Here is a nice little NZ trip, visiting the key sights of the South island. You can spend weeks in NZ and its such a beautiful country with many gorgeous scenery, hiking and vast countryside. This is a busy itinerary, but fitting in lots of key sights. I've also picked good accommodation, some I've stayed in myself too.
29 October Leave London UK with China Southern airlines.
30 October Arrive into China 5:50pm. You have 7 hrs in China, but you should get a complimentary hotel stay with the airline.
31 October Arrive into Christchurch at 5:10pm. You will collect the hire car and drive to the CHC Motel Riccardo where you will overnight, which is close to the centre and has free parking. You will return to Christchurch later in the trip so don't worry too much about not having too much time here.
1 November Its a 2 hour drive to Kaikoura today. You will and arrive in plenty of time to do a whale-watching tour before overnighting at the Heritage Motel.
2 November Its a long 4 hour drive today through the Southern Alps to Hanmer Springs via Lewis Pass. There are thermal springs en route if you want to break the journey up, and plenty of walks too. Your final stop is in Hokitika famous for its jade. You will overnight at the Hokitika Holiday Park, which although have shared bathrooms have great reviews. I've stayed in many holiday parks in NZ and they have all been great and you can't go wrong.
3-5th November You'll drive 2 hours to Franz Josef. You will stay at the highly rated Franz Josef Montrose for 2 nights.Two nights will give you plenty of time to explore the glaciers Franz and Fox and the fantastic scenery and walking nearby, as well as kayaking and hot pools. If its a beach you want then half an hour away is Okarito beach too.
5-7th November Its a 4 hour drive to Wanaka and there is so much to see and do on the way, if you didn't visit mirror lakes from Franz it is worth a visit as well as lots of walking too around Haast Pass. In Wanaka you'll stay at a holiday park for two nights. Again, this has shared bathrooms but I've stayed here and its great. Wanaka has so much to do, with views of Aspiring National Park, the gorgeous lake and views. If it is bad weather nearby Puzzling World is good for a half day and an absolute must is Cinema Paradiso. It's the best cinema I've ever been to!
7-9th November You will spend two nights in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park where you will stay right on the lake in a cabin. No trip would be complete without a visit to Milford Sound, and if time allows you could extend and visit Doubtful Sound too. There are plenty of stunning views whilst driving and wildlife too with the waterfalls as you approach the sound.
9-12th November You will drive to Queenstown today. Queenstown has so much to see and do, including extreme activities it is worth spending 3 nights here at the Reavers Lodge in an ensuite room. From lake activities on Lake Wakatipu, or just enjoying the area. If it is too long, you can spend extra time in one of the other areas (or add in stops in places where you have long drives).
12-14th November You will drive to Mt Cook and spend 2 nights here at the Mt Cook lodge. Accommodation is expensive but the Mt Cook area is stunning and so much to do. The glacier lake boat trip is stunning and the views of the mountain ranges are just beautiful. If you want a cheaper option there is a YHA nearby which I've stayed in myself but they aren't showing availability for a private rooms and only have 8 bed dorms left. The accommodation I've picked is a good solid choice and it's well worth it as the Mt Cook area is one of my favourite places in NZ.
14-16th November Driving through Lake Tekapo you will head to Akoroa. It's a lovely stop and with the opportunity to swim with the hectares dolphins and some gorgeous scenery too. You will stay for 2 nights as it is a long drive. The accommodation is right on the beach and it is a nice relaxing end for your holiday.
16th November You're only an hour from Christchurch so you can make the most of your final day leisurely stopping in the city before your evening flight.
Details
Hotels bookable on ebookers.com using code AFFMVC08 unless otherwise mentioned.
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Opening post
29 October
Leave London UK with China Southern airlines.
30 October
Arrive into China 5:50pm. You have 7 hrs in China, but you should get a complimentary hotel stay with the airline.
31 October
Arrive into Christchurch at 5:10pm. You will collect the hire car and drive to the CHC Motel Riccardo where you will overnight, which is close to the centre and has free parking. You will return to Christchurch later in the trip so don't worry too much about not having too much time here.
1 November
Its a 2 hour drive to Kaikoura today. You will and arrive in plenty of time to do a whale-watching tour before overnighting at the Heritage Motel.
2 November
Its a long 4 hour drive today through the Southern Alps to Hanmer Springs via Lewis Pass. There are thermal springs en route if you want to break the journey up, and plenty of walks too. Your final stop is in Hokitika famous for its jade. You will overnight at the Hokitika Holiday Park, which although have shared bathrooms have great reviews. I've stayed in many holiday parks in NZ and they have all been great and you can't go wrong.
3-5th November
You'll drive 2 hours to Franz Josef. You will stay at the highly rated Franz Josef Montrose for 2 nights.Two nights will give you plenty of time to explore the glaciers Franz and Fox and the fantastic scenery and walking nearby, as well as kayaking and hot pools. If its a beach you want then half an hour away is Okarito beach too.
5-7th November
Its a 4 hour drive to Wanaka and there is so much to see and do on the way, if you didn't visit mirror lakes from Franz it is worth a visit as well as lots of walking too around Haast Pass. In Wanaka you'll stay at a holiday park for two nights. Again, this has shared bathrooms but I've stayed here and its great. Wanaka has so much to do, with views of Aspiring National Park, the gorgeous lake and views. If it is bad weather nearby Puzzling World is good for a half day and an absolute must is Cinema Paradiso. It's the best cinema I've ever been to!
7-9th November
You will spend two nights in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park where you will stay right on the lake in a cabin. No trip would be complete without a visit to Milford Sound, and if time allows you could extend and visit Doubtful Sound too. There are plenty of stunning views whilst driving and wildlife too with the waterfalls as you approach the sound.
9-12th November
You will drive to Queenstown today. Queenstown has so much to see and do, including extreme activities it is worth spending 3 nights here at the Reavers Lodge in an ensuite room. From lake activities on Lake Wakatipu, or just enjoying the area. If it is too long, you can spend extra time in one of the other areas (or add in stops in places where you have long drives).
12-14th November
You will drive to Mt Cook and spend 2 nights here at the Mt Cook lodge. Accommodation is expensive but the Mt Cook area is stunning and so much to do. The glacier lake boat trip is stunning and the views of the mountain ranges are just beautiful. If you want a cheaper option there is a YHA nearby which I've stayed in myself but they aren't showing availability for a private rooms and only have 8 bed dorms left. The accommodation I've picked is a good solid choice and it's well worth it as the Mt Cook area is one of my favourite places in NZ.
14-16th November
Driving through Lake Tekapo you will head to Akoroa. It's a lovely stop and with the opportunity to swim with the hectares dolphins and some gorgeous scenery too. You will stay for 2 nights as it is a long drive. The accommodation is right on the beach and it is a nice relaxing end for your holiday.
16th November
You're only an hour from Christchurch so you can make the most of your final day leisurely stopping in the city before your evening flight.
Details
Hotels bookable on ebookers.com using code AFFMVC08 unless otherwise mentioned.
Flights book on traveltrolley.co.uk £1059.94
Car hire £139.86 on economybookings.com with free driver and unlimited mileage.
Christchurch hotel £48.89
Kaikoura accommodation £58.77
Hokitika accommodation £50.77
Wanaka accommodation £108.27
Franz accommodation £92.99
Te Anau accommodation £83.23
Queenstown accommodation £174.88
Mt Cook Accommodation £71.11+£85.92 book on agoda.com
Akoroa accommodation £161.48
Total £2136.10/£1068.10pp
All comments (34)
I hope Gandalf is there