Christchurch or Auckland in October?

Show all answers

travel_stories

You have the option of Auckland with some side trips.Either north to the Bay of Islands and back down the west coast via the Waipoua Kauri Forest, or south to Waitomo for some blackwater rafting, and/ or the gloworm caves, Rotorua for some thermal activity and Maori culture, and back via Tauranga and Mount Maunganui beach.Or you could find time to get as far as Taupo but really you would not be doing justice to the rest if you were doing that.

I assume you do not intend just driving but seeing things along the way. Auckland city and surrounds could keep you very busy for several days, but you could see the basics in a couple of days.

The South Island is very beautiful and you could do a trip from Christchurch through Arthurs Pass to Greymouth, down the West Coast via the Glaciers, through Haast Pass to Queenstown, then back to Christchurch via Twizel and Lake Tekapo (with a side trip to Mt Cook if you have time.)

If you spend a day in Christchurch, you would be very very rushed. You may be better to go to Queenstown one way ( the quickest route via Twizel and Lake Tekapo) ) and back either via Dunedin or via Mt Cook the other

The South Island roads are quieter, but New Zealand roads are often steep, windy and certainly not long straight stretches like you get in parts of Canada. You need to allow more time than you might expect. Especially if you want to see more than just out a car window.

Personally I don't think Tasmania is that similar to New Zealand although it is greener than much of Australia.But you will find you need to plan well for 5 days in New Zealand.Either island is a good choice depending on what appeals most. The North Island would be more different to Canada than the South.

mareeclara

Now having lived in Chrsitchuruch for a few years and the South Island for most of my life I personally like the South Island. It is also reknowned for the better scenery as well.

It depends on where you want to go but you can do a round trip going in either direction but here is te north to south version...
In chch, travel to the Hokitika via Arthurs Pass....change in scenery is marked and lovely.
Travel down the West Coast thru Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and Haast ( the latter is isolated)..there are lots of lovely little walks erg Lake Matheson, Ship Creek,

Come over the Haast Pass to Wanaka and Queenstown...there lots of adventure stuff there

Queenstown to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo, Lindis Pass (maybe a side trip to Mount Cook National Park), and back up North.

That would give you some great scnery and variations.
THere are other places...check out the websites as one is for tourists in general, the other aa is for both kiwis and travellers (see the 101 must do things for kiwis as it was voted for by us )
www.newzealand.com
www.aatravel.co.nz

DLynx

The South Island seems to be preferred by most people but I suspect you will land in Auckland and may want to consider the weather in October. The far north will be warmer and the North Island has many charms. You will want to keep in mind that you cannot take a rental car between the islands on the ferry so be sure to get you car where you will spend your time.

seary_us

In October, Auckland. You can get cold weather and scenery in Tasmania. but if you're ever going to NZ in February, go to Christchurch. Don't forget the top half of South Island, places like Abel Tasman N Pk, Queen Charlotte Sounds, Nelson, and, if you're into wine, the Marlborough Wine Festival.
If you're after advice about Tasmania, join www.wayn.com and say hello to me (rich-will) or www.discovertasmania.com. I have had many tour guests who have come direct from South Is. and found Tasmania delightful in its own right and different enough from NZ to be worthwhile.

Renegade

Auckland is a good place to start.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: