Hi kite,
Ya spring but still quite cold. I am tryin to collect as much info too. Yes south only... think easily $3k each...
Hi Pam,
How long is Hooker Valley Hike? Any website on this?
Thanks SSF.
Btw, here is my revised initerary. Pls comments :
Day 1 - Christchurch
- Botanic garden, arts museum, cantebury museum, townhall, casino
Day 2 - Take TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth (4hr 30mins) 0815-1245
- Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)
Day 3 - Greymouth via Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier (2hrs 15mins)
- Rent a car from Greymouth to Hokitika (30mins)
- Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier (1hr 45mins)
- Do a half-day glacier tour (1400-1730)
Day 4 - Franz Josef Glacier via Haast to Wanaka (3hrs 45mins)
- Lake Matheson
- Knight’s Point View Point @ Haast
Day 5 - Wanaka via Arrowtown/Cromwell to Queenstown (1hr 20 mins)
- Mt Aspiring National Park
- Central Otago
Day 6 - Queenstown
Day 7 - Queenstown to Lumsden Farm Stay
Day 8 - Lumsden Farm Stay via Te Anau to Milford Sound (cruise overnite)
Day 9 - Milford Sound to Te Anau (1hr 30mins)
- Mirror lake
- Glowworm cave
Day 10 - Te Anau to Dunedin (3hrs 45 mins)
- Otago penisula (Yellow eyes penguin, Larnach Castle)
- Uni of Otago
Day 11 - Dunedin via Oamaru via Twizel to Mt Cook (4hrs 15mins)
Day 12 - Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo via Farlie via Asburton to Christchurch (4hrs)
Day 13 - Christchurch
My concern now :
1) Should i overnite at Greymouth or Hokitika?
2) Should I do a day or overnite cruise? Or can skip the plc?
3) Which has more thing to see -Arrowtown/Cromwell?
Ya spring but still quite cold. I am tryin to collect as much info too. Yes south only... think easily $3k each...
Hi Pam,
How long is Hooker Valley Hike? Any website on this?
Thanks SSF.
Btw, here is my revised initerary. Pls comments :
Day 1 - Christchurch
- Botanic garden, arts museum, cantebury museum, townhall, casino
Day 2 - Take TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth (4hr 30mins) 0815-1245
- Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)
Day 3 - Greymouth via Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier (2hrs 15mins)
- Rent a car from Greymouth to Hokitika (30mins)
- Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier (1hr 45mins)
- Do a half-day glacier tour (1400-1730)
Day 4 - Franz Josef Glacier via Haast to Wanaka (3hrs 45mins)
- Lake Matheson
- Knight’s Point View Point @ Haast
Day 5 - Wanaka via Arrowtown/Cromwell to Queenstown (1hr 20 mins)
- Mt Aspiring National Park
- Central Otago
Day 6 - Queenstown
Day 7 - Queenstown to Lumsden Farm Stay
Day 8 - Lumsden Farm Stay via Te Anau to Milford Sound (cruise overnite)
Day 9 - Milford Sound to Te Anau (1hr 30mins)
- Mirror lake
- Glowworm cave
Day 10 - Te Anau to Dunedin (3hrs 45 mins)
- Otago penisula (Yellow eyes penguin, Larnach Castle)
- Uni of Otago
Day 11 - Dunedin via Oamaru via Twizel to Mt Cook (4hrs 15mins)
Day 12 - Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo via Farlie via Asburton to Christchurch (4hrs)
Day 13 - Christchurch
My concern now :
1) Should i overnite at Greymouth or Hokitika?
2) Should I do a day or overnite cruise? Or can skip the plc?
3) Which has more thing to see -Arrowtown/Cromwell?
wow zenn...ur itinery looks good. seems you got all the info you need. dun worry too much abt the planning part. most impt is to go with the flow. for extra days, whichever town you like better, you can stay longer. remember to enjoy yourselves and have fun.
have fun and do remember to coem back and tell us about your trip
have fun and do remember to coem back and tell us about your trip
idono: hooker valley trek - is that from mount cook?
zenn: day 4's drive may take longer than 4hrs. check out this website http://www.nationalcar.co.nz/travelinfo-driving-si.asp
zenn: day 4's drive may take longer than 4hrs. check out this website http://www.nationalcar.co.nz/travelinfo-driving-si.asp
Thanks for all ur advise!
Mngo and Eggie : Err you mean yellow eyes penguins are at Oamaru and not Dunedin? -confused-
Mngo : If not what else is nice at Dunedin?
Any advise on which motel will be gd for the above places?
I remember someone mentioned staying at a motel (think its either at Te Anau or Wanaka) facing the lake. Can I ve the name of the motel pls?
Mngo and Eggie : Err you mean yellow eyes penguins are at Oamaru and not Dunedin? -confused-
Mngo : If not what else is nice at Dunedin?
Any advise on which motel will be gd for the above places?
I remember someone mentioned staying at a motel (think its either at Te Anau or Wanaka) facing the lake. Can I ve the name of the motel pls?
zenn..
If you are driving, u can park near the camp site. From the camp site, I think it takes around 4 hours plus (to and fro).. You will get a very nice view of Mt Cook at the end.. sharpen your ears.. u may get to hear thundering sounds (result of Avalanche!). We actually saw one.. quite scary.. though it is quite far away from where we were standing!
Do wear good shoes (hiking shoes if u have) coz the track is quite rocky all due to avalanche. And some parts is slippery due to frost. As it is a valley, some parts actually do not get the sun. Bring gloves if you need, coz the hands can be quite numb from the cold at certain parts of the valley. I very KS one.
If you are driving, u can park near the camp site. From the camp site, I think it takes around 4 hours plus (to and fro).. You will get a very nice view of Mt Cook at the end.. sharpen your ears.. u may get to hear thundering sounds (result of Avalanche!). We actually saw one.. quite scary.. though it is quite far away from where we were standing!
Do wear good shoes (hiking shoes if u have) coz the track is quite rocky all due to avalanche. And some parts is slippery due to frost. As it is a valley, some parts actually do not get the sun. Bring gloves if you need, coz the hands can be quite numb from the cold at certain parts of the valley. I very KS one.
Found this:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~Tracks-and-Walks/By-Region/010~Canterbury/Aoraki-Mount-Cook/012~Walks-from-the-Village.asp
Hooker Valley Track
Times from the village: 1st swingbridge: 1 1/2 hours return 2nd swingbridge: 2 hours return Hooker Lake: 4 hours return
Begin at the Visitor Centre or White Horse Hill camping areas. Starting from the camping area reduces the times by 45 minutes. One of the most popular walks in the park, it leads up the Hooker Valley towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track passes close to the Alpine Memorial, which is a great viewpoint. Continue on to Hooker River and cross twice on swingbridges before reaching Stocking Stream Shelter. Continue beside the river to its source to reach the Hooker Glacier terminal lake.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~Tracks-and-Walks/By-Region/010~Canterbury/Aoraki-Mount-Cook/012~Walks-from-the-Village.asp
Hooker Valley Track
Times from the village: 1st swingbridge: 1 1/2 hours return 2nd swingbridge: 2 hours return Hooker Lake: 4 hours return
Begin at the Visitor Centre or White Horse Hill camping areas. Starting from the camping area reduces the times by 45 minutes. One of the most popular walks in the park, it leads up the Hooker Valley towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track passes close to the Alpine Memorial, which is a great viewpoint. Continue on to Hooker River and cross twice on swingbridges before reaching Stocking Stream Shelter. Continue beside the river to its source to reach the Hooker Glacier terminal lake.
hi zenn, me going 1st 2 weeks of Oct. Wanna catch the tail end of the ski season! 
Eggie: perhaps you could email the operators to ask, they're usually quite fast with replies. but christmas time may not be a good idea. according to the books, that's the super peak travel period - you'll be competing with lots of other ppl for accommodation and activity bookings.
Eggie: perhaps you could email the operators to ask, they're usually quite fast with replies. but christmas time may not be a good idea. according to the books, that's the super peak travel period - you'll be competing with lots of other ppl for accommodation and activity bookings.
Hi zenn,
ok enjoy ur preparation on ur HM.
u stil hv 2 mths to collect alot of data. Ever plan to try the hot air balloon? me thought of trying as i plan not to do those adventure rides as me not adventurous enough.
Hi eggie,
thought xmas time wil be more ex cos it's holiday plus there bound to hv some charges.
ok enjoy ur preparation on ur HM.
Hi eggie,
thought xmas time wil be more ex cos it's holiday plus there bound to hv some charges.
nope, never intended to do milford, cos during the last natas fair the nz rep was telling us it's nice but too commercialised. doubtful was in initially, but after working out driving times and other activities we realise it's a bit out of the way and we can't squeeze it in, so out go the Sounds!
i don't even have time to do christchurch! ;-)
If you're doing the Sounds the nz rep recommends a doubtful overnight cruise.
my 14-day land itinerary will be
kaikoura
methven & surrounds
mt cook
(oamaru - penguins)
queenstown & wanaka
glaciers
greymouth (& punakaiki)
christchurch
If you're doing the Sounds the nz rep recommends a doubtful overnight cruise.
my 14-day land itinerary will be
kaikoura
methven & surrounds
mt cook
(oamaru - penguins)
queenstown & wanaka
glaciers
greymouth (& punakaiki)
christchurch
http://www.penybryn.co.nz/Attractions.htm
Penguin viewing. Two types of penguin nest along the Oamaru coastline. The Blue Penguin and the Yellow Eyed Penguins. The Yellow Eyed penguin, one of the world's rarest, comes ashore in limited numbers in the late afternoon. The Blue penguin comes ashore at dusk in numbers between 30 and 180 depending on the time of year. Both colonies are within a five minute drive from Pen-y-bryn.
Penguin viewing. Two types of penguin nest along the Oamaru coastline. The Blue Penguin and the Yellow Eyed Penguins. The Yellow Eyed penguin, one of the world's rarest, comes ashore in limited numbers in the late afternoon. The Blue penguin comes ashore at dusk in numbers between 30 and 180 depending on the time of year. Both colonies are within a five minute drive from Pen-y-bryn.
Introduction to Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most renowned eco tourism areas. There are unique opportunities to view a remarkable range of wildlife including Royal Albatross, rare yellow-eyed penguins, a variety of seals, water and wading birds.
Explore Otago Peninsula's well preserved and colourful history. Larnach Castle, Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, Disappearing Gun and NZ Marine Studies Centre Aquarium the highlights of any visit to the Otago Peninsula.
Discover the talents of the various residents when you visit the galleries, studios and craft shops that dot the small townships and roads of the Otago Peninsula.
Otago Peninsula's cafes and restaurants offer a great selection of fine cuisine at reasonable prices and the opportunity to sample some the New Zealands award winning wines.
A variety of accommodation styles to suit all budgets are available on the Otago Peninsula. Stay a while longer and enjoy the hospitality found at our Bed and Breakfasts, Farmstays, Homestays, Motels and Self Contained Units, Cottages, Backpackers, Lodges and Camping Grounds.
A round tour of the Otago Peninsula is approximately 64km. You may choose to travel the harbourside road out to Taiaroa Heads and return to Dunedin via the high road. Highcliff Road offers magnificent views.
There are a number of optional detours and walks for those with time to spare - and the time is always well spent. Wildlife and their natural habitats are precious and access to tracks and viewing areas is given with permission of landowners. As the saying goes: take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.
For those wishing to sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal scenery, there are a variety of wildlife and scenic tours available. Bookings can be made at the Dunedin Visitor Centre in The Octagon.
Distance Guide from the Dunedin Visitor Centre:
· Albatross Colony - 31 kilometres
· Yellow Eyed Penguins - 28 kilometres
· Wellers Rock - 27 kilometres
· Aquarium - 21 kilometres
· Macandrew Bay - 11 kilometres
· Glenfalloch Gardens - 10 kilometres
· Peninsula map Sign: Portsmouth Drive - 3 kilometres
The Otago Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most renowned eco tourism areas. There are unique opportunities to view a remarkable range of wildlife including Royal Albatross, rare yellow-eyed penguins, a variety of seals, water and wading birds.
Explore Otago Peninsula's well preserved and colourful history. Larnach Castle, Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, Disappearing Gun and NZ Marine Studies Centre Aquarium the highlights of any visit to the Otago Peninsula.
Discover the talents of the various residents when you visit the galleries, studios and craft shops that dot the small townships and roads of the Otago Peninsula.
Otago Peninsula's cafes and restaurants offer a great selection of fine cuisine at reasonable prices and the opportunity to sample some the New Zealands award winning wines.
A variety of accommodation styles to suit all budgets are available on the Otago Peninsula. Stay a while longer and enjoy the hospitality found at our Bed and Breakfasts, Farmstays, Homestays, Motels and Self Contained Units, Cottages, Backpackers, Lodges and Camping Grounds.
A round tour of the Otago Peninsula is approximately 64km. You may choose to travel the harbourside road out to Taiaroa Heads and return to Dunedin via the high road. Highcliff Road offers magnificent views.
There are a number of optional detours and walks for those with time to spare - and the time is always well spent. Wildlife and their natural habitats are precious and access to tracks and viewing areas is given with permission of landowners. As the saying goes: take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.
For those wishing to sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal scenery, there are a variety of wildlife and scenic tours available. Bookings can be made at the Dunedin Visitor Centre in The Octagon.
Distance Guide from the Dunedin Visitor Centre:
· Albatross Colony - 31 kilometres
· Yellow Eyed Penguins - 28 kilometres
· Wellers Rock - 27 kilometres
· Aquarium - 21 kilometres
· Macandrew Bay - 11 kilometres
· Glenfalloch Gardens - 10 kilometres
· Peninsula map Sign: Portsmouth Drive - 3 kilometres
hi zenn,
Just borrowed a Lonely Planet New Zealand Travel guide from the library.
hmm can see ur itinerary is well planned. Perhaps u can try the skyline gondola at Queenstown,
view the moeraki boulders at oamaru,
baldwin street (steepest street in the world) in Dunedin.
Steamship cruise to walter peak.
Just borrowed a Lonely Planet New Zealand Travel guide from the library.
hmm can see ur itinerary is well planned. Perhaps u can try the skyline gondola at Queenstown,
view the moeraki boulders at oamaru,
baldwin street (steepest street in the world) in Dunedin.
Steamship cruise to walter peak.
hi zenn
re Hooker Valley. The Valley can be broken up into 3 sections. There are 2 swingbridges along the way and finally the lake. The timing is for people who does not want to complete the journey to Hooker Lake. But I just realised one thing. I am not sure if you can trek all the way to Hooker Lake. There are certain months which are not safe for trekking coz of the active avalanche period. I think u better check with the visitor center before u start your walk! Maybe you can look for the info in travel guides as well.
re Hooker Valley. The Valley can be broken up into 3 sections. There are 2 swingbridges along the way and finally the lake. The timing is for people who does not want to complete the journey to Hooker Lake. But I just realised one thing. I am not sure if you can trek all the way to Hooker Lake. There are certain months which are not safe for trekking coz of the active avalanche period. I think u better check with the visitor center before u start your walk! Maybe you can look for the info in travel guides as well.
Hi zenn,
as what SSF mentioned, skyline gondola is like a cable car where u can have a beautiful view of queenstown. It is open 365 days n for the rates, u can refer to this website. If you dont go for adventures in Queenstown, u might want to take the cable car up to the restaurant n enjoy a meal.
http://www.skyline.co.nz/gondola/index.html
As for Steamship cruise to walter peak, u can take this cruise from queenstown and hear the sound of the steam engines working as it takes you on a nostalgic cruise of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. http://www.fiordlandtravel.co.nz/Main/earnslawcruises/
as what SSF mentioned, skyline gondola is like a cable car where u can have a beautiful view of queenstown. It is open 365 days n for the rates, u can refer to this website. If you dont go for adventures in Queenstown, u might want to take the cable car up to the restaurant n enjoy a meal.
http://www.skyline.co.nz/gondola/index.html
As for Steamship cruise to walter peak, u can take this cruise from queenstown and hear the sound of the steam engines working as it takes you on a nostalgic cruise of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. http://www.fiordlandtravel.co.nz/Main/earnslawcruises/
Hi zenn,
you may want to refer to this website for hotair balloon.
http://www.nzballooning.co.nz/index.htm
you may want to refer to this website for hotair balloon.
http://www.nzballooning.co.nz/index.htm
apple_queen
New Member
Hi there,
Is there any NATAS fair which has promotion rate for tour to NZ?
Is it advisable to go NZ in EndMar or Early Apr next year?
Is there any NATAS fair which has promotion rate for tour to NZ?
Is it advisable to go NZ in EndMar or Early Apr next year?
Hi zenn,
eh not so sure cos never take before.
Perhaps any gals here who took hot air balloon can help or u try email the website?
Btw since u are not into adventure at Queenstown, perhaps u want to go to this "Deer Park Heights" at Queenstown. However, entrance fees is NZ$20 per car (if u r driving) and all the animals there roam freely around. That area is also 1 of the LOTR film location!
U may want to visit this website for more info.
http://www.thedeerpark.co.nz/
eh not so sure cos never take before.
Perhaps any gals here who took hot air balloon can help or u try email the website?
Btw since u are not into adventure at Queenstown, perhaps u want to go to this "Deer Park Heights" at Queenstown. However, entrance fees is NZ$20 per car (if u r driving) and all the animals there roam freely around. That area is also 1 of the LOTR film location!
U may want to visit this website for more info.
http://www.thedeerpark.co.nz/
Thanks kite! Looks like there are really alot of places to visit in Queenstown ya. For Deer Park Height, you mean we can just car in n walk ard? Cos according to the website, its $49 per pax for scenic tour?
Can someone advise me the diff btw steamship cruise to walter peak and cruise to milford sound? What are the things to expect?
Can someone advise me the diff btw steamship cruise to walter peak and cruise to milford sound? What are the things to expect?
Hi Zenn,
This is where i stayed:
Rotorua - Tresco Rotorua (NZ90) B&B
Napier - Pinehaven (NZ80) B&B
Wellington - Portland Best Western Hotel NZ135
Sharella Motor Lodge NZ99 (opp Botanic garden)
Nelson - Oaskland Lodge NZ99
Greymouth - Revington Hotel NZ70
Fox Glacier - Fox Glacier Lodge NZ70
Wanaka - Alpine Motel NZ80
Queenstown - Earnslaw Lodge NZ80
Te Anau - Alphenhorn Motel NZ65
Dunedin - Best Western Court Hotel NZ75
This is where i stayed:
Rotorua - Tresco Rotorua (NZ90) B&B
Napier - Pinehaven (NZ80) B&B
Wellington - Portland Best Western Hotel NZ135
Sharella Motor Lodge NZ99 (opp Botanic garden)
Nelson - Oaskland Lodge NZ99
Greymouth - Revington Hotel NZ70
Fox Glacier - Fox Glacier Lodge NZ70
Wanaka - Alpine Motel NZ80
Queenstown - Earnslaw Lodge NZ80
Te Anau - Alphenhorn Motel NZ65
Dunedin - Best Western Court Hotel NZ75
hi zenn..
glad it helps..ok
hotel motel and B&B in rotura all ensuite.
actually i find motel better...B&B the breakfast everymorning is only toast, scramble egg and corn flakes...so bored..its not sumptous at all.
its a waste of money esp when B&B is more ex. i find motel the best! affordable and clean. rest assure the accomodation are all very clean. except for the one we stayed at greymouth. it stinks! below is a pub actually and the room is pretty dirty and smells of smoke. we left the very early morning
the accomodation in queenstown is pretty good. the room outside is where your car parks...so you can load your stuffs easier. then the living room is overseeing a lake..very beautiful and the counter lady is so helpful. in fact all motels has big carpark which makes unloading easier than in hotels.
glad it helps..ok
hotel motel and B&B in rotura all ensuite.
actually i find motel better...B&B the breakfast everymorning is only toast, scramble egg and corn flakes...so bored..its not sumptous at all.
its a waste of money esp when B&B is more ex. i find motel the best! affordable and clean. rest assure the accomodation are all very clean. except for the one we stayed at greymouth. it stinks! below is a pub actually and the room is pretty dirty and smells of smoke. we left the very early morning
the accomodation in queenstown is pretty good. the room outside is where your car parks...so you can load your stuffs easier. then the living room is overseeing a lake..very beautiful and the counter lady is so helpful. in fact all motels has big carpark which makes unloading easier than in hotels.