For people who have been, will be going or want to go sometime in the future, what is in your opinion the top 5 must see/do places in South New Zealand?
*Exclude extreme activities like bungee jumping, because…I am a chicken, and ridiculously expensive things.
A few things come to mind are the Fox Glaciers and the Lord of the Rings scene.
I am exactly the same as you to an extent, I wouldn't go bungee jumping..
I traveled the entire south island in a couple of weeks. Key places to see are Dunedin, Queenstown and the west coast. Essentially just do a massive loop and include the top of the island.
Bare in mind that fuel in NZ is stupidly expensive. Like I paid up to $2.36 a litre for unleaded about 2 years ago.
I used bookme.co.nz to book some white water rafting which was awesome. I'd recommend going jet boating in queenstown, also the luge is great. I also did downhill mountain biking near the luge in Queenstown but ye. If you're there in winter the snow is great.
I noticed that a lot of the scenic attractions are very similar, eg. mountains and glaciers. Are they all uniquely different that it's worth driving an extra 4 hours down, or is it basically the same thing from a different angle?
uhmmmm do you have any specific examples? I've been to Mt Hutt, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak when it comes to mountains and i've been to fox glacier - didnt go to franz joseph. I probably wouldnt go to both as once you've seen one you've seen them all.
In terms of the mountains that I have been to, if you're based in Queenstown I would say that its not worth going out of your way to any outside of that region.
The most specific ones I remember would be the Fox glacier and Franz Josef. I'm also wondering if the majority of the West side where the ice is, is basically the same or no better than the two famous ones (Fox and Franz).
As for mountains, if there's a famous one near queenstown or Christchurch (I'm thinking Arthur's pass), I probably won't bother to make the drive to visit other mountains in the South or the North regions (of South NZ).
Plan atm is to land and wander around Queenstown, including to Milford sound. Then go up to Fox glacier region and make our way to Christchurch and fly out there.
Some things like glowworms caves, jetboat and hot springs, we've done before but in the North island. So we're thinking of maybe skipping those to reduce cost.
1) Ask a farmer where he shears his sheep. You'll soon discover they don't like sharing.
2) Visit the Virgins of Invercargill; a sister who can outrun her brothers.
3) Any land mark starting with Whak*. pronounced differently than you may expect. Fark … it's all in good fun.
4) Queenstown cause the mountains are better than ours but the snow is practically the same.
5) Don't forget to check out the West Island. Dreamworld is still open but unfortunately the River Rapids ride has been shut down.
Was there about 10yrs ago.
Things that stick out were the scenery whilst driving was amazing, Queenstown was great, Christchurch was pretty too, the glaciers were cool to look at but after doing that for a couple of hours there was nothing much else around, so worth a look but not a linger in the area, Milford sound is also a must.
The dive from Lake Tekapo through to Mt Cook. Part with your money to go and see the glacial icebergs.
Mirror Lakes near Fox Glacier.
Milford Sound and day trip.
Just returned from there
Used bookme all the way, cheap adventures and meals in fancy cafes and hotels on the cheap if off peak
Milford sound - cruise etc
Queenstown - KJet is good and value Shotover a bit overpriced, still good
Mountain biking - skiing depends on season
Hokitika gorge
LOTR cruising Te Anau glaciers glenorchy
Glaciers are a bit meh at this time of year, only prescribed "safe" way up there now is by helicopter - still it was spectacular scenery all the way
Kaikoura- sea activities, seals dolphins, fishing - great seafood —- town is a bit devastated by the earthquake last year— roads are still being repaired and anything north of kaikoura like Ohau is downright closed because of slides
Go up ski resorts even if there is no snow- great views
Tips
Buy some proper insect repellant- proper ones- not your "natural honey/ eucalyptus bullshit" Ive got the sandfly bites to prove it
Get a Countdown "Woolworths" AA fuel discount card from the counter and register, use a fake address and number. Saved heaps on fuel 4000km of fuel isnt cheap
Ace car rental is great $500 AUD for 16 days 2012 Camry on special - I got lucky
I think everyone above has covered all the main places only one that i haven't seen mentioned is Hammer Springs if you don't mind a hotspring town.
The 5 places i enjoyed and would recommend (note: didn't see the glaciers otherwise they'd probably be on the list)
1) Mount Cook
2) Hammer Springs
3) Milfords Sound
4) Queenstown
5) Lake Te Anu
South Island is beautiful so great choice!!
Top Five Places to go -
* Lake Wanaka
* Milford Sound
* Queenstown(QT)
* Dunedin
* Fox Glacier
Top Five Things to do -
* QT gondola ride - viewing the town/lake
* Cadbury chocolate factory
* Routeburn Track
* Milford Sound boat cruise - spectacular views
* Partying/ checking out LOR sites in and around QT
* Hiring a car and driving around the whole South Island - 14-30Days - Beautiful!
Top Places to eat -
* FergBurger QT
* Mussels all of the coast
* Epanadas QT
I spent 3 weeks driving a campervan there in 2007. Best month of my life.
Besides the recurring great places like Milford/Wanaka. My best hidden gem would be Wharariki Beach - one of the best beaches I've been to. The NW region of the island has some great spots around Abel Tasman/Golden Bay.
Kaikoura on the east of the island is great for whale spotting. Actually, enjoyed one of my best momennts there in town. A storm rolled in & we used a disused petrol station for cover, grabbed some ludicrously cheap mussels to cook, red wine, baguette. Great times.
Definitely hire a Campervan and drive all over. Its so well set up for it.
-Just driving through Scenic areas such as Arthur's Pass, Lindis Pass, Mt Cook area. Haast to Wanaka was pretty impressive to drive too.
-Kaikoura Dolphin Swim (amazing swimming and playing with 500+ dolphins) or Whale watching.
-Queenstown and Wanaka are beautiful and heaps to do. Shotover Jet well worth doing.
-Milford Sound cruise
-Glaciers are ok but are disappearing very quickly so not quite as impressive anymore.