New Zealand

[nz lover]

Hi tt,

I stayed in Bay of Islands for about 1 year before. It's a cool place coz the beach r nice, especially Pahia, Russell. If you go further north, you may join their local coach tour for 90-mile beach and Cape Reinga. You can cruise thru hole in the rock, dolphin watching.
Most of the Maori stay in northland.

 

[mngo]

Bay of islands is really a nice place. it was love at first sight for me.

 

[queenie79]

Hi Jon,

We intend to go NZ for our honeymoon is Dec. Could you help to suggest an itinerary of the South for 13-14 days?

Also, as we wish to self-drive, by taking the TransAlpine Train, does that mean that we return the car prior onboard the train and to rent another car when we alight?

 

[nz fan]

Hihihihihihi!!!

I just bought my NZ tickets! Going to NZ for honeymoon for 1 mth in Sept!!!

 

[easterner]

How much did you pay for your tickets? On which airline? Does it come with accommodation?

 

[nz fan]

i bought the airtickets only. No accomodation. Nothing. Didn't really dare to try book with travel agencies. NOw times are so bad, we are worried that they might close shop suddenly.

Air New Zealand Open jaw $830 per pax

 

[pk]

nz fan..

where did u buy your tickets? I am thinking of going NZ in November.. haven't got tickets.. I just need the tickets

 

[tt]

i ve the same qn as queenie79: by taking the TransAlpine Train, does that mean that we return the car prior onboard the train and to rent another car when we alight?

NZ fan,
can share where u r going for the 1 mth?

 

[nz fan]

Hi PK

I got them from AIR NZ airline. No extra service fee. Just nett price and airport tax. Very good service & flexible. They allow me to change me to change dates if there is sufficient notice and seats available,unlike travel agents.

these tickets are special promotion. U got to travel out from Spore by end of Sept. If u wanna to go in Nov, u gotta get other tickets. U can try Garuda & Royal Brunei. Much cheaper but cons: u gotta transit at the countries airport.

 

[pk]

noted.. thanks NZ fan

 

[blackcurrant]

Hi hi

I'm going to nz this Dec for my honeymoon, super excited, especially after reading this thread!

Think I read something about car rental being NZ$ 35, which is really cheap compared to the one my hubby checked out, nz$49! can i check which car rental is that? Thanks!

 

[cherly]

Hi Linda,

U might wish to try Omega Car rental.

 

[kite~]

Hi,

Planning to go NZ for my honeymoon next yr. just wondering North or south island is better? If i gg to self drive around, is it easy acessible?? btw is there a direct flight flying from SG to NZ? what are the places not to be missed? thanks!

 

[cherly]

Personally I prefer south island more relax. Is easy to drive around and depend what is your expectation, Milford Sound is one of the places you should not missed, Mt cook also. There are direct flight from SIN - Christchurch or Auckland. You can check it out.

 

[matka]

Hi kite

how many days do you plan to have in NZ? My hubby and i covered the north and south islands in 19 days two years ago. We drove by ourselves but you have to plan your route. Each drive was an average of 5 hours, with some shorter and some longer. Just try to plan your drive route for the day so that it won't be so scary at night.

Both islands are beautiful with some people preferring the north to the south and vice versa. hehe. I can't decide.

The North island is more cultural with great Maori heritage and lots to learn; whilst the South island is more scenic with the glaciers, mt cook and the fjords. As well as Queenstown for adventure.

Auckland has a beautiful cityscape and Christchurch is pretty. If I had to compare, I would liken Auckland to Sydney and Christchurch to Melbourne. That's my impression.

If you do go to Wellington, you should check out the Te Papa Museum.

Places to check out: north island
- Bay of Islands and further north
- Auckland
- Rotorua and the Waitomo Caves
- a day in wellington

South Island
- Kaikoura
- Punakaiki
- Fox / Franz Josef Glaciers
- Milford / Doubtful Sound
- Mt Cook
- Queenstown
- Christchurch

I didn't get to go to Dunedin because of time constraints but i've heard that the Moeraki Boulders are quite a sight.

NZ is simply beautiful. I didn't think much of the place when my hubby wanted to go there... but I became a convert Watching LOTR makes me want to go back there again. hehehe

 

[kite~]

Hi gals,

thanks for so much information. In fact i prefer sightseeing n scenics, dun really like city n shopping stuffs. so i guess south wil b better rite?

Yes if gg to NZ for honeymoon, hope i can visit some of the LOTR movie shots, but i do not know where are all these places. any idea? thanks

btw we hv budget - about $5k to $6k for both person in 2 weeks+. possible to cover north n south island?

 

[matka]

Hi Kite

Both places are scenic, just that one is more culturally scenic and the other nature. You would have to spend slightly more time at the South than the North.

For us 19 days was wham bam and go. It was just nice, but it would have definitely been nicer to have more time. 14 days or more, is surely possible but you'll have to 'sacrifice' certain locations.

For LOTR, I understand GBC Travels used to have packages for LOTR locations. You could check it out with them...

Alternatively you could do your own itinerary. You can go to my favourite movie site: www.imdb.com and look for filming locations. The locations for the Return of the King is here http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167260/locations

I think $5 - 6K covers it. We spent about that amount after paying for the airfare, the activities, car rental, and accomodation. You might want to consider staying at the youth hostels like YHA. That'll save you quite a bit and you'll be free to spend more on other luxuries. Hostels there are really clean so they're alright

 

[kite~]

hi matka,

dont mind can u share ur NZ photos with me? thanks. if not, it's ok, nvm.

 

[tweety_bird]

Hi kite,

I think SQ flies direct from S'pore to Christchurch. For Air NZ, it'll be from S'ore to Auckland.

Personally, I feel that Milford Sound is not dat fantastic as so many pple claim it to be. Not really worth the price I paid for. The sights dat I see along the way are more breathtaking. I guess it's quite subjective.

Basically, there's not much shopping in NZ. It's purely a place for sight-seeing. EVerything is so ex over there

 

[matka]

Hi kite

You've got mail

I did the overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner at Milford Sound. There was a thunderstorm on the first day but it made the place even more beautiful. It was peaceful the next morning so I guess we were lucky that we got the best of both worlds.

Oh yes, if you do get motion sickness, pls do pack some sng buay (sour plums) from Singapore. I had terrible motion sickness from the caused mainly by the bumpy boat rides and it affected my travelling thereafter. Cldn't find any Chinese provision shops along the way (didn't know where they were) so boo hoo.

 

[sakurasan]

Hi matka

I'm intending to go to NZ next year too. Cld I also view your pix? My email add is [email protected]

Also, did you stay in the YHAs? Is it easy to drive ard in the South Island?

Thanks again.

 

[matka]

hi Sakurasan

Yep, we stayed in YHAs for most of our trip except at Queenstown and Christchurch. Where we used our motel stay from the free & easy package.

There are double rooms but most of them are without ensuite. So you have to use communal bathrooms but they're really clean. Prices are about NZ$20 - 25 per person per night depending on the location.

NZ is basically quite easy to drive around. The roads are in good condition but it would be best to drive around when there's light since it's still an unfamiliar location. The only part where you might just consider taking a coach is when you're going into Milford Sound. You can choose to take the coach from Queenstown or Te Anau because the drive is quite long and windy. By taking the coach, he'll be your guide and make stops at nice places. There's also the tunnel (the infamous one with the tour bus that caught fire?) which can be quite intimidating to drive through by yourselves. hehe

 

[eggie]

hi matka,
i'm also interested to visit new zealand, especially south island. i wonder if you can share the pics with me. my email is [email protected]

i got some questions. if i'm going in end dec/early jan, how's the weather like? i know it's summer but i wonder will it be still quite cool?

i'm also planning to stay in YHA. do u need to make advance booking? especially during peak season? i seen the list and it seems only some got ensuite.

Thanks a lot.

 

[aries]

Hi matka,
i'm also interested to visit new zealand. Can yo share with me your pics at [email protected]

Thanks much!

 

[matka]

Hi Eggie

I went in Apr/May so I don't know what the weather's like in Dec/Jan. Perhaps some of the girls who've been there can advise?

For YHA, you need to apply to be a member. It's a one year membership with a minimal fee. Advanced booking is good if you're travelling during the peak season. Maybe you can email them to ask them how the crowd is usually like then.

We only pre-booked our accommodation with YHA Auckland when we were still in Singapore. Then only when we were certain when our next destination would be, we would ask the YHA counter to help us book the next accommodation. That was one - three days in advance.

Hehe.. the only ensuite that we had was at Te Anau. Even then, try not to expect too much from the attached bathrooms because it's going to be quite small. The communal ones would be much more spacious

 

[eggie]

hi matka,
i think we are going to have about 14 days and we prefer the trip to be real relaxing as only my fh knows how to drive. do you think we can cover both island or only one? i will think i like south island more as i prefer scenery.

had done some research n thinking of covering all the places u had mentioned plus dunedin. thinking of going to steward island but wonder if it's worth it?

yah, i think i'll go for YHA. it's good to know that the place is clean. what car rental company you go forth? was thinking of just go there n rent one while i arrive at the airport.

thanks for your advices n sharing of your experience

 

[matka]

hi eggie

with 14 days, i think it's enough to cover the south island pretty nicely. We set aside 11 out of the 19 days we had for South island.

Actually only my husband drives too but I had to stay awake to keep him company and I was basically the navigator. It's going to be tiring for the driver so make sure you have enough rest stops.

I'm not too sure about Steward Island too.

We booked our car rental company thru our agent in Singapore. We used National, of which we encountered some problems with when we first arrived there. I would not recommend using them. I would suggest that you go for the bigger car rental companies like Hertz, Avis or Budget. They might be slightly more expensive but the difference is quite minimal. Plus you'll be assured of support and reliability.

 

[sakurasan]

Hi matka

Thanks for your pix! I'm thinking of using the Intercity coaches to get round from place to place and maybe drive only the shorter routes. Coz I'm the only driver and the distances are so long.

I'm planning to spend 14 days in South Island. Going to cover Christchurch, Dunedin Queenstown, Fox Glacier. Still thinking of whether I shld stay 2 nites in Te Anau and go to Milford Sound from there.

 

[eggie]

hi matka,
thanks for your advices. i think we will able to enjoy it without too much stress. i dun want my fh to drive so much until he's too tired to enjoy. so just to tour the south island will be good. yup, i know it's very important to keep awake with him.

hmm..i thought National is reputable in NZ. I might take a look at those bigger ones instead. btw, did you try on the scenic train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth. I want to try that but don't know how to make arrangement since we r hiring a car?

i also want to try the overnite cruise at milford, u mean u will get sea sick out of it?

hi sakurasan,
you are planning for 14 days too? wonder if u can share your itinerary with me? i was thinking of covering Christchurch, Mt Cook, Dunedin, Queenstown, Franz Josef but i have no itinerary yet.

 

[matka]

Hi girls

Sakura, I haven't tried the intercity coaches there but I think they shld be quite alright!

You could also try going to Kaikoura and do some whale/dolphin watching. It's a very quaint little town with crayfish (lobsters) and you get to see seals basking in the sun too.

We also stayed overnight at Greymouth to see the Punakaiki rocks (pancake rocks) before heading down to Franz Josef Glacier.

Te Anau is quite a nice place. We drove down from Queenstown, plonked our car at the YHA and took the coach up to Milford Sound and spent the night on the Milford Mariner. We went back to Te Anau, spent one night there and headed off for Mount Cook the next day.

Well, our experience was National wasn't fantastic because when we got off at Auckland, the car counter wasn't at the International terminal but at Domestic. We thought perhaps that somebody would pick us up but nobody came. We tried calling the number but nobody answered, so we waited for 1/2 hour till we gave up and went to the Domestic terminal ourselves. But when we got there, no one was at the counter. Apparently the counter staff had gone over to the International terminal to pick us up - late. So it was a wild goose chase. And when we met, they said that their car wasn't ready, etc etc. Finally the car that we booked wasn't available (!?!?) so they had to give us another car. We only left the airport 2 hours after we landed. The only saving grace was the fact that they gave us an upgrade to a 2cc car.

Basically it was quite a world of difference when we compared the counters of Avis/Hertz/Budget to National. There were many staff manning the three big names and the counter for National was a dingy little one with only one person. That left quite a less-than-desirable impression on us.

We didn't try the tranz alpine express. We cut through from Kaikoura to Greymouth instead. Perhaps you could drop the car rental company an email to find out? Christchurch will definitely have offices there that you can drop the car off.

Oh no, the cruise did not cause my seasickness. We were in Paihia when we went for a dolphin watch. But because the sea was very choppy it caused both of us to be really sick. That started the whole ball rolling and every boat ride had us wanting to hurl. hehe.. Our ferry ride from Wellington to Picton did not help either because of bad weather conditions. In fact, all ferrying after our ferry departed was cancelled due to the weather.

The Milford cruises are very peaceful. Even when the thunderstorm was going on, it wasn't shaky... I think although it rained quite hard, there aren't strong winds because it's mainly surrounded.

 

[sakurasan]

Hi matka

My intended route is as follows:
1. Christchurch to Dunedin
2. Dunedin to Queenstown
3. Queenstown to Fox Glacier/Franz Josef
4. Fox Glacier/Franz Josef to Christchuch by TranzAlpline
5. Christchurch to Kaikoura - day trip
6. Christchurch to Mt Cook - day trip

My problem here is with Mt Cook. I'm not too sure whether I shld do:
(i) Christchurch to Mt Cook - as a day trip; or
(ii)Queenstown to Mt Cook - as a day-trip or on the way to Fox Glacier/Franz Josef.

What is your advice?

 

[sunny3]

For NZ info, esp if you drive, you can go to the New Zealand Tourism Board at Ngee Ann City, #15-01 to check for info. They have a big file for self drive. You can ask the staff to photocopy the route you like.

As for car, I booked anzed(www.anzed.co.nz) as there are lots of good comment on their site.

I will be going in Mar next yr.

 

[matka]

Hi Sakura

The trip up to Mount Cook is actually quite long (from both Queenstown and Christchurch). I'm not sure if you can make it there and back in one day. Also depends on what you want to do there. Are you happy just looking at the mountain from a distance and then going back? Or do you want to do a little bit of trekking or perhaps do a heli/airplane flight to see the peaks?

Ya, Mt Cook is a headache, isn't it? I had the same problem because there isn't a straight on-the-way route there. Somehow or another you have to make a detour.

I believe there are also flights from Queenstown to Mt Cook if you want to see the peaks. Then that might solve your problem of travelling all the way there. But there's the cost factor.

We took a plane from in-between Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook village and it already cost us about $130 per person for the flight. But it was well worth the money.

 

[sakurasan]

Hi matka

Thanks very much - I din realize Mt Cook was so far away. Gosh, does that mean I shld stay 1 nite at Lake Tekapo? I know that Intercity has a one-way coach ride from Christchurch to Queenstown which makes a detour to Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. I was thinking of taking this up but it means that I've to re-do my itinery. But it also means that I can't do the helicopter ride at Mt Cook. *sigh* I must go back and re-think again.

Thanks very much.

 

[kite~]

hi gals,

thanks for so much info. hmm i feel touring in NZ seems very complicated?? cos i just came bk from Melbourne n great ocean rd for a holiday trip and it was fantastic. therefore i wish something similar or better than great ocean rd, like drove down there n viewed all e scenics.

NZ definitely is a bigger place than melbourne n is it so easy to drive like along great ocean rd? thanks

 

[eggie]

hi matka,
i wonder u can share your itinerary with me? the south island tour? i know that NZ tourism have but it doesn't to fit to the places i want to go. Yah, I want to go to Kaikoura n Greymouth too. Btw, do u go to Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park?

for the car rental, the big names have counter at the international airport? then i'll most probably just go n book directly with them instead. Actually i just want to take the TranzAlpine one way as i think return is pricey. I wonder can I drop at one place & pick up at the other end?

for the milford wanderer, do u feel it's worth the experience? do u go night kayak? me a bit afraid as i dun know how to swim. toying between just going there for a day tour n the overnite experience.

 

[eggie]

hi sakurasan,
Below is my itinerary that i come out with. hahaha. matka, maybe u can comment if it's feasible.

I will do a detour to Mt Cook before continuing on in Oamaru on road towards Dunedin. not sure how doable is this? or i skip Mt Cook n later start from Christchurch and travel around there n come back which i feel might be a waste of time? definitely have to de-tour. personally i feel Lt Tekapo should be real nice. hahaha.

1 Christchurch
2 Christchurch - Lk Tekapo
3 Lk Tekapo - Mt Cook
4 Mt Cook - Oamaru
5 Oamaru - Dunedin
6 Dunedin - Te Anau
7 Te Anau - Queenstown
8 Queenstown/Wanaka
9 Queenstown- Franz Josef Glacier
10 Franz Josef Glacier - Punkakiki
11 Punkakiki - Nelson
12 Nelson - Kaikoura
13 Kaikoura - Christchurch


hi kite,
i dun think NZ is so complicated. maybe u do some read-up and the route r quite predictable.

heard from ppl it's very easy to drive around.

 

[sakurasan]

Hi Eggie

Thanks for sharing!

I'm also planning a 14-day itinery like you. But I dun seem to hv time to cover so many places. I'll email you my detailed itinery. I dun intend to drive much - gng to take the Intercity coaches and because the trips are so long, I think I need alot of time to recover in each town! I think driving is better coz you can cover more places..but my husband refused to let me drive...as he dun hv a driving license so I'm the lone driver!

Tell me..where got men in this day and age dunno how to drive? *faint faint*...heeheee

Are you staying in Lake Tekapo? And for the Punkakiki, are you staying there too or just passing by?

 

[eggie]

hi sakurasan,
i got this from one of the posting, can't remember from this website or fbo. Hope this helps you.

I did a tour of South & North Islands on seperate occasions. Both times, we mainly took the coach round, only driving for short distances/around town. The Newmans coach service provides commentary along the route, so they serve as good tour guides.
Below are:
I. where we bought air tickets
II. the Coach company in NZ
III. Suggested Itenerary
IV. Accomadation suggestions
V. Websites

I. We bought our air tickets from an agency called GBC. They're located near Middle Road/Bugis. They focus on NZ & Australia and may have some discounts on car rental/day tours.

II. The main coach company in NZ is called Intercity.
http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz
http://www.newmanscoach.co.nz

Below are 2 suggested iteneraries using the Intercity Coach Passes
A) for both North & South Islands: Auckland to Christchurch
B) for only South Island
the price quoted below is for the transport only. Accomodation not included.

Alternative to the Coach Pass, you can get the tickets for the individual segments
Christchurch to Queenstown on Newmans Coach $132.00NZD
(or Christchurch to Mt Cook, Mt Cook to Queenstown - 2 seperate tickets)
Queenstown to Franz Josef $97.00NZD
Franz Josef to Christchurch $82.00NZD

If you book early, you can get the tickets at half price. (but no half price discount for Coach Passes)
Payment for tickets is 2 days before travel.

III. Suggested Itenerary:
**********************************************************************
A) New Zealand Pathfinder Coach Pass NZ$408 per person

Day 1 8:10pm Singapore to Auckland on SQ or Air New Zealand
Arrive Auckland 11:10am Tues 8 Oct
Go to Sky City downtown Auckland, Intercity Coach Center

1. Day 2 Auckland to Taupo 1:40pm - 6:30pm
8-10 Oct, 3 nites in Taupo

Rent a car to go to Rotorua to see
geothermal pools, Agrodome farmshow, Gondola (cable car) ride

2. Day 5 Taupo to Wellington 10am - 4:35pm
Wellington 1 nite

3. Day 6 Wellington to Nelson 2pm - 7pm
Nelson 1 nite

4. Day 7 Nelson to Franz Josef/Fox Glacier 7:30am - 5:20pm
Franz Josef/Fox Glacier 1 nite

5. Day 8 Franz Josef to Queenstown 8am - 4:20pm
4 nites in Queenstown

6. Day 12 Queenstown to Mt Cook 8am - 12pm
Mt Cook 1 nite (Optional)

7. Day 13 Oct Mt Cook to Christchurch 12:55pm - 6:15pm
Christchurch 1 nite

9. 20 Oct 3pm Christchurch to Singapore
Arrive Singapore 8:50pm Sunday 20 Oct

**********************************************************************

B) Southern Discovery Coach Pass NZ$247 per person

Day 1 9pm Singapore to Christchurch
Arrive Christchurch 12pm Tues 8 Oct

1. Day 2 Christchurch 1 nite

2. Day 3 Christchurch to Mt Cook 8:20am - 1:45pm
Newmans Coach, Mt Cook 1 nite

3. Day 4 Mt Cook to Queenstown 2:40pm - 6:40pm
10-14 Oct, 5 nites in Queenstown

4. Day 9 Queenstown to Fox Glacier/Franz Josef 8:10am - 4:20pm
Franz Josef/Fox Glacier 1 nite

5. Day 10 Franz Josef to Christchurch 8am - 5:20pm
Christchurch 1 nite

6. Day 11 3pm Christchurch to Singapore
Arrive Singapore 8:50pm Thurs 17 Oct

Other towns to visit:
Te Anau
Milford Sound (has a cruise but on a cloudy day, not really worth it)
Invercargill

VI. Accomodation in various towns:

1. Taupo - Ambleside Bed & Breakfast
http://www.ambleside.co.nz/ruapehu.htm $110 per room per night

2. Wellington -
Booklovers http://www.bbnb.co.nz/
Ngaio http://www.bnb.co.nz/hosts/ngaiohomestay.html $110

3. Nelson -
http://www.grovevilla.co.nz/accommodation.html $120
http://www.sussex.co.nz/rooms_&_rates.htm $130
www.porthaven.co.nz $135
http://www.serendipity.co.nz/Booking.htm $145
http://louisashomestay.co.nz/booking.htm $120 per room per night
http://www.nelsonparadise.co.nz/Rates.html $85 town about 6 kms away
www.132.co.nz $70

4. Christchurch -
http://www.croydon.co.nz/
http://www.turrethouse.co.nz/
http://www.greatstay.co.nz/ratesetc.html

5. Mt Cook - http://www.mount-cook.com/index.cfm/accommodation/hotel

6. Queenstown -
http://www.accommodation-bed-and-breakfast-book-new-zealand.com/Otago.html
http://www.wynyard-lodge.com/lodgefacilities.html

7. Franz Josef - Holly www.hollyhomestead.co.nz $160 per night

8. Fox Glacier - Pekanga Homestay - www.fox-glacier.co.nz $130 per night

V. Bed & Breakfast websites:
http://www.travelwise.co.nz/index1.html

VI. Street Maps - Get a map of the town to locate the B&B & to check how far away from the town center, etc.

Lake Taupo: http://www.laketauponz.com/images/maps/pdfs/taupo.pdf
Wellington: http://www.wellingtonnz.com/maps/Ctrcityaccom.asp
Christchurch: http://www.whatsonchristchurch.co.nz/map1.htm
Christchurch: http://www.ccc.govt.nz/maps/Wises/map3/map3.asp
Queenstown: http://www.atoz-nz.com/map.asp?Loc=15&Map=1
Queenstown: http://www.nzski.com/coronet/qtn_map.asp

 

[eggie]

hi sakurasan,
actually for me my fh drives but i dun drive. it's more often guys can drive n gals can't. hahaha...make him get a license before your travel. the approach i'm taking is not to drive too many hours everyday. so we r going to stop in different town each day. since it's going to be honeymoon, we dun want it to be too rushing for us. Thus, we are going to stay at Lk Tekapo and maybe Punkakiki too. For us, we are spend most of the nites at YHA and I have checked they got hostels in that area too. I personally like quietness thus I dun mind staying in small towns.

 

[eternity168]

HI,

I hope my comments are too late.
I just came back one and half month ago from NZ,from a 15 days trip. Depending on ownself, both of us think that 15 days are too short even in south island itself.

My personal opinion:
Doubtful Sound - We choose an overnight cruise in Doubtful sound instead of Milford. This is a newly developed attractions, hence there is only operator - Real Journey.

Punkakiki - impressive sea/ocean, of course the famous pancake blowholes

Nelson - Interesting town. Tried 4 wheeler drive at "Happy Valley", 20 mins drive from Nelson. Interesting ride, with a 15 mins tea break on the peak of the hill, overlooking magnificent views.

Mount Cook - should try to stay at Hermitage.

That's it, will be nack for more.

 

[bubble_low]

Hi ,

Did anyone take coach and then book a few days car rental to tour around the town ? Pls share on the name of car agency. Juz wonder whether can we book with one car agency and pick the car at various location (since we plan to take coach for long journey).
When's the best time to go nz ?
Thks for sharing

 

[sakurasan]

Hi Eggie

Can I check with you how much it cost per day to drive (inclusive of car rental and petrol)?
Thanks

 

[halo]

hi all, just came back from NZ few days ago. Following is my itin that maybe of help. Quite enjoyable trip and very relaxing. Below also is the highway number, distance and time.

we joined Franz Josef 1/2 day tour, Milford Sound overnight cruise (saw dolphin, once in the evening and another in morning and sea seal. so worth the money), Hanmer Hotspring is worth the trip too.

Car from Hertz. SGD80 per day, incl GST, Airport tax, insurance. Car type - Mazda 6, 2.3L. very new car (3000km only). Remeber to ask for CD player - for long journey driving is essential. Petrol about SGD300.

Weather - mostly sunny but quite cold and windy at CHC, Kaikoura, Greymouth, Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau.

If need other info can let me know, will try to help.

15 days South Island

D1 Changi Airport SQ297 ETD 2105
D2 Arr CHC Airport

D3 CHC - Kaikoura SH1 (2.25hrs)(184km)/SH7 (Hanmer Springs-off track)
Kaikoura - Blenheim SH1 (1.75hrs)(129km)
Blenheim - Renwick - Nelson SH6 (1.50hrs)(115km)

D4 Nelson - Westport SH6 (3.00hrs)(226km)
Westport - Punakaiki SH6 (0.75hrs)(57km)
Punakaiki to Greymouth SH6 (0.50hrs)(45km)

D5 Greymouth - Franz Josef SH6 (2.35hrs)(173km)


D6 Franz Josef - Fox SH6 (0.25hrs)(23km)
Fox - Haast SH6 (1.75hrs)(122km)
Haast - Wanaka SH6 (1.75hrs)(139km)


D7 Wanaka - Queenstown SH6 (1.25hrs)(103km)

D8 Queenstown

D9 Queenstown to Te Anau SH6 / SH94(2.25hrs) (172km)


D10 Te Anau to Milford Sound SH94 (1.50hrs) (117km)
Milford Sound to Te Anau SH94 (1.50hrs) (117km)

D11 Te Anau - Dunedin SH94, SH1(4.00hrs) (291km)

D12 Dunedin to Oamaru SH1 (1.50hrs)(119km)
Oamaru - Twizel SH83 (2.00hrs)(145km)
Twizel - Mt Cook SH8/SH80 (0.75hrs)(64km)
Mt Cook - Twizel SH8/SH80 (0.75hrs)(64km)

D13 Twizel to Lake Tekapo SH8 (0.75hrs)(60km)
Lake Tekapo - Timaru SH8 (1.25hrs)(105km)
Timaru - Ashburton SH1 (1.00hrs)(77km)
Ashburton - CHC SH1 (1.25hrs)(89km)

D14 CHC

D15 CHC Airport

 

[kite~]

Hi eternity and Halo,

May i know your package is free n easy or with tour group? how much per person? u booked from which angency?

any photos to share if you dont mind?

Thanks

 

[sakurasan]

Hi Halo

Thanks very much! I'm also planning a 15-day tour to South Island next April. Going the same route as you but the other way around. Going to examine your itinery closely!

 

[eggie]

hi halo,
i also got almost the similar itinerary with you. similar to sakurasan, mine is the other way round. starts with going down south first.

hmm..i need feedback of 2 more places that since not many ppl covering. needs to decide if it's worth to go or not? abel tasman national park and steward island? thanks a lot.

hi sakurasan,
i think the cheapest car rental minus the petrol is about 40-50 dollars. but those reputable ones will be more expensive

 

[eggie]

hi halo,
i also got almost the similar itinerary with you. similar to sakurasan, mine is the other way round. starts with going down south first.

hmm..i need feedback of 2 more places that since not many ppl covering. needs to decide if it's worth to go or not? abel tasman national park and steward island? thanks a lot.

hi sakurasan,
i think the cheapest car rental minus the petrol is about 40-50 dollars. but those reputable ones will be more expensive

 

[mango78]

Hi Sakurasan,

How much is the package itself?
Thank you.

 

[sakurasan]

Hi Yvonne

I hvn't decided on the package. I'm considering either (1) buying only the air-tix and book accomms on my own or(2) take the Chan Bros 4N FNE package which provides air-tix, accomms and car which is approx. $1300 pax.