I will be arriving in Auckland in late June and need to be in Queenstown by July 10. I am wondering what is the best way to travel south and still see the highlights along the way? Is renting a car and driving (I will be alone) easy and safe? Are there hostels along the way for overnights? I will have a couple of big bags to haul along. What do you recommend as the key spots to stop and see during the trip? If I do not do the car rental thing, what other travel options would there be? Thanks.
New Zealand Travel Forum » Getting around New Zealand
Two week tour - North to South?
(4 posts)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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With 2 weeks to travel south, I would suggest either hiring a car or booking yourself on a backpacker bus trip.
If you choose to hire a car, you'll find driving is very safe and easy in New Zealand. The biggest benefit to hiring a car is that you get to choose exactly where you go and when. If you want to stop along the way to take photographs (and trust me, you will!), then you can and you can stay as long or as little in each town as you wish. There are indeed many excellent hostels dotted all throughout New Zealand, and not just in the big towns and cities. You'll find them in the most remote places too so there is no worry about trying to find accommodation. This time of year is pretty quiet so you should find a bed at most backpackers. The beauty of staying in hostels, should you decide to drive, is that it gives you the chance to meet people in the evenings, if you have spent the day on your on in the car. This could also be a good option if you have lots of luggage as you can simply throw all your bags in the back of the car and head off on your way. Take a look at www.destination-nz.com for a list of hostels around New Zealand.
If however, you would prefer to share your experience with other like-minded travellers and have the journey planned out for you, I would suggest booking a ticket on a traveller bus, such as the Magic Bus, Kiwi Experience or Stray Bus. They each offer different passes and each pass will stop at different locations. Drivers tend to give commentary along the way so you'll learn a lot more about the places you visit than perhaps if you are alone in a car. The best thing to do is check out their websites and see what they each offer. Many travellers like this option because it means they can kick back and relax on a bus and enjoy the views, while meeting other people at the same time.
I would say, if you have just two weeks to head south, some of the must-visit destinations would include:
North Island:
• The Coromandel
• Rotorua
• Taupo
• WellingtonSouth Island
• Nelson
• Kaikoura
• ChristchurchYou could then take the TranzAlpine train over to the West Coast, to Greymouth from Christchurch and travel down to Franz Josef before heading on to Queenstown. If you chose to do this, you could simply book a seat on the Intercity bus from Greymouth to Franz Josef and then from Franz Josef to Queenstown.
Just be aware that we are heading in to winter here now so bring some warm clothes as it can get pretty chilly (and wet) in some parts of the country!
Good luck with your trip and give us a shout if you've any more questions!
Posted 1 year ago # -
According to me, traveling by bus would be best as you will see beautiful views on the way. You can book New Zealand Coach Tours, they arrange tours daily from Auckland to Christchurch. You will have fun experience of a lifetime with them.
Posted 2 months ago # -
in south,Te Aroha is also very beautiful place.It is well known as "Place of LOVE".here is site given for your help Te Aroha Accommodation
Posted 3 weeks ago #
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