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. We are flying open jaw, arive in
Christchurch and depart from Queenstown. The places that we had
planned to see are listed below. We are not going to be doing any
multi-day treks, however, we would like to do some day hikes. Our
thoughts for hikes were in Arthurs Pass, Franz Josef, Mt. Cook area,
and Queenstown area. Although Mt. Cook and Franz Josef are close,
there doesn't appear to be any direct way of going between these
locations. Is it possible to fly between Mt. Cook and Franz Josef?
Can I see Mt. Cook as a day trip from Queenstown?

I would appreciate any recommendations on how to allocate time between
these points, what path to travel, and were to stay. We are going to
have a rental car during our entire time. Thanks for your help. Mike


Christchurch Area /Kaikoura
Arthurs Pass
Franz Josef Glacier
Mt. Cook
Queenstown Area/Milford Sound

Alfred

Mike wrote:

    > Although Mt. Cook and Franz Josef are close,
    > there doesn't appear to be any direct way of going between these
    > locations.

True - a small problem called the Southern Alps!

    > Is it possible to fly between Mt. Cook and Franz Josef?
    > Can I see Mt. Cook as a day trip from Queenstown?

Not on scheduled services, but you could charter a helicopter to fly you
through: it might not even be mind-numbingly expensive, there are
operators who do the Mt Cook trips from Haast, and there are the
heli-tour people who fly you over the glaciers. Alternatively, its a
bit over 400 km round trip from Queenstown to Mt Cook.

X & N Jehanne

We spent 3 weeks in NZ in 1999, doing lots of hiking (mainly short ones, +
Milford track). If you are interested, I could look for our itinerary to
give you some ideas. For hikes, the DOC is also very helpful, selling
pamphlets with maps and descriptions of all tracks in their area. You can
check out their website :
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~T...gion/index.asp

I remember I did not like Queenstown so much, which is too touristy too much
like an 'adventure business'. We stayed in Wanaka instead, a quiet town with
lots of hikes in the area. Great hikes in Abel Tasman as well, which you
don't mention in your list. As for Mount Cook, there are nice hikes there
(couldn't do much though, as we had bad weather there), but the lodging
there is limited and expensive.

As for lodging recommendations, it depends on your budget. We stayed in
affordable accommodations with private rooms. I can also look for the names
of the places we stayed if you're interested. A good one I can remember was
in Wanaka, the Altamont lodge :
http://www.altamontlodge.orcon.net.nz/home1.htm
We found all our accommodation in a helpful free AA guidebook, which is also
online :
http://www.nz-accommodation.co.nz/main/index.shtml
http://www.aaguides.co.nz/accom/about.shtml

Send me an email if you need other info.
Nathalie


"Mike" <> wrote in message
news:...
    > 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. We are flying open jaw, arive in
    > Christchurch and depart from Queenstown. The places that we had
    > planned to see are listed below. We are not going to be doing any
    > multi-day treks, however, we would like to do some day hikes. Our
    > thoughts for hikes were in Arthurs Pass, Franz Josef, Mt. Cook area,
    > and Queenstown area. Although Mt. Cook and Franz Josef are close,
    > there doesn't appear to be any direct way of going between these
    > locations. Is it possible to fly between Mt. Cook and Franz Josef?
    > Can I see Mt. Cook as a day trip from Queenstown?
    > I would appreciate any recommendations on how to allocate time between
    > these points, what path to travel, and were to stay. We are going to
    > have a rental car during our entire time. Thanks for your help. Mike
    > Christchurch Area /Kaikoura
    > Arthurs Pass
    > Franz Josef Glacier
    > Mt. Cook
    > Queenstown Area/Milford Sound

texan

On 20 Nov 2003 08:29:53 -0800, (Mike) wrote:

    >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. We are flying open jaw, arive in
    >Christchurch and depart from Queenstown. The places that we had
    >planned to see are listed below. We are not going to be doing any
    >multi-day treks, however, we would like to do some day hikes. Our
    >thoughts for hikes were in Arthurs Pass, Franz Josef, Mt. Cook area,
    >and Queenstown area. Although Mt. Cook and Franz Josef are close,
    >there doesn't appear to be any direct way of going between these
    >locations. Is it possible to fly between Mt. Cook and Franz Josef?
    >Can I see Mt. Cook as a day trip from Queenstown?
    >I would appreciate any recommendations on how to allocate time between
    >these points, what path to travel, and were to stay. We are going to
    >have a rental car during our entire time. Thanks for your help. Mike
    >Christchurch Area /Kaikoura
    >Arthurs Pass
    >Franz Josef Glacier
    >Mt. Cook
    >Queenstown Area/Milford Sound

www.aaguide.co.nz

www.purenz.com

There is no 'direct' road between Mt Cook & Franz.

Look up Franz Joseph/Fox Glaciers as there are helo and fixed wing
flights which IIRC do take in Mt Cook/Tasman Glacier but as far as I
know off hand, there are no scheduled flights.

As for a day trip from Queenstown, you would really be pushing it and
missing out on what Mt Cook has to offer. It's been several years
now but I have done several walks around the park.

Cath

Vicki Steven

in article , Mike at
wrote on 21/11/03 5:29 AM:

    > 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. We are flying open jaw, arive in
    > Christchurch and depart from Queenstown. The places that we had
    > planned to see are listed below. We are not going to be doing any
    > multi-day treks, however, we would like to do some day hikes. Our
    > thoughts for hikes were in Arthurs Pass, Franz Josef, Mt. Cook area,
    > and Queenstown area. Although Mt. Cook and Franz Josef are close,
    > there doesn't appear to be any direct way of going between these
    > locations. Is it possible to fly between Mt. Cook and Franz Josef?
    > Can I see Mt. Cook as a day trip from Queenstown?
    >
    > I would appreciate any recommendations on how to allocate time between
    > these points, what path to travel, and were to stay. We are going to
    > have a rental car during our entire time. Thanks for your help. Mike
    >
    >
    > Christchurch Area /Kaikoura
    > Arthurs Pass
    > Franz Josef Glacier
    > Mt. Cook
    > Queenstown Area/Milford Sound

There is an awful lot of back-tracking here for only 9 days. You do not
mention the time of year as that can make a big difference eg day length.

It is possible to do Kaikoura as a day trip from Chch - 2 hours driving each
way & fit in a whale watch tour weather permitting, or drive up there in the
afternoon, do the tour early in the morning & be back in Chch by afternoon
(or Arthurs Pass by evening).

The usual trip to Queenstown via the glaciers & Wanaka can be done in about
4-5 days. The DOC office at Arthurs Pass will advise you on suitable walks.
Don't miss the Punchbowl Falls - only 20 minutes from the road. It is best
to allow 2 nights at Franz Josef in case the weather prevents flying on the
first day. There are ski planes that will take you up & over Mt Cook & land
on the Tasman Glacier. Try a google search on Mount Cook skiplanes. There
is a really good 5 hour walk from Franz Josef to Roberts Point which is a
lookout above the glacier.

In Wanaka you can tramp up the Matukituki Valley to RobRoy Glacier. Again
the DOC office will advise you. If you are driving yourself to Milford it
is best to overnight in Te Anau so you can get away ahead of the majority of
tour buses.

Vicki

Traveller

Mike <> wrote in message
news:...
    > 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. ..... >
    > Christchurch Area /Kaikoura
    > Arthurs Pass
    > Franz Josef Glacier
    > Mt. Cook
    > Queenstown Area/Milford Sound

Too much for the time you have.

Hire a camper as it will extend your flexibility.
Perhaps C'hurch to the west coast down to Wanaka, up via Mt cook to C'hurch.

Kiakoura maybe if time permits, but it would be an awful rush. That route
would provide plenty of walk opportunities, even a jet boat ride.

We learnt on our trip that everywhere takes longer to get to than planned -
winding hilly roads slow you down considerable (a chance to enjoy the
scenery!!)

Traveller

texan

On 20 Nov 2003 08:29:53 -0800, (Mike) wrote:

    >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. We are flying open jaw, arive in
    >Christchurch and depart from Queenstown. The places that we had
    >planned to see are listed below. We are not going to be doing any
    >multi-day treks, however, we would like to do some day hikes. Our
    >thoughts for hikes were in Arthurs Pass, Franz Josef, Mt. Cook area,
    >and Queenstown area. Although Mt. Cook and Franz Josef are close,
    >there doesn't appear to be any direct way of going between these
    >locations. Is it possible to fly between Mt. Cook and Franz Josef?
    >Can I see Mt. Cook as a day trip from Queenstown?
    >I would appreciate any recommendations on how to allocate time between
    >these points, what path to travel, and were to stay. We are going to
    >have a rental car during our entire time. Thanks for your help. Mike
    >Christchurch Area /Kaikoura
    >Arthurs Pass
    >Franz Josef Glacier
    >Mt. Cook
    >Queenstown Area/Milford Sound

Is there anyway of changing your ticket to departure out of
Christchurch rather than Queenstown? Or is it already ticketed and
can't be changed!

I have been looking at your itin and came up with the following:

As for Kaikoura, where do you live?
If near the ocean, it is a trip you could pass on unless you really
want to do the whale watch tour and/or swim with the dolphins

www.whalewatch.co.nz

http://www.dolphin.co.nz/

Alternative: skip Kaikoura and visit Hanmer Springs on a day trip
instead where you can go for a walk up conical hill then relax in the
hot thermal pools

http://www.hotfun.co.nz/

Or skip either of the above and concertrate on the following:

Christchurch to Arthurs Pass [overnight]

If you started early in the morning, you would have half a day to do a
walk
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~T...Park/index.asp
http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/p...thurspass.html

Arthurs Pass to either Franz Joseph [preferably] or Fox Glacier

Overnight one or two nights [ or overnight then after completing your
stay here, head further on south and overnight somewhere along the
road].

You can either take a walk up to one of the Glaciers [guided] or maybe
a helo trip which could encompass seeing Mt Cook.
http://www.mountainhelicopters.co.nz/index.html

Glaciers to Queenstown.

Queenstown - Milford
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~T...Road/index.asp

If you wanted to do Mt Cook National Park from Queenstown, it would
be too long a drive for a day trip and I would recommend an overnight
at Mt Cook
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~T...Cook/Index.asp

Christchurch - do you intend spending a day or more in the city?
What are your interests ie: botanical gardens, visit to the
International Antarctic Centre, etc?
http://www.iceberg.co.nz/
http://www.artscentre.org.nz/


Cath

texan

On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 15:10:41 +1000, "traveller"
<> wrote:

    >Mike <> wrote in message
    >news:...
    >> 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. ..... >
    >> Christchurch Area /Kaikoura
    >> Arthurs Pass
    >> Franz Josef Glacier
    >> Mt. Cook
    >> Queenstown Area/Milford Sound
    >Too much for the time you have.
    >Hire a camper as it will extend your flexibility.
    >Perhaps C'hurch to the west coast down to Wanaka, up via Mt cook to C'hurch.

The poster states they are open jaw ie: arr CHC; dep ZQN.

Cath

    >Kiakoura maybe if time permits, but it would be an awful rush. That route
    >would provide plenty of walk opportunities, even a jet boat ride.
    >We learnt on our trip that everywhere takes longer to get to than planned -
    >winding hilly roads slow you down considerable (a chance to enjoy the
    >scenery!!)
    >Traveller

Evski

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!


For back issues of KiwiNewZ newszine please visit;
http://www.KiwiNewZ.com/html/newszine.htm


If you wish to contact us:

Evan and Jane Bloomfield
fx +64 3 442 8342
PO Box 2125, Queenstown 9197, AOTEAROA

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Mike

Thank you for all the responses to my original email. We are
traveling in late December so there will be maximum daylight. Our
tickets are already set, Arrive by air to Christchurch from the north
island and depart back to Auckland from Queenstown. Based on what
people say it appears that a day trip to Kaikoura is not necessary if
time is limited. I live in New York, so although I'm near the ocean,
I have not seen any whales or dolphins.

I was wondering if if there is a preference to travel down the
westcoast to see the glaciers or from Christchurch to Mt. Cook to
Queenstown? From what I understand, the weather will be better on the
east side of the Alps. Below is the itinerary that we put together.
I guess in order to maximize time in the south, we could eliminate
Kaikoura and Banks Peninsula and add days in Mt. Cook and Queenstown.
If anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate your comments.

Proposed Itinerary

Day

1) Morning Flight from Auckland to Christchurch. See Christchurch.

2) Kaikoura Day Trip from Christchurch

3) Banks Peninsula day trip from Christchurch

4) Drive Christchurch to Arthurs Pass to Franz Josef Glacier

5) Franz Josef Glacier

6) Drive Franz Josef to Wanaka. Stay in Wanaka

7) Stay in Wanaka

8) Drive Wanaka to Queenstown. Stay in Queenstown

9) Day trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Return to
Queenstown.

10 Queenstown. Depart 3pm flight to Auckland