Dear Mike
>My wife and I are finalizing an itinerary for a trip to New Zealand.
>We have 9 days to spend in the south and would appreciate some advice
>on where to go and how to get there.
Here is an itinerary for the south island that with a bit of a massage
might suit your needs.
>== KiwiNewZ - travel tips and information for the modern eco
traveller.
>== Touring the South Island of New Zealand
by Evan Bloomfield
Internet:
http://www.KiwiNewZ.com
Here is a great 7 to 10 day touring loop around the South
Island of New Zealand. Travel by camper van, car, bus, train,
bike or any combination!
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island has good
airline connections and is a great place to start your trip
around the South Island.
From Christchurch head West across the Canterbury Plains over
Arthurs Pass and across the Southern Alps to Greymouth, a total
of 250 km. The road ( Highway 73 ) is windy in places, goes up
to 924m ( 2 900ft ) and offers some spectacular scenery. Just
remember that competitors in the epic Coast to Coast multi
sport run, kayak and bike this route!
If you fancy a train trip the Tranz Alpine Express is one not
to be missed. It departs daily from Christchurch at 9 am,
arriving in Greymouth at 1.25 pm. Cost is NZ$76 per person.
After a night in Greymouth travel down the west coast to the
Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers, 193 km along the wild ( and
often wet ) West Coast. Take some time out to walk to the base
of a glacier, guided trips are offered, or splash out and take
a "heli-hike".
Head further South to the Haast Visitor Centre. Stop here and
check out this classic piece of modern Kiwi architecture. Then
head back across the Alps over the Haast Pass to Wanaka and
finally Queenstown, a total of 359 km from Greymouth. Spend a
couple of nights here to charge the batteries or chose from a
wide selection of leisure activities in a spectacular setting.
From Queenstown it is 177 km to Te Anau and a further 119km to
Milford Sound, yes it really is worth the visit. Stay the night
on board a boat or at the backpackers in Milford Sound or head
back out to Te Anau for the evening.
From Milford Sound or Te Anau follow the Southern Scenic Route
to Manapouri ( a day trip to Doubtful Sound from Manapouri is a
good option ) then head on to the classic fishing village of
Riverton for the evening. Te Anau to Riverton is 124 km.
In Riverton stay at The Riverton Rock Guesthouse, Globe Hotel
Backpackers or chose from a wide selection of seaside"cribs"; -
the local lingo for a small sea side holiday home.
Of course if you have a few days up your sleeve you could visit
Stewart Island, home of New Zealand's national icon the Kiwi.
From Riverton head along the South Coast through the Catlins to
Dunedin, 287 km. The Catlins is a part of NZ which is only just
getting to be known. Many Kiwi's ( of the people variety!) will
have trouble telling you where they are! There is wildlife in
abundance along this coastline. NZ Hooker Sea Lions, Yellow
Eyed Penguins, Hector Dolphins. Spots to spend the night
include Curio Bay ( Porposie Bay ), Papotawai or Nugget Point.
Once in Dunedin you can check out the Royal Albatross Colony
and Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve on Otago Peninsula, watch a
game of rugby at the "House of Pain" - Carisbrook Stadium or
take a tour of the Speights Brewery.
The last leg takes you up the East Coast, stop off at Moeraki
Boulders to check out some real rocks, and back to
Christchurch! From Dunedin to Christchurch is 364 km.
There are a lot of compelling reasons to do the trip in reverse
....but that's another story!
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Evan and Jane Bloomfield
fx +64 3 442 8342
PO Box 2125, Queenstown 9197, AOTEAROA
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