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Wicked driving in the South in January

Replies: 9 - Last Post: Nov 30, 2012 1:21 PM Last Post By: Nice_But__

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tracysmith

tracysmith avatar

Nov 25, 2012 11:18 PM
Posts:  1

Wicked driving in the South in January

Hi all i am traveling to NZ with my 12 yo daughter (into Auckland) late December and flying out of Christchurch mid Jan and wanted to ask a few questions. I have hired a Wicked Van and can drive / stay where i wish - within reason.
I arrive Dec 29 and want a fun New Years somewhere - given I'm headed South for most of this trip (I've been to the North Island before) i was thinking of heading down to Wellington. Will there be somewhere to camp? Are my daughter and i likely to find some fun, music??? if not where else is suggested.

I then head over to the South island and am keen to enjoy food, wine, beach......... oh yeh forgot, not on my own!! haha i would also like to show her some fantastic scenery, do some good exploring maybe kayak/ mountain bike ride/ walks. Can anyone suggest highlights for us. We are pretty adventurous having self driven Namibia and Botswana last year and travelled Vietnam unplanned so were up for adventure!
Look forward to some local gems
Cheers Tracy

westwood

westwood avatar

Nov 26, 2012 1:35 AM
Posts:  8,804

1

Not sure some of our NY hot spots would be suitable for a 12yr old. Depending how far you've come, you might want to consider how far you'd have to drive. All roads leading out of Auckland are going to be ultra busy so if jet lagged, you'll need to be more aware than most.

markus5

markus5 avatar

Nov 26, 2012 9:17 AM
Posts:  3

2

From what you have described in your opening post, I would fly to Nelson on arrival and have new year there. Lots of beaches and nature in that region too - AbleTasman national park would be a three day hike and there are kayak activities there too. When you are ready to drive id recommend highway 6 down the west coast right thru to Queenstown. Excursion out to Milford Soubd. Drive Highway 8 to Christchurch then Highway 1 back to Nelson via Kaikoura and Blenheim...

Edited by: markus5

Edited by: markus5

LisaMNZ

LisaMNZ avatar

Nov 26, 2012 1:40 PM
Posts:  7,184

3

I'm not sure what Wellington is like on NYE. Most kiwis head to the beach. Camping with a campervan in central Wellington is not very easy or cheap. I'm assuming that you don't have a fully self-contained camper so can't use the free spots.
You might be better off heading somewhere on the coast on your way down south - like Raglan on the west, or Coromandel or Bay of Plenty on the east.
But given you are planning to spend most of your time in the south island, I'm also wondering why you don't just fly straight from Auckland to Wellington or the south island even and start your trip there?

westwood

westwood avatar

Nov 26, 2012 1:47 PM
Posts:  8,804

4

I have hired a Wicked camper so by flying direct to Nelson where are they going to pick up said vehicle?

OP, exactly how many days are you here and where do you drop off the vehicle? Where are you flying from-- are you likely to be jetlagged? You will find some (make that plenty) itineraries on here so read them then come back with other specific questions.

LisaMNZ

LisaMNZ avatar

Nov 26, 2012 1:49 PM
Posts:  7,184

5

Change the booking...??

westwood

westwood avatar

Nov 26, 2012 2:01 PM
Posts:  8,804

6

Wicked only have 3 branches here. Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. They have a non refundable deposit of $500 and a change of drop off location fee of $700.

LisaMNZ

LisaMNZ avatar

Nov 26, 2012 3:19 PM
Posts:  7,184

7

Wicked are a PITA company then ;-)

hereandtherenz

hereandtherenz avatar

Nov 27, 2012 12:41 AM
Posts:  996

8

There are a few music festivals on.

http://www.undertheradar.co.nz/utr/newyears2012

Nice_But__

Nice_But__ avatar

Nov 30, 2012 1:21 PM
Posts:  1,133

9

Wellington is rather quiet on NYE. It might be worth spending a few days in the N. Island before taking the ferry and spending the remaining time on SI scenery.
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