there. The town itself definitely isn't anything to get excited about, but it's one of the gateways to Mt Aspiring National Park (as is Glenorchy) which is an absolute gem.

I very much look forward to your feedback on the lodge at Arthur's Pass FromDC (and for what its worth, IMO two nights in a given location isn't traveling slow, it's actually rushing things where NZ is concerned, but I certainly understand time constraints).

FromDC

Thanks for all feedback so far.

Songdoc, my initial thoughts were to skip Queenstown because I've read in several TRs about it being crowded and "touristy" and in guidebooks about it being the "adventure capital" which we are not interested in. Without having been to NZ, I sort of assumed that the scenery would be similar in both places (Queenstown and Wanaka). I post on Fodors in order to get feedback, to me that means being willing to adjust itineraries.

I'm thinking about tweaking as follows:
Four nights Wanaka (OR 2 Queenstown and 2 Wanaka (or even 1 and 3) but wouldn't it make more sense to do Milford Sound from Wanaka? -- this is the main thing I want to do in this area)
2 nights Lake Moeraki
1 night Hokitika (main reason for wanting to go there is find a tour that points out places from the Luminaries so maybe I don't need 2 nights)
Rest is the same - Akaroa, Hawkes Bay, Rotorua.

So, remembering that we are not hikers, is the scenery in Queens town so much more stunning than in Wanaka that it is a MUST to spend time there? I know I'll get different opinions on this but I can try to sort through the reasons and figure out what works best for us.

Melnq8

FromDC -

Queenstown and Wanaka are only ~1:15 minutes apart. For that reason alone, I'd suggest you choose one over the other, as changing accommodation can be disruptive.

As you're not interested in hiking, my previous info about Wanaka may not apply to you. You can easily access Glenorchy from QT though and believe me, that's a beautiful day trip, even if you don't hike.

As far as I can tell, there are scenic flights from both Wanaka and QT to Milford. If you drive, QT and Te Anau make better bases for a daytrip to Milford, but as you're flying, it's probably a moot point other than perhaps cost differences. something worth looking into.

FromDC

Mel, walks yes but hikes no. From what I see on the park's brochure, there seem to be easy walks along the Haast Highway.
In any case, I'm more confounded now. Turns out Lake Moeraki is booked on our dates so I'm back to square 1.
From what I can tell, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef and Lake Moreaki are the main overnight places between Queenstown or Wanaka and Hokitika. Is there another place that I am not aware of on this route? Day 1 is fly into Queenstown, Day 8 is arrive at Arthur's pass from Hokitika.
Grrr....thought I had everything set, now I'm wondering if Wanaka is best and where to stop along the way.

Melnq8

>Is there another place that I am not aware of on this route?>

And herein lies the problem with the West Coast (unless you're camping).

There's Haast and the town of Ross, but neither one is worth more than an overnight to break up the journey IMO. Having said that, I have indeed spent a night in Haast for the sole purpose of seeing Jackson Bay, but I'm the exception, not the rule.

http://www.newzealand.com/int/featur...shing-village/

If it helps any, you really can't go wrong - it's NZ afterall, and to quote my brother, whom I introduced to the SI a few years ago, "everywhere you look is beautiful".

Melnq8

Make that two nights in Haast