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Plan Your Trip to South Island: Best of South Island Tourism

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South Island travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Family-Friendly Itinerary Suggestions

According to forum posts, one recommended itinerary for families includes staying in Christchurch, visiting Lake Tekapo, and exploring Queenstown. This route minimizes long drives, which is ideal for families with young children who may not tolerate long periods in a car. Another suggested plan involves staying in Queenstown and incorporating visits to nearby attractions like Glenorchy and Wanaka, which offer scenic beauty and outdoor activities suitable for children.

Considerations for Young Children

For those traveling with a toddler, some users suggested altering plans to avoid areas like Te Anau/Milford Sound, which involve extensive driving that could be challenging for young children. Instead, focusing on destinations like Wanaka and Queenstown could provide a more relaxed experience, with opportunities for child-friendly activities such as visits to farms or short, manageable walks.

Activities and Attractions

Travelers have called out specific attractions that are enjoyable for children, such as the Puzzling World in Wanaka, and suggested incorporating short hikes like the Hooker Valley Track in Mt. Cook, which offers stunning views and an easy path suitable for families. Additionally, exploring towns like Arrowtown for its quaint shops and historical sites can also be enjoyable for all ages.

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Itinerary Suggestions

Some travelers suggested an itinerary that includes arriving in Queenstown and initially staying for a few days to explore local attractions such as the Skyline gondola and a possible day trip to Glenorchy. Activities like jet boating and exploring Arrowtown are highly recommended by forum users.

Additional Activities

According to forum posts, incorporating a visit to Wanaka for a few days is a popular choice. Here, activities can include hiking Roy's Peak, visiting Puzzling World, and exploring the local vineyards. Travelers have also recommended staying in Wanaka to catch early flights from Queenstown, as it is relatively close.

Adventure and Natural Beauty

For those interested in natural landscapes and adventure, a trip to Milford Sound is a must, with options for a coach-cruise-coach tour or more adventurous options like a helicopter flight. Additionally, a visit to Mt. Cook for activities like stargazing and short hikes such as the Hooker Valley Track is highly recommended by many users.

Accommodation and Planning

Securing accommodation well in advance, particularly during peak times like the Wanaka Air Show at Easter, is crucial as places can fill up quickly. Travelers have called out the importance of planning ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

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Car Rental Companies

According to forum posts, some travelers recommended top-tier car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz for their convenience and availability at airport locations. Second-tier companies like Omega, Apex, and EZI were mentioned for offering older but well-maintained vehicles at more competitive prices.

Vehicle Options and Recommendations

For many users, vehicle choices varied based on the type of travel and terrain. Regular cars were deemed suitable for general touring around South Island during non-winter months, while SUVs were generally not necessary unless specific conditions demanded. Apex was frequently suggested for its value, even though it is owned by the Avis/Budget group, which provides a blend of reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Additional Considerations

Travelers have called out the importance of considering the total costs associated with renting vehicles, including insurance, fuel costs, and potential one-way rental fees. Some posts highlighted the advantage of renting from companies that do not charge a relocation fee, like Samuels, which offers 12-seat Mercedes minibuses ideal for larger groups traveling between Queenstown and Christchurch.

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Driving Routes to Wanaka

According to forum posts, one recommended driving route to Wanaka starts from Franz Josef Glacier, taking a scenic drive that includes multiple stops for short walks and sightseeing. This route covers Thunder Creek Falls, Haast Pass, and the Blue Pools, concluding with a drive through Makarora and along Lake Hawea.

Alternative Route Considerations

Some travelers have suggested alternative routes that include significant landmarks. For instance, a route from Queenstown to Wanaka allows for exploration of the surrounding areas and potentially extends to Milford Sound or Mount Cook, depending on the traveler’s itinerary preferences.

Travel Duration and Stops

Travelers have noted that while the drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka can be completed in a day, it is packed with attractions that warrant stops, making it advisable to allow a full day for the journey. This allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to fully enjoy the scenic vistas and short hikes along the route.

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Accommodation Options

According to forum posts, accommodation options at Mount Cook include the Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Court Motel, Mount Cook Lodge, and Aoraki Alpine Lodge. Some travelers have suggested booking accommodation in Twizel if options at Mount Cook are unavailable, as it is only a 50-minute drive away.

Travel and Hiking Tips

Travelers have pointed out that the only way to reach the top of Mount Cook is through experienced alpine climbing. For those interested in exploring the area without extensive climbing, there are several beautiful and relatively easy hikes starting from the village, ranging from 10 minutes to 4 hours. The Hooker Valley Track is particularly recommended for its stunning views and manageable path.

Transportation Insights

For those without a car, some users have suggested using the Cook Connection shuttle service from Twizel and Lake Tekapo, or catching one of the daily coaches from Queenstown or Christchurch. It's advised to book these transport options in advance, especially during peak seasons like December.

General Advice

Travelers recommend booking all accommodations and possibly some activities ahead of time due to high demand, especially during peak tourist seasons. Cleaning and declaring camping gear upon arrival is also advised to prevent biosecurity risks.

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Outdoor Activities

According to forum posts, some popular outdoor activities at Lake Tekapo include walking along the lakefront to view sculptures and the coathanger bridge, accessing the shared walking and cycling trail for extended explorations, and engaging in kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake. Additionally, travelers have called out disc golf as a recommended family activity with courses available in the area.

Observatory Experiences

For many users, visiting the dark sky observatories for tours is a highly sought-after activity in Lake Tekapo, offering unique stargazing opportunities due to the area's renowned clear skies.

Hot Springs

Some travelers said that visiting the Tekapo Hot Springs is a popular activity, especially when combined with a night sky tour, allowing for a relaxing experience under the stars.

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Cruise Options Overview

According to forum posts, Milford Sound offers a variety of cruise experiences. Options range from short two-hour cruises to overnight cruises, with some including special features like underwater observatories. Travelers can choose between large and small boat cruises, each providing different perks and experiences.

Boat Size and Experience

Some travelers have highlighted that smaller boats offer a more intimate and personal experience, allowing closer proximity to wildlife and waterfalls. Larger boats, on the other hand, are often scheduled with coach tours and may offer commentary in multiple languages, providing a different kind of convenience and comfort.

Special Features

Southern Discoveries is noted for being the only company that visits the underwater observatory during its cruise, which allows viewing of black corals. This feature is mentioned as a unique aspect that might appeal to those interested in marine life.

Booking and Timing

Travelers have advised booking early, especially for morning or late afternoon cruises to avoid the times when large coach parties are present. Early morning cruises are recommended for calmer waters and less crowded experiences.

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Variety of Dining Experiences

Christchurch offers a diverse array of dining experiences, from upscale restaurants to unique dining concepts. Some travelers have recommended the Tramway Restaurant for a unique dining experience, albeit at a higher price point, with a fixed four-course meal costing around $135. For those seeking top-end dining options, establishments like Amisfield in Queenstown and Rātā are also mentioned, although these are more expensive.

Mid-Priced and Casual Options

For more casual and mid-priced dining, users have suggested several venues. The Riverside Market is a vibrant spot with a variety of food options, popular for its lively atmosphere. Thai Chefs Restaurant on Riccarton Road is highly recommended for its great Thai cuisine. Another spot, the Oxford Terrace, offers a variety of dining choices across multiple price ranges, suitable for different budgets.

Feedback on Price and Value

The price of dining in Christchurch can vary significantly. Some forum members expressed concerns about the cost of high-end dining, with some meals at noted restaurants reaching up to $360 per person. However, there are also more affordable options that still offer memorable experiences, such as the mentioned mid-range eateries and market options.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.