I think a big part of why NZ is so popular is that all the beautiful areas are so close together. I've seen some magnificent things the landscapes around the world can produce, but NZ I can literally surf in the morning, have brunch, and be snowboarding in the afternoon by driving a couple of hours inland. Seriously, from here to here and everything in between, in a few hours. The hard part for people visiting is trying to cram everything in at once. It's so easy to get to places that they often try and do everything and don't get to really.. take it all in.
Ahh I'm headed to NZ in December and your post continues to raise my expectations. I've always thought of it as a place I could possibly retire to. Do you live there? Any recommendations? I'll be going from Nelson down to Milford.
I do! I live in Dunedin - the heart of the deep south. What does your travel between Nelson and Milford Sound look like? I must say Milford Sound is utterly incredible. You are in for a treat! If you are stopping off at certain areas I can recommend some places, restaurants, touristy things that not everyone gets to see.
Ahh, very cool-I'm more then a little jealous. So I spoke somewhat inaccurately-I'm arriving in Queenstown and then going up to Milford sound and then off to Nelson. This is the general route I'm planning on. Do you have any hiking suggestions in the Milford Sound? I'm looking to do a 1-2 hike in the park. I've been thinking about doing the Milford Track in a day but logistically it seems a bit rough. Also how're you doing on those weigh-lifting goals from a couple months back? Any progress? I've bumped up my numbers a bit but a short stint at Ranger school destroyed my body.. Feel like I'm starting back at square one.
That's a good route! The Milford Track would be great fun, it'd take a chunk of your time though and we've just start the "Season" where hut bookings are required - if you haven't booked already they my be all taken anyway! I'm trying to think of some that are 1-2 day but not coming up with much. There's some great 6-7 hour returns, but can't think of any that would require a night and would fit your plans. The cool thing about your route is that aside from Te Anau, Queenstown and Wanaka, is you're avoiding all the main centres in the south island so you'll get to experience it all on your own :) Flying into Queenstown is great, I hope you've allocated a day or so to explore the town. It's small, but there's a lot to do and you'll want to take a photo ever 10 metres. Te Anau is like a sleepier version of Queenstown, not as much to do but damn if it isn't peaceful. Wanaka is a bit unique, has a bogan culture mixed in with very rich locals. A stunning place though, somewhere in my post history on here I put up a photo in wanaka when I was at a wedding. The West Coast that you're travelling up towards Nelson is just awesome. Few people, all lush forest. There's a cute wee area in Westport that (if you have a day) will help you craft a sweet knife from scratch. My flatmate did hers this year and apparently its a very rewarding experience - I'll try find the name when I'm back at my computer! I think that trip looks very solid and enjoyable. One thing I'd recommend is planning for longer driving stints, our roads are not that great, and our average driver is quite aggressive. You may find yourself plodding along at a leisurely rate as people hoon past you! Don't let them bully you and just turn off when you can if you want to take in the scenery (which you should!). The weight lifting is going well thanks, the numbers are increasing! Just a bit slower as I become more advanced and the progression less linear. All in good time though, makes every goal taste the sweeter as I hit it.