Can I circumnavigate South Island New Zealand in 3 weeks starting at Christchurch.?

Question

Could you list points of interest not to be missed. Two years ago I did the Molesworth trail. Cant wait to go back again.

Answer 1

Dude I am a Kiwi. You can do it in 3 weeks..EASY. Don't miss Queenstown, especially in winter as it's major appeal is the snow and thousands flock ther every winter from all countries. There is way to much to do there so its worth spending at least a third of your trip there. While you are there spend a bit of time browsing the local lakes and outskirts. DEFINATELY go for a drive to Milford Sounds. Its a gobsmacking drive...about 3 hours from Queenstown, its all 1000metre cliff faces etc. When you get there go out on one of the ferries. Milford Sound is only made up of 1 hotel and a few ferries, very touristy but a must trip. Travel through the Cantrbury Plains up the coast north of Christchurch, very worth it. If you need tip email me at
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Answer 2

Yes, you sure can. I have done it twice in a hired camper. You will have heaps of time. Beware the distances may be short but the roads are curvy and you may want to stop to have a look at the scenery. It depends on what you want to see and do I suppose. If excitment is it, well I suppose the ski feilds of Quennstown may be calling, but for that less than tourist place, I found Wanaka better that Queenstown. The west coast is wet and rainy but some glaciers are good to see. And you can drive up to Fox and see it all for nothing. Hamner Spring was good for a R&R. The east coast is just great. The drive from Christchurch to Nelson I think is just great. I also found the penguin colony at Amarau good and the gardens are just so good. I am sure you will have a good time. I may do it again but, just get a hire car and stay in motels. I reckon the price would be similar. Depends on the season a lot. Be worth checking. We wanted to see snow and we saw heaps. In the end we felt like we had seen enough
snow for ever. Hope you have a good trip.

Answer 3

It depends on what you want to do. If you want to do a big trek like the Milford or one of the other ones then that can take up a big chunk of your time.

There are a few cool things to do that aren't advertised. Go to cave stream on the way to Arthurs pass from Christchurch. It is a river that goes through one of the mountains. It is a fantasic walk and really neat to do. The walls of the cave are totally smooth and in the summer the water is nice and warm. You need a flashlight!!!

Plan to camp at the meatworks near Kaikoura. This is a place that you can camp right on the beach and build a fire with all the driftwood that has washed up on shore. It is really neat and relaxing. Any local will know where the meatworks are.

I hope that helps.

Bruce

Answer 4

the queen charlote trail was sweet, Check out new zealand lonely planet for hiking. it will have everything listed,routed with comments.
I purchased a car in christchurch for $400 and drove it twice around the south island and up to aukland where i sold it for $500(3 months). Every day I found amazing campsites all throughout.. those trails in the north west seemed good.have a great time
If you happen to be on the west coast during THE WILD FOOD FAIR it was a blast. 30,000 locals decsend on the beach town and have the craziest food. at night there are bands. And I have never seen so many campfires on a beach. I counted over 160 seperate campfires all surround by friendly people.

Here's an idea if you haven't bought your flight yet. Often you can have a layover in fiji for free or cheap. from nandi there are inexpensive boats that you can take to private islands (mamanucas, yasawas) with cheap hostels.. I stayed across from " THE BLUE LAGOON" for $12.50 for tent space three meals a day and snorkeling trip.

Answer 5

Yeah you can do it in 3 weeks. Make sure you go down to Queenstown which is stunning. Also don't miss Te Anau for Milford and Doubtful Sound. In fact its all beautiful around the south island.