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I have come up with a 38day itinerary for my trip in Feb/March. I am a 24yr old Canadian travelling with my best friend!
I am hoping you could provide me with some feedback. I am pretty open to ideas, however I will not be able to extent the trip at all. I am trying to time this perfectly with some festivals in Asia.
I am interested in adventure, beach & surf, quaint towns, nature & hiking.
Any tips and recommendations will be greatly appreciated!
15-18Feb Auckland -with side trip to Piha
18-22Feb Bay of Islands
22-25Feb Northland - 90mile beach sand dunes, etc
25-27Feb Coromondel -cathedral cove, hot water beach....
28-02Mar Hamilton - side trip to Raglan, Hobbiton, Waitomo
02-05Mar Rotorua
05-07Mar Taupo - Tongariro crossing
07-08Mar Wellington
08-10Mar Picton to Nelson
10-12Mar Christchurch
12-14Mar Dunedin
14-17Mar Te Anau - day trip to Milford sound
17-20Mar Queenstown
20-21Mar Wanaka
21-22Mar Franz Josef
22-23Mar Depart from Christchurch
Anything I should consider cutting out to extend something else? Anything I completely missed?
(One thing I was not sure about for sure was Dunedin. Worth going to? I just put it in there as a stop point between Christchurch and Te Anau for the sake of breaking up the drive. Do you have any better recommendations of where to stay instead?)
Thanks so much in advance for all of your advice
-Michelle
You are going to miss in my opinion the best part of new zealand which is the nelson - tasman bays region with the abel tasman track (very easy)
Places like franz josef are day trip - drive up see the glacier and then leave (5-6 hours)
Hamilton - 5 days? bad idea, get down to the south island as soon as possible or spend an extra day in the corromandel - also a top spot in NZ!!
I disagree about Franz Josef being just a day trip. There's actually quite a bit to do in that area, including some fabulous hikes, so you can easily spend a few days there. It also doesn't hurt to have an extra day to play with since the weather is often bad.
Christchurch is still in pretty rough shape following the earthquake with not a whole lot for tourists, so you could spend less time there. Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs are good alternatives.
I wouldn't spend much time in Auckland. I've been there a lot and there's not a lot to do and see (perhaps 1 day for the Sky Tower). Nor would I spend time in Hamilton- it's a hole.
I would spend more time in the South Island. I would probably go to Arrowtown, near Queenstown, which has a gold mining history. I would definitely go to Lake Tekapo, maybe Kaikoura to see whales and Hamner Springs. I would spend one night in Christchurch and then go to the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is one of the most gorgeous places on earth.
plenty to do in Dunedin - Otago Peninsula, Aramoana sealions and beach, perhaps the Taieri gorge trip, good walking in the area, visit to Oamaru etc etc. Sadly I have to say to skip Christchurch, so much is still closed.
it's all very well to say it takes half a day to look at the glacier- but it rains two days in three on the west coast. Build in contingency.
finally, Franz Josef to Greymouth is about 3 hours drive, Greymouth to Christchurch is four hours. Don't try to drive that in one day as there's lots to see. You could take the train but there's only one a day so you'll be in Christchurch late afternoon which may not work with your flight.
I disagree about Franz Josef. It's a 4-5 hour drive from Wanaka, and then a similar drive back to Christchurch. In addition, weather here can be very bad, and very changeable. Punting this all one a single fly by visit won't work. Have at least 2 days here and take time to walk up to the glacier.
Bay of Island is not a spot I would pick for surfing. Sandy Bay or Ocean Beach or some of the west coast beaches would be better. If you do go to Bay of Island, Russell is very much a quaint town.
In the Coromandel, Waihi Beach is a good stop for surf.
I would also skip Dunedin and spend more time in Nelson/Golden Bay area. Twizel for the night sky is a good stop.
Perhaps Akaroa instead of Chch? Also meets the quaint town critieria.
If you just want to eyeball the glacier and then leave as #1 suggests, it's not worth going at all. Sounds like you want to so a bit more than that though. You can pay for a walk on the glacier - but there are also some nice hikes around the area. The DOC website gives a lot of information about walks and hikes (www.doc.govt.nz).
15-18Feb Auckland -with side trip to Piha
also don't think you should have that much time in Auckland. Although there is a lot to do within reach of Auckland, you only have limited time and TBH there are better ways to spend your time. I'd visit the west coast beaches, sure, and maybe Waiheke Island, while you recover from your flight but more than 2 days in auckland is a waste. If you are interested in nature and wildlife, then at this time of year it would be a really good idea to visit the Leigh marine reserve and take a trip out to Tiritiri Matangi island bird sanctuary. You could leave Auckland after a couple of days, head up north, take the day trip to tiri from Gulf Harbour (360 discovery) and then stay a night further north, say around Matakana, then head to Leigh the next day for swimming and snorkeling.
18-22Feb Bay of Islands
22-25Feb Northland - 90mile beach sand dunes, etc
a week for northland is too long. cut it down by a few days, make a few stops on the way north and south, and either do Cape Reinga/90 mile beach as a day trip, or stay up that way somewhere for a night - somewhere on the karikari peninsula maybe. You could drive back south down the west coast - Hokianga Harbour etc
25-27Feb Coromondel -cathedral cove, hot water beach....
you may be short of time here. There is a lot to see on the Coromandel peninsula, slow roads, and lots of really great hiking (tramping), so maybe take a couple more days here. It would be a shame to go so far and not get right to the top, so make sure you go via Coromandel town and Whangapoua (SH25 over the top)
28-02Mar Hamilton - side trip to Raglan, Hobbiton, Waitomo
Hobbiton (matamata) is a stop on a drive from the southern coromandel through to Raglan. Do NOT stop in Hamilton, i repeat do NOT stop in Hamilton... head south from Raglan to the Waitomo area. SH39 will take you right PAST Hamilton which is where you want to be ;-)
02-05Mar Rotorua
I'd take a day off rotorua and add it to Taupo or further south in case you run in to weather on the Tongariro Crossing. Rotorua is worth a couple of days though if you want to visit the thermal stuff and do some of the really good walks nearby
05-07Mar Taupo - Tongariro crossing
I find Taupo deadly boring myself so would stay somewhere further south closer to the Crossing
07-08Mar Wellington
08-10Mar Picton to Nelson
like others have said try to take an extra couple of days here - lots of nature and hiking around Marlborough Sounds, and Golden Bay region. I would actually change your route significantly from here
10-12Mar west coast and glaciers
12-14Mar Wanaka, Queenstown
14-17Mar Te Anau - day trip to Milford sound
17-20Mar queenstown and through to Mt Cook and lake tekapo
20-21Mar christchurch
You end up with extra time now, so if you were really keen on Arthurs pass you can do it as a day trip from Chch (train?) or you could miss Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo and return to Chc via Dunedin, making sure you go out the peninsula and see the albatross, penguins, etc.
Dunedin is a nice city as NZ cities go, but I don't think anyone comes to NZ to see our cities. You're better off maximising your time out of them or passing through them to make the most of the outdoors.
I will definitely cut out some time at the BOI/Northland and put that into some more time on the South Island.
I really appreciate all your help. You guys are fantastic!
Cheers!
enjoy.
15-18Feb Auckland & area
18-20Feb Bay of Islands
20-22Feb Northland
22-25Feb Coromondel
25-27Feb Waitomo
28-02Mar Rotorua
02-04Mar Taupo - Tongariro crossing
04-05Mar Wellington
05-09Mar Picton, Nelson, Tasman bay
09-13Mar West coast & glaciers, Lake Tekapo
13-14Mar Wanaka
14-16Mar Queenstown
16-18Mar Te Anau & Milford Sound
18-20Mar Dunedin, Otago Peninsula
20-24Mar Akaroa, banks peninsula, Christchurch
Another question.
The plan is to be renting a vehicle for the entire duration and staying in hostels.
I heard that renting a campervan would be an idea as well.
For the itinerary I have do you think it would be necessary to have a campervan at all?
What would be better cost wise and more convenient?
20-22Feb Northland+
I'm confused by this. To me, BoI and northland are much the same thing (well, BoI is part of northland). Can you clarify where you plan to be/what to do during these times? three days for BoI sounds too much for me, that's why I'm asking.
09-13Mar West coast & glaciers, Lake Tekapo
You can't do this. Lake Tekapo is on the other side of a massive mountain range. Mt Cook/Lake Tekapo is a stop you would make between Queenstown or Wanaka, and Christchurch.
ETA for two of you, I think either a car & hostels, or a campervan would be good options. IF you get a campervan, make sure it's a proper certified self-contained van, and then you have loads more options for stopping for the night outside actual campgrounds.
A campervan isn't necessary, but as said above, does give you more options. Consider the cost of the ferry crossing which I think is a bit more expensive for a campervan than a car.
At that time of year you will be able to be quite flexible wiht your itinerary as places shouldn't be booked out. Only thing that you really should book ahead is the interisland ferry.
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38 Day Itinerary
Hello peeps,I have come up with a 38day itinerary for my trip in Feb/March. I am a 24yr old Canadian travelling with my best friend!
I am hoping you could provide me with some feedback. I am pretty open to ideas, however I will not be able to extent the trip at all. I am trying to time this perfectly with some festivals in Asia.
I am interested in adventure, beach & surf, quaint towns, nature & hiking.
Any tips and recommendations will be greatly appreciated!
15-18Feb Auckland -with side trip to Piha
18-22Feb Bay of Islands
22-25Feb Northland - 90mile beach sand dunes, etc
25-27Feb Coromondel -cathedral cove, hot water beach....
28-02Mar Hamilton - side trip to Raglan, Hobbiton, Waitomo
02-05Mar Rotorua
05-07Mar Taupo - Tongariro crossing
07-08Mar Wellington
08-10Mar Picton to Nelson
10-12Mar Christchurch
12-14Mar Dunedin
14-17Mar Te Anau - day trip to Milford sound
17-20Mar Queenstown
20-21Mar Wanaka
21-22Mar Franz Josef
22-23Mar Depart from Christchurch
Anything I should consider cutting out to extend something else? Anything I completely missed?
(One thing I was not sure about for sure was Dunedin. Worth going to? I just put it in there as a stop point between Christchurch and Te Anau for the sake of breaking up the drive. Do you have any better recommendations of where to stay instead?)
Thanks so much in advance for all of your advice
-Michelle
1
Dunedin is a very beutiful city that has managed to keep a lot of it's older buildings unlike the other citys in NZ however the weather can be unpredictable.You are going to miss in my opinion the best part of new zealand which is the nelson - tasman bays region with the abel tasman track (very easy)
Places like franz josef are day trip - drive up see the glacier and then leave (5-6 hours)
Hamilton - 5 days? bad idea, get down to the south island as soon as possible or spend an extra day in the corromandel - also a top spot in NZ!!
2
I'd say you're spending too much time on the North Island. You could cut a number of those durations in half and put it to better use on the South Island (such as adding Golden Bay region). If you're primarily interested in nature, interesting towns, adventure, etc then the split should be about 1/3 of your time on the North Island, the remaining 2/3 on the South Island.I disagree about Franz Josef being just a day trip. There's actually quite a bit to do in that area, including some fabulous hikes, so you can easily spend a few days there. It also doesn't hurt to have an extra day to play with since the weather is often bad.
Christchurch is still in pretty rough shape following the earthquake with not a whole lot for tourists, so you could spend less time there. Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs are good alternatives.
3
Bay of Islands/Northland can lose some days You dont need 3 days to do 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga. The best way of doing this is by taking a tour from Paihia. Other than that, the NI seems okay.4
I'm a New Zealander, from Queenstown, but I lived in Dunedin for many years and adored it. Dunedin is just lovely- the university, the ocean, the museum, art galleries, chocolate factory, the wildlife peninsula (albatross)... it's gorgeous.I wouldn't spend much time in Auckland. I've been there a lot and there's not a lot to do and see (perhaps 1 day for the Sky Tower). Nor would I spend time in Hamilton- it's a hole.
I would spend more time in the South Island. I would probably go to Arrowtown, near Queenstown, which has a gold mining history. I would definitely go to Lake Tekapo, maybe Kaikoura to see whales and Hamner Springs. I would spend one night in Christchurch and then go to the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is one of the most gorgeous places on earth.
5
As far as spending time in Auckland. I live in Auckland. There's many things to do within a hour of so of the city that would keep a person busy for weeks. I would highly recommend not only a trip out to Piha but also to maybe Bethals, Muriwai, or Karekare beaches. There's also a day trip out to Tawharanui. It's spectacular and about an hour north of Auckland. Walks around the Waitakeri Ranges or even the city walk which takes you to some of the best of the volcanic cones. A day trip to Waiheke and/or Rangitoto. But I do agree that Hamilton is an absolute hole and you would be better off spending more time in the Coromandel. The trip to Cape Reinga/90 Mile beach really isn't more than a day trip. I personally like to drive it myself rather than paying for an organised trip because it allows you to stop when ever you like as there is much to see just on your way there...many off the beaten path desitinations that are just tiny road signs on the side of the road. Would recommend checking out the book NZ Frenzy. Very very good book . There's one for the north and south islands.6
you'll need the time in Auckland to get over some of the jet lag. Don't forget the excellent Domain museum and Rangitoto - there's plenty to do.plenty to do in Dunedin - Otago Peninsula, Aramoana sealions and beach, perhaps the Taieri gorge trip, good walking in the area, visit to Oamaru etc etc. Sadly I have to say to skip Christchurch, so much is still closed.
it's all very well to say it takes half a day to look at the glacier- but it rains two days in three on the west coast. Build in contingency.
finally, Franz Josef to Greymouth is about 3 hours drive, Greymouth to Christchurch is four hours. Don't try to drive that in one day as there's lots to see. You could take the train but there's only one a day so you'll be in Christchurch late afternoon which may not work with your flight.
7
I also agree you seem to have too much on the North island, and are rushing the South. A typical split is 1/3 north, 2/3 south. I also agree you are spending too long heading up to, and from, Bay of Islands.I disagree about Franz Josef. It's a 4-5 hour drive from Wanaka, and then a similar drive back to Christchurch. In addition, weather here can be very bad, and very changeable. Punting this all one a single fly by visit won't work. Have at least 2 days here and take time to walk up to the glacier.
8
Raglan is great for surf so given you interests, you should keep that on your itinerary. But stay in Raglan - not in Hamilton. Skip Hobbiton unless you are a huge Lord of the Rings fan.Bay of Island is not a spot I would pick for surfing. Sandy Bay or Ocean Beach or some of the west coast beaches would be better. If you do go to Bay of Island, Russell is very much a quaint town.
In the Coromandel, Waihi Beach is a good stop for surf.
I would also skip Dunedin and spend more time in Nelson/Golden Bay area. Twizel for the night sky is a good stop.
Perhaps Akaroa instead of Chch? Also meets the quaint town critieria.
If you just want to eyeball the glacier and then leave as #1 suggests, it's not worth going at all. Sounds like you want to so a bit more than that though. You can pay for a walk on the glacier - but there are also some nice hikes around the area. The DOC website gives a lot of information about walks and hikes (www.doc.govt.nz).
9
Hi Michelle; I'm assuming you're planning to hire a car to get around - if you don't, then you may need more time between places than I've said.15-18Feb Auckland -with side trip to Piha
also don't think you should have that much time in Auckland. Although there is a lot to do within reach of Auckland, you only have limited time and TBH there are better ways to spend your time. I'd visit the west coast beaches, sure, and maybe Waiheke Island, while you recover from your flight but more than 2 days in auckland is a waste. If you are interested in nature and wildlife, then at this time of year it would be a really good idea to visit the Leigh marine reserve and take a trip out to Tiritiri Matangi island bird sanctuary. You could leave Auckland after a couple of days, head up north, take the day trip to tiri from Gulf Harbour (360 discovery) and then stay a night further north, say around Matakana, then head to Leigh the next day for swimming and snorkeling.
18-22Feb Bay of Islands
22-25Feb Northland - 90mile beach sand dunes, etc
a week for northland is too long. cut it down by a few days, make a few stops on the way north and south, and either do Cape Reinga/90 mile beach as a day trip, or stay up that way somewhere for a night - somewhere on the karikari peninsula maybe. You could drive back south down the west coast - Hokianga Harbour etc
25-27Feb Coromondel -cathedral cove, hot water beach....
you may be short of time here. There is a lot to see on the Coromandel peninsula, slow roads, and lots of really great hiking (tramping), so maybe take a couple more days here. It would be a shame to go so far and not get right to the top, so make sure you go via Coromandel town and Whangapoua (SH25 over the top)
28-02Mar Hamilton - side trip to Raglan, Hobbiton, Waitomo
Hobbiton (matamata) is a stop on a drive from the southern coromandel through to Raglan. Do NOT stop in Hamilton, i repeat do NOT stop in Hamilton... head south from Raglan to the Waitomo area. SH39 will take you right PAST Hamilton which is where you want to be ;-)
02-05Mar Rotorua
I'd take a day off rotorua and add it to Taupo or further south in case you run in to weather on the Tongariro Crossing. Rotorua is worth a couple of days though if you want to visit the thermal stuff and do some of the really good walks nearby
05-07Mar Taupo - Tongariro crossing
I find Taupo deadly boring myself so would stay somewhere further south closer to the Crossing
07-08Mar Wellington
08-10Mar Picton to Nelson
like others have said try to take an extra couple of days here - lots of nature and hiking around Marlborough Sounds, and Golden Bay region. I would actually change your route significantly from here
10-12Mar west coast and glaciers
12-14Mar Wanaka, Queenstown
14-17Mar Te Anau - day trip to Milford sound
17-20Mar queenstown and through to Mt Cook and lake tekapo
20-21Mar christchurch
You end up with extra time now, so if you were really keen on Arthurs pass you can do it as a day trip from Chch (train?) or you could miss Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo and return to Chc via Dunedin, making sure you go out the peninsula and see the albatross, penguins, etc.
Dunedin is a nice city as NZ cities go, but I don't think anyone comes to NZ to see our cities. You're better off maximising your time out of them or passing through them to make the most of the outdoors.
10
WOW, everyone thank you so much. You are all so very helpful.I will definitely cut out some time at the BOI/Northland and put that into some more time on the South Island.
I really appreciate all your help. You guys are fantastic!
Cheers!
11
one good thing in Hamilton - the wonderful Botanic gardens. I managed to see all the NZ botanic gardens on my last trip...but then I did have six months.enjoy.
12
I have a new itinerary here. Thanks for helping me tweek it. I'm sure changes will be made to it, but it's nice to have a general idea of what I will be doing.15-18Feb Auckland & area
18-20Feb Bay of Islands
20-22Feb Northland
22-25Feb Coromondel
25-27Feb Waitomo
28-02Mar Rotorua
02-04Mar Taupo - Tongariro crossing
04-05Mar Wellington
05-09Mar Picton, Nelson, Tasman bay
09-13Mar West coast & glaciers, Lake Tekapo
13-14Mar Wanaka
14-16Mar Queenstown
16-18Mar Te Anau & Milford Sound
18-20Mar Dunedin, Otago Peninsula
20-24Mar Akaroa, banks peninsula, Christchurch
Another question.
The plan is to be renting a vehicle for the entire duration and staying in hostels.
I heard that renting a campervan would be an idea as well.
For the itinerary I have do you think it would be necessary to have a campervan at all?
What would be better cost wise and more convenient?
13
+18-20Feb Bay of Islands20-22Feb Northland+
I'm confused by this. To me, BoI and northland are much the same thing (well, BoI is part of northland). Can you clarify where you plan to be/what to do during these times? three days for BoI sounds too much for me, that's why I'm asking.
09-13Mar West coast & glaciers, Lake Tekapo
You can't do this. Lake Tekapo is on the other side of a massive mountain range. Mt Cook/Lake Tekapo is a stop you would make between Queenstown or Wanaka, and Christchurch.
ETA for two of you, I think either a car & hostels, or a campervan would be good options. IF you get a campervan, make sure it's a proper certified self-contained van, and then you have loads more options for stopping for the night outside actual campgrounds.
14
#13 I don't think it will be 3 days. It will be a day travelling Auckland to BOI, a day in BOI and a day travelling to wherever the next destination is in Northland.A campervan isn't necessary, but as said above, does give you more options. Consider the cost of the ferry crossing which I think is a bit more expensive for a campervan than a car.
At that time of year you will be able to be quite flexible wiht your itinerary as places shouldn't be booked out. Only thing that you really should book ahead is the interisland ferry.
