Ok, so I think we're going to stretch it to 10 days. This is the suggestion from my cousin:
Ferry from Wellington to Picton. Then we drive from Picton to Nelson ( maybe 2 or 3
hrs, Able Tasman Nation Park) - Westport - Greymouth - Franz Josef Glacier - Lake
Manaka - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Dunedin - Oamaru - Timaru -
Christchurch - Hammer Springs - Kaikoura - Picton - Wellington.
Sounds to me like a month's worth of sightseeing. Is it doable, or is it going to be like
National Lampoon's Vacation, where they stop off at the Grand Canyon for about 30
seconds and have to move on? If you guys were to narrow it down, what would you take
out of the itinerary? Thanks!
Here is my suggestion:
First day -
Picton to Kaikoura (2 hrs) -great scenery with lots of seals.
Go over the Lewis Pass to the West Coast via Reefton with a stop at Hanmer Springs to
soak your body after the Thrillseekers Canyon. (Kaikoura to Hanmer - 1 1/2 hours)
Stay here or in Reefton depending on your condition.
Cheap to stay at the holiday parks in cabins.
(2 hours from Hanmer to Reefton - 3 hours to Greymouth)
The Lewis Pass is one of the most beautiful drives in the South Island. One thing most
people overlook is the fact driving in New Zealand is a destination in itself sometimes
more rewarding than the end of the road.
Day 2 - So if you stayed at Reefton it will be 4 hours to Franz Josef or 3 hours if you
stayed at Greymouth. This is worth spending your time at........go up to the glacier either
by walking or by helicopter.
Day 3 - Drive to Queenstown (5 1/2 hours) One of the greatest drives you will experience
through the Haast Pass. Worth stopping at Haast at the World Heritage and at Thunder
Falls just before Hells Gate bridge. Stop for a break at Makarora. Buzz on through
Wanaka unless you need a coffee to keep going. Stay in Queenstown.
Day 4/5- Queenstown most of the day.......choose your time wisely.
then on to Milford Sound. Stay at the Great Views Holiday Park on the Milford Road and
catch a ride to Milford and back from there much easier and you can relax -
Day 6 - Te Anau to Dunedin 4 hours drive - Choose your time as you please. Depends
what you are into. I would list a few things but I haven’t a clue what you like to do.
Day 7/8 - Take the road to the Mckenzie Country and see Mt Cook and stay at Lake
Tekapo Holiday park. A place worth taking the time to enjoy!
Day 9/10 - Off to Christchurch....................and back to Picton
Tekapo to Christchurch is 3 hours - Christchurch to Picton is 5 hours. Work it out at your
leisure.
If you need more specifics contact me at
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