Going to the South Island in September for 7-10 days with some family. We will probably hire a campervan.
What are some must see things to put on our itinerary?
Also is there whale watching available in September? If so where?
2007-05-16 11:54:34 · 9 answers · asked by raylie 3 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
You'll love the south island!
Whale watching is in Kaikoura. http://www.kaikoura.co.nz
I
http://www.whalewatch.co.nz
http://www.whales.co.nz
http://www.worldofwhales.co.nz
Must see to do's:
From top of the south island start in Nelson with the great beaches, vineyards, outdoor adventure and art centres. http://www.nelsonnz.com.
Rent a campervan of http://www.tourism-nelson.co.nz and go cruising.
See Abel Tasman National park http://www.abeltasman.co.nz - http://www.aquataxi.co.nz
Marlborough / Picton – The Sounds - http://www.destinationmarlborough.com
Christchurch Best attractions are http://www.chchattractions.co.nz
The Gondola is great - http://www.gondola.co.nz
Queenstown - adventure capital of NZ. Costly little place with all the attractions on offer. You can't pass up a bungy jump though. http://www.ajhackett.co.nz
and the Milford Sounds, http://www.fiordland.org.nz
Enjoy your trip.
2007-05-16 12:30:34 · answer #1 · answered by • Koala • uʍop ɹǝpun 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd start at the top and spend some time in the Nelson region (http://www.nelsonnz.com/) - it is absolutely stunning and has mountains, beaches, vineyards, lakes and forests. I'd then head to the West Coast and visit Punakaiki, which has very dramtic scenery and the pancake rocks (http://www.punakaiki.co.nz/) before going to see either of the glaciers (Franz Joseph or Fox http://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/).
Carry on down the West Coast to Haast then take the Haast Pass through the mountains, making sure to stop and see the Blue Pools, to get to Dunedin on the East Coast. A great little city with loads of character. Then head up the east Coast road to get to Kaikoura for the whale watching (http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/). I was lucky enough to see four whales and a massive school of dolphins feeding when I did it. An amazing experience.
Have fun, the South Island of NZ is one of the most amazing places on this earth!
2007-05-16 13:18:31 · answer #2 · answered by stpredator 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends where you're flying into. I think I may have answered a previous question from you.
If it was you, you said you were flying into Dunedin.
I live in Dunedin and have for the last 12years. I'd suggest when you arrive in Dunedin to visit the AA. They have free maps and guides to NZ.
You really don't have that much time though.
I'd suggest you spend your first day in Dunedin.
tp://www.aatravel.co.nz/101-must-dos-for-kiwis/Dunedin-City.html
www.cityofdunedin.com
Second day, drive through to Queenstown.
www.queenstown-nz.co.nz
www.queenstown.nz.com
Third day, through to Tekapo.
www.tekapotourism.co.nz
Forth day, drive up the west coast. Some people have said don't go to Greymouth or don't go to Westport.
Heres a few websites so you can make your own choices.
http://www.westcoast-nz.worldweb.com/GreymouthNZ/
www.westport.org.nz
Fifth day i'd suggest Nelson. It's very nice there. Lots of Sun.
www.nelsonnz.com/
Sixth Day, Christchurch with a Kaikoura stop.
www.kaikoura.co.nz/
www.christchurch.org.nz/
Then seventh day back to Dunedin.
That's only 7 days and very rushed. I'd suggest you extend it a bit. Also if you have the chance to visit these areas too.
Mt Cook- www.mtcooknz.com/
Te Anau- www.fiordland.org.nz
Good luck
2007-05-16 18:30:10 · answer #3 · answered by ★☆✿❀ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Google 101 things to do in NZ. The NZ Automobile Association did a poll on the most popular attractions. The Southern Scenic Route, Stewart Island, Milford Sound and Queenstown are all good value, but in Queenstown they rip you off.
2007-05-16 14:53:13 · answer #4 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm so much to see, so little time!!!
You could start in Christchurch and drive to Westport (I like it better than Greymouth) this road is a bit windy in parts, but its worth it..there are some great views and its varied and takes around 3 hours without stopping....but you have to stop!!
West Coast....Either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier...I personally prefer Franz....walk on the glacier...half day is easy or fly over them if the weathers ok. Around Haast is lovely too and VERY isolated. There are some great places to visit here... eg Lake Matheson near Fox....the most photographed lake in NZ, maybe Okarito lagoon near Franz ( can go kayaking on the estuary), some neat little walks...there is an EASY one at Ship Creek between Fox and Haast....a beach one is nice but the forest walk is STUNNING (even in the rain). Ask at the information centres at Franz and Fox for maps etc.
Then via Haast Pass (with some great places like the green lakes) to Wanaka and Queenstown...quite different in scenery but no less stunning.
Go via Lindis pass to Mt Cook.....some easy walks there to to the terminal of a couple of glaciers and great views of Mount Cook.
Then back to Christchurch.
If you want to go whalewatching I am certain its all year round at Kaikoura...its about a 2 1/2-3hr journey from Chrsitchurch (and you can go to the west coast via the Lewis pass...which is easier to drive and has Maruia Springs...great for sitting in the hot pools and looking at the mountains even in the rain like we did!)
2007-05-16 19:49:48 · answer #5 · answered by mareeclara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Avoid Westport.
2007-05-16 19:53:00 · answer #6 · answered by iansand 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a notably stable itinerary - makes me choose to return!! the only issues that we did and enjoyed that are lacking are: a) Milford Sound b) Mount cook dinner c) Kaikoura for the whale observing
2016-11-04 04:00:36 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont have personal suggestions as i haven't been, but its worth checking out - www.travellersconnected.com, and www.gapyear.com, and going on NZ country profile, south island, and that will give you some tips.
2007-05-16 12:10:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't drive round the island too fast - you'll get giddy.
2007-05-16 11:59:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋