The original post: /r/travel by /u/Hg80 on 2024-05-24 21:21:40.
Currently planning a New Zealand trip At the end of October for 18 total days. We have a lot we want to see an I’ve been scouring best hiking lists, activity lists, etc and want to make sure we hit everything but still have “relaxing time.” Goals of the trip are great hikes, wine/food, scenery.
My biggest concern is that there will be too many driving timing (which I know is somewhat unavoidable). I plan to give plenty of extra time for these days and use them as “oh that looks fun let’s stop!” situations but would love feed back.
- Day 1 (late October)- Arrival early AM Queenstown, recover, explore
- Day 2 -Explore Queenstown (I’m big adventure person but my husband is not so probably no major adventure things, but general exploring, recovering from flight. Hot pools?
- Day 3: Drive to Te Anau
- Day 4: Milford Sound, return to stay in Te Anau
- Day 5: Drive to Lake Wanaka (consider Blue Pools, waterfall creek walk)
- Day 6: If reopens by trip, Rob Roy Glacier Track, alternative Isthmus Peak
- Day 7: Drive to Lake Tekapo, local walks, town, nightitme stargazing excursion
- Day 8: Mount Cook Village/Hooker Valley Track
- Day 9: Lupine flowers/breakfast, then drive to Christchurch, explore Christchurch
- Day 10: Drive to Picton
- Day 11: Full day Wine Tour
- Day 12: Ferry to Wellington, wildlife sanctuary
- Day 13: Drive to Rotoura, Maori musem? Hot pools?
- Day 14: Waitomo glow caves rafting, back to Rotoura for Redwoods night walk
- Day 15: Hobbitown tour AM, drive to Hamilton
-Day 16: Drive to Auckland
-Day 17: Auckland full day
-Day 18: Departing flight evening
Based on research I’m trying to keep driving days flexible witih timing because I know they can be unpredictable. It seems like the longest drive will be Wellington to Rotoura at about 6 hours. Pending on how we’re feeling we might detour to Napier but unclear. I tried my best to compile the combination of things we like to do with outdoor things but some rest and just enjoying it. Any suggestions or changes anyone would make? Anything we’re missing that’s must do? I know we’re missing Abel Tasman and such but I couldn’t make it work. Bonus points if anyone has any restaurant recommendations or suggestions for stops along the drives.