Itinerary
December 9, 2018 - December 11, 2018 (Flights out)
NZ4531 departs Victoria 3:10pm arrives Vancouver 3:40. Continues on NZ23 departing 6:20pm and arriving Auckland 5:30am on December 11.
December 11 - December 16
Exploration time in Auckland
December 16
Flight to Gisborne departs on NZ8169 at 3:40pm and arriving 4:45pm
December 16 - December 30
Christmas with Sue and Megan in Wairoa (a town on the east coast of the north island in Hawke's Bay between Gisborne and Napier).
December 30
NZ5777 departs Napier at 3:45pm and arrives Christchurch 5:20pm
December 30, 2018 - January 1, 2019
On the oceanfront of Christchurch for 2 days exploration.
January 1 - 10, 2019 (see MORE below)
Campervan Road Trip around South Island in a Jucy Campervan Cabana rental. Details on the vehicle are
here.
January 10 (Flights home)
NZ562 departs Christchurch at 5:00pm, arrives Auckland 6:20pm. Continues to NZ24 at 8:05pm and arriving same day (earlier) at 12:10pm. Finally onto NZ4798 at 3:15pm and arriving home in Victoria at 3:45
MORE Details on the Road Trip : January 1 - 10, 2019
CHRISTCHURCH to LAKE TEKAPO – 3 hours driving, 244KM (2019-01-01)
I Pick up my keys and head inland to the stunning Mackenzie Country, which lies at the foot of the Southern Alps. En route, stopping in Geraldine or Fairlie for a bite to eat – both are down-to earth – the lake is an intense milky-turquoise colour, which it gets from the surrounding glaciers. Spectacular is an understatement! ToDo: Hit the hot pools, go stargazing, or stroll the lakefront.
LAKE TEKAPO to WANAKA, 2.5 hours driving, 203KM (2019-01-02 to 03)
Today, I take my time driving through some of the South Island’s most picturesque places. Heading south, stopping at Lake Pukaki; further on, journeying up and over the Lindis Pass, which links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. Trying to arrive in Wanaka in the early afternoon, so that I can explore the area a little – go for a short hike in Mount Aspiring National Park or just kick back with your drink of choice and soak up the scenery.
WANAKA to TE ANAU, 3 hours driving, 244KM (2019-01-04)
This morning my route takes me over the Crown Range, through the outskirts of Queenstown and along the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Te Anau looks out over the wilderness that is Fiordland National Park – it’s a spectacular settlement. I'll consider exploring on foot; strolling the lakeshore, walking part of the famous Kepler Track or even thinking about trying my hand at flyfishing with one of the local operators.
DRIVE THE MILFORD ROAD to MILFORD SOUND, 2 hours driving, 120KM (2019-01-05 to 06)
Today is the Big Kahuna of the trip – driving the Milford Road to Milford Sound! When it comes to Milford Sound, the journey is just as spectacular as the destination. Venturing deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park, and making sure I make plenty of time to stop for photos. Soaking up the beauty of the Eglinton Valley, carved by glaciers during the last ice age; stopping to see the Mirror Lakes and admiring the accomplishment that is the Homer Tunnel – which took 20 years to complete! The descent into Milford Sound itself spectacular.
MILFORD SOUND to MANAPOURI, 2 hours 15 mins driving, 140KM (2019-01-07)
I'll re-trace much of my driving from yesterday, but when it’s all so beautiful, does it really matter? I'll spend the night in Manapouri, another little town on the edge of a huge lake. Taking a stroll or jumping in the lake for a refreshing dip.
MANAPOURI to INVERCARGILL, 2 hours driving, 143KM (2019-01-08)
This coastal drive (the Catlins) takes me past a petrified rainforest, and some wild and beautiful beaches. Abundant sea life including seals, sea lions hectors dolphins and penguins. Numerous walks to waterfalls and beautiful scenery. Great sightseeing trip.
Here is a great website that has links to the waterfalls in the Catlins.
INVERCARGILL to DUNEDIN, 3 hours driving, 205KM (2019-01-09)
Today, I cross much of the lower South Island to reach Dunedin. Stopping for a look around in Gore – the official home of country music in New Zealand. There are a couple of great museums and galleries here. Dunedin is around two hours from Gore. Near Dunedin I'll be sure to stop at Nugget Point Lighthouse for hopefully some stunning photos.
DUNEDIN to CHRISTCHURCH, 4 hours 45 mins driving, 361KM (2019-01-10)
Drop off Campervan and head home...
