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.
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
Latest comments (34)
didgit
17 Aug 17#34
I am still unable to see flights for £1059 so I would say this deal is expired :disappointed: it's a shame it would have been a good deal otherwise, hope someone manage to get lucky, if you are still thinking about it it's probably too late.
dcx_badass
15 Aug 17#33
This is incredibly good value, I've done most these places, spectacular place and really worth it! Personally I'd want a week in Queenstown though.
didgit
15 Aug 17#32
Seems like a good but how do you get flights for £1059 on traveltrolley ? I tried travel trolley and skyscanner 29th of Oct to 17th of Nov from Heathrow to Christchurch for 2 people and the best deal I can find is £1384.94 with Quantas, China Southern shows £1766, or have the prices dramatically changed already ?
kutekitty
14 Aug 17#30
Car hire £139.86 on economybookings.com with free driver and unlimited mileage.
What does free driver mean?
rachelandgromit to kutekitty
14 Aug 17#31
Means you get an additional driver for free, no extra cost. Normally you have to pay for an additional driver.
LonDealHunter
13 Aug 17#29
Bit out of my price range but thanks for another great itinerary!
royals
13 Aug 17#28
Amazing deal. Car hire alone will cost you at least 1000
greedyfatbass
12 Aug 17#27
...and my prison camp(read:job)will never give holidays I that time offcourse warden can go:(
loadsavmoney
12 Aug 17#26
Tempted to give you heat just for the effort but i'm not sure if this is a good deal so :stuck_out_tongue:
rachelandgromit
12 Aug 17#25
The shared bathrooms are mainly in the holiday parks, but you have your own private room and the rest is ensuite accommodation and your own room and there are no hostels or student backpackers such as Base etc and I've checked all the reviews which are good so it's not basic accommodation compared with forms and hostels, if you did forms and hostels then you could certainly save a few £.
I flew with Thai this year which were fine but I didn't like the food. For the price, these flights are cheap, I'm not sure how much expensive Thai is.
adi0604
12 Aug 17#24
Heat for the efforts! I do think CZ are not great for Longhaul only good for domestic. Specially food is really crap. (Thai are the best :smile: ) You will really be lucky for them to offer complimentary hotel. Else as you said most accommodation are student backpackers due to budget, so expect shared bathroom and lounge etc (only bed given), it isn't something I can put up with and hence we stayed in at least 3+stars which wasn't cheap) Would love to go back to Queenstown. (Fernburger!! yumm)
Tim2017
12 Aug 17#23
Good deal! would love to go back to NZ.
joesmum
12 Aug 17#21
fancy a road trip rachel - a la Thelma & Louise? :grin:
rachelandgromit to joesmum
12 Aug 17#22
Go on then, wife has no leave left and I have two weeks ;-)
bojangles
12 Aug 17#18
fly to NZ in economy.. no thanks!
spongebob1913 to bojangles
12 Aug 17#20
You got a 7 hour layover to get over it! (ninja)(lol)
H1.HWK
12 Aug 17#19
Excellent budget deal for an epic trip, good effort on the research.
rachelandgromit
12 Aug 17#17
Dolphin swimming in Akoroa was amazing, 5 miles out to sea with hundreds of them. The whale watching was good too, not as good as Antarctica mind, but I know that's probably not something that interests a lot of people.
regcar
12 Aug 17#13
Not actually done all of Route 66, as I prefer the West Side of USA. Might be very helpful if you could watch the TV program that Billy Connolly made about his trip. 4 parts I think, very informative. Passes close to Grand Canyon.
The area nearby, that is largely situated in UTAH is fabulous if you like wild red rock desert country. Bicentennial Highway Route 95, and on to Monument Valley and Hoover Dam. More National Parks here than anywhere else in USA. DO NOT GO if you want big towns and shopping etc. Not much choice about airport, although Las Vegas is close, and always much cheaper. Unless Summer or weekend, don't bother to book a room, just turn up and haggle. Get Car Hire sorted before you go, and check several websites for price. The bigger companies are usually OK. Vegas is interesting for a day or so, just keep near to the Strip, don't drive off to the rougher areas!
Can use Salt Lake City, but might be dearer. The area round Salt Lake City is interesting if you like wildlife, Mormon Site is also very interesting, just don't give real name and address unless you want to join? Lovely people Mormons, very friendly and helpful!
Robbo11 to regcar
12 Aug 17#16
Very interesting and informative I'm sure but this forum is a New Zealand deal, buddy.
GeeJay86
12 Aug 17#10
While in Kaikoura make sure you swim with dolphins, not just whale watch. Genuinely incredible, there were about 200 around us. This was however in February.
spongebob1913 to GeeJay86
12 Aug 17#15
Did that on Xmas Eve 2012. After getting sunburnt! We saw a whale whilst doing it too. Best Xmas I've ever had!
spongebob1913
12 Aug 17#14
If anyone has ever thought about going there, stop thinking, and just go. I'd almost money back guarantee that you will not regret it.
rachelandgromit
12 Aug 17#12
Yes, I used Lucky rentals. I got car hire excess insurance through Worldwide Insure seperatly though. That was in Auckland though. If you don't want to use them, there are different companies around similar prices though.
imnicebuttdim
12 Aug 17#11
That car hire is mega cheap, has anyone used that company before? We are doing 3 weeks in March 2018 costing 3 of us 3500 ish
shug119
12 Aug 17#9
Good find, done oz a few times, might go for this.
pouster07
12 Aug 17#8
Nice efforts there, would love to do this maybe next year. Looking at doing Route 66 this year. Anyone in here with any experience of it?
jamgin
12 Aug 17#7
Remember to take a decent raincoat
Holdol
12 Aug 17#6
I think I might have to save this post for when I ever have enough money to go! Great effort!
johnkers
11 Aug 17#5
great work as usual
Ikeo12
11 Aug 17#4
Trip of a lifetime, seems expensive but when you think about the big picture it's actually great!
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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
Latest comments (34)
What does free driver mean?
I flew with Thai this year which were fine but I didn't like the food. For the price, these flights are cheap, I'm not sure how much expensive Thai is.
I do think CZ are not great for Longhaul only good for domestic. Specially food is really crap. (Thai are the best :smile: )
You will really be lucky for them to offer complimentary hotel.
Else as you said most accommodation are student backpackers due to budget, so expect shared bathroom and lounge etc (only bed given), it isn't something I can put up with and hence we stayed in at least 3+stars which wasn't cheap)
Would love to go back to Queenstown. (Fernburger!! yumm)
The area nearby, that is largely situated in UTAH is fabulous if you like wild red rock desert country. Bicentennial Highway Route 95, and on to Monument Valley and Hoover Dam. More National Parks here than anywhere else in USA. DO NOT GO if you want big towns and shopping etc. Not much choice about airport, although Las Vegas is close, and always much cheaper. Unless Summer or weekend, don't bother to book a room, just turn up and haggle. Get Car Hire sorted before you go, and check several websites for price. The bigger companies are usually OK. Vegas is interesting for a day or so, just keep near to the Strip, don't drive off to the rougher areas!
Can use Salt Lake City, but might be dearer. The area round Salt Lake City is interesting if you like wildlife, Mormon Site is also very interesting, just don't give real name and address unless you want to join? Lovely people Mormons, very friendly and helpful!
I hope Gandalf is there