Huat138 2nd Gear January 29, 2018 Share January 29, 2018 Yes.. bought my tickets in Oct last year. It is not direct flight but with transit. Anyway just got informed by SQ that they changing their routes from May 2018 onwards. So now, instead of transit at Canberra, I will transit at Melbourne instead. I bought the same promo tickets, will be travelling early June. ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HW1973 3rd Gear January 30, 2018 Share January 30, 2018 sama sama.. flying off 2nd weekend of June and back to Spore just before school reopens. I bought the same promo tickets, will be travelling early June. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pChou Admin February 23, 2018 Share February 23, 2018 The receptionist at my motel in Te Anu also told me about Doubtful Sound which is an alternative to Milford South in case the road to Milford is closed due to bad weather. The cruise for Doubtful Sound would cost more than Milford though... I did the Franz Josef Glacier walk... or Heli-hike as they called it since the only way up now is via helicopter; they forbid hiking from ground level to the glacier. Costly though... almost 1400 for 3 of us Some pics taken of the glacier to share. How is the experience of the heli hike? I was there last August, stayed for 3 days at franz josef but had no chance to do it due to bad weather. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying_genie 6th Gear February 23, 2018 Share February 23, 2018 Be careful about driving in winter. Short daylight. Low clouds. Wet. A friend's car skidded on 'black ice'. His daughter ended up in ICU and hospital stay there for 2 months. Wife was injured too. Fortunately, he was insured. I have done both Milford and Doubtful Sound over different times. Milford is much more commercialised with better roads. Doubtful is more natural beauty. May be worth not driving to those places. Sit back, enjoy the scenery and let the professionals drive. Many of their tour buses have glass roofs, meant for passenger to enjoy the views as you pass through the mountain passes. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spanly 5th Gear February 23, 2018 Share February 23, 2018 How is the experience of the heli hike? I was there last August, stayed for 3 days at franz josef but had no chance to do it due to bad weather. Yeah the heli hike very much depend on the weather condition, i think if like raining, clouds too low etc they wouldn't proceed for safety reasons.. wow you stay 3 days also no chance.. must be very bad weather throughout? Is a eye-opening experience... of course also my 1st time taking helicopter.. so that add to the excitement.. but I would admit the chopper ride is very short... probably just about 5 mins from take off can reached the glacier liao... of course the main intent is not about the chopper ride but focus on the hike on the glacier itself. The entire activity took about 4 hrs; including briefing, gearing up, waiting for the chopper, the ride to & back & 3 hrs of "ice" time. Initially my wife was very comprehensive about the 3 hrs of "ice" time which means the time we'll spend on the glacier. She worried about hiking for 3 full hours & question about the fitness needed & paiseh if have trouble catching up with the group. In reality, the hike was done in very causal pace.. the guide(s) were very pro to ensure the path are in safe & manageable state before we walked on it... yes we still need to be careful, listen to the instructions given & don't kay kiang... the crampons & walking stick provided make the walk on the ice possible. Of course, I don't recommend this to those elderly with walking problem as any fall will be no joke especially you're out there in the glacier. Kids above 12 should be fine. There're few stops along the way to allow for photos taking, taking a drink etc. So for those going South Island, would recommend to consider including this as part of your itinerary.. suggest to book for the early slots first & if weather no good may still have chance to change to later slots as weather could just turn well after 1-2 hours. If still cannot proceed, they'll refund you if you already made the payment in advance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckweed 1st Gear February 23, 2018 Share February 23, 2018 (edited) Going for a trip to North Island this June. Will be landing at Wellington. Total of 13 days. Current plan is to go at a slower pace as my parents will be travelling with my family. Other than Glowworm caves, Rotorua, Hobbiton, are there any must-visit places in the North? Need some advice from experienced bros here as it will be my first trip to New Zealand. Thanks. Besides the places of interest you mentioned above, my suggestions: - Wellington: 1) Te PaPa Museum: free, and so much to see (https://www.tepapa.govt.nz) 2) Great War Exhibition: not free, but very worth it if you are into WW1 history. staff there told us they may end the exhibition come end 2018 due to lack of funding (https://www.greatwarexhibition.nz) 3) Weta Workshop: for LOTR fans (http://wetaworkshop.com) - Rotorua: 1) Tamaki Maori Village: for a dose of Maori culture, very enjoyable (https://www.tamakimaorivillage.co.nz) 2) Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (https://www.waiotapu.co.nz) 3) Huka Falls: free, along the way out of Rotorua (http://www.hukafalls.com) 4) Redwoods Treewalk: cannot compare with the ones in California, but still worth a short visit (http://www.treewalk.co.nz/en_US/about-the-redwoods-treewalk/) 5) If you can all cycle, I highly recommend going on a cycling tour - Happy Ewe Cycle Tours (https://www.happyewetours.com). You'll get to visit the not often visited places. The drive between Wellington and Rotorua can be a long one, so you may want to consider a stop in between. For our trip in late Nov/early Dec 2017, we stayed over in a farm. Hope the above helps :) Edited February 23, 2018 by duckweed 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atrecord Supersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 Wife has been planning for a family vacation to NZ this Dec. Apart from our family of 4, we'll be bringing my parents along too. Will be going to South Island only, for about 12 days. We're planning to rent a MPV to move around. Am looking at renting a Kia Carnival. Is this MPV suitable for the type of terrain typical of NZ? The tentative itinerary that wife has planned (i copy and paste) is: Christchurch Train ride Christchurch to Greymouth railway stationFranz Josef/Fox Glacierdo helicopterWanaka treepuzzling worldWaiorau Snow Farm ??coach cruise coach to milford soundglowworm cavesQueenstowngondola rideThe Lakesgem alpaca tourchurch of the good shepherdlavender farmMount John University ObservatoryCommodore Hotel Christchurch AirportAntartic centre Any comments on this, and anyone has any other suggestions? Any must-do things that we've left out? tks.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lala81 Hypersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 (edited) CHC-Franz josef/fox-wanaka-queenstown all normal roads (except this snow farm u mentioned). I would prefer not to do a coach trip and just drive to te anau where the glowworm cave is, then drive to milford sound and back by yourself. Queenstown - milford sound and back within 1 day is very tiring. Best not to do as one driver. i drove to te anau, did the glow worm cave in afternoon to early evening. Then drove to milford sound in early morning to catch the 10+am cruise. Cos the buses usu reach around lunch or after lunch time and it spoils the place. Queenstown to te anau is about <2 hrs. Te anau to milford sound pier is probably 1.5-2 hrs 1 way but u can stop along the way at mirror lakes and several other places. The view when u are coming back from milford sound is very nice. But u can stop along the road to view back. The view between queenstown and wanaka is nice as well. Wife has been planning for a family vacation to NZ this Dec. Apart from our family of 4, we'll be bringing my parents along too. Will be going to South Island only, for about 12 days. We're planning to rent a MPV to move around. Am looking at renting a Kia Carnival. Is this MPV suitable for the type of terrain typical of NZ? The tentative itinerary that wife has planned (i copy and paste) is: Christchurch Train ride Christchurch to Greymouth railway stationFranz Josef/Fox Glacierdo helicopterWanaka treepuzzling worldWaiorau Snow Farm ??coach cruise coach to milford soundglowworm cavesQueenstowngondola rideThe Lakesgem alpaca tourchurch of the good shepherdlavender farmMount John University ObservatoryCommodore Hotel Christchurch AirportAntartic centre Any comments on this, and anyone has any other suggestions? Any must-do things that we've left out? tks.... Edited September 17, 2018 by Lala81 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lala81 Hypersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 (edited) my suggestion is that if u r rushed for time like i was, is to just fly domestic down from CHC to queenstown (thats almost a full one day drive but is only a 45min flight) then work your way backwards. you can do without the car in queenstown for 1 day if u just chilling (eat Ferg's burgers) and going up the gondola. Get a car in queenstown, drive to te anau/milford sound area then drive past queenstown to wanaka -- Haast pass --> fox/franz josef -- arthurs pass. --> CHC. Edited September 17, 2018 by Lala81 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
therock Supersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 Some comments Six pax in any car is a bit hard especially since you have luggage. Get the largest one you can. Unless you intend to go cross country it’s fine. Watch out for wind shear though. The plans are ok, just a lot to cover in a short time. If you have time, try going on the doubtful sound cruise instead. Have fun! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesc Hypersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 Some comments Six pax in any car is a bit hard especially since you have luggage. Get the largest one you can. Unless you intend to go cross country itâs fine. Watch out for wind shear though. The plans are ok, just a lot to cover in a short time. If you have time, try going on the doubtful sound cruise instead. Have fun! Agree about the wind. My plane almost couldn't land in Wellington cos of 100 mph winds. 3 other flights diverted to other airports. Walking against the wind was fun. Can lean forward 45 degrees. You should have seen how silly I looked when the wind changed direction and I fell flat on my face. My kids loved it do it again dad, do it again dad. Anyway need to be prepared for driving in that kind of condition. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lala81 Hypersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 (edited) Dec is spring. i went in 2011. Wind not really a big issue. I don't think wind shear is really an issue in the queenstown and te anau area, even milford sound cos of the geography. The seaside towns and cities are windy. Agree about the wind.My plane almost couldn't land in Wellington cos of 100 mph winds. 3 other flights diverted to other airports.Walking against the wind was fun. Can lean forward 45 degrees.You should have seen how silly I looked when the wind changed direction and I fell flat on my face.My kids loved it do it again dad, do it again dad.Anyway need to be prepared for driving in that kind of condition. Edited September 17, 2018 by Lala81 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buadongdong Twincharged September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 (edited) Wife has been planning for a family vacation to NZ this Dec. Apart from our family of 4, we'll be bringing my parents along too. Will be going to South Island only, for about 12 days. We're planning to rent a MPV to move around. Am looking at renting a Kia Carnival. Is this MPV suitable for the type of terrain typical of NZ? The tentative itinerary that wife has planned (i copy and paste) is: Christchurch Train ride Christchurch to Greymouth railway station Franz Josef/Fox Glacier do helicopter Wanaka tree puzzling world Waiorau Snow Farm ?? coach cruise coach to milford sound glowworm caves Queenstown gondola ride The Lakes gem alpaca tour church of the good shepherd lavender farm Mount John University Observatory Commodore Hotel Christchurch Airport Antartic centre Any comments on this, and anyone has any other suggestions? Any must-do things that we've left out? tks.... Don't forget to eat FergBurger (Queenstown) when you are there!! It HUUGGE. Edited September 17, 2018 by Buadongdong 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesc Hypersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 Dec is spring. i went in 2011. Wind not really a big issue. I don't think wind shear is really an issue in the queenstown and te anau area, even milford sound cos of the geography. The seaside towns and cities are windy. You are lucky. I went with my MIL and wind was a big issue. Well maybe more gas than wind if you get the drift. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCTP 6th Gear September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 (edited) Just came back from South Island in early August for 2.5 weeks trip. It was really touch n go at a lot of places. Didn't drive to Franz Josef. What I did was fly in from Queenstown for a semi private tour. Heli hike on the glacier. Wanaka tree, personally, it's just a tree. Don't see the appeal. Lots of people posing and taking photos there though. I just took photos of those people. Some of the locals walked past and shouted at the tourists "oh look, it's a tree!" For Milford sound you can consider driving there from te Anau since you're going in spring season. I took the coach and realised that without snow, it's actually driveable. Just be more cautious. The drive from Wanaka to Queenstown is short by distance, but the lindis pass(if I recall correctly) is has a lot of turns and hardly able to go beyond 70kph. Remember to use low gears. I saw a Subaru outback going too fast and not able to turn in time and crashed into the side of the mountain wall. And also a Suzuki swift that was braking all the way downhill (could smell the burnt smell from behind and saw the brake lights on all the way). The brakes gave way and at one of the turns the swift just went straight into the mountain wall too. Oh yes fergburger. Went to eat twice. It was really good. But I went outside of normal meal times so my queue was shorter. From start of queue to getting my burger was about 20min only. Do make a stop at the cardrona bra fence. Cheeky attraction. Maybe even add on your own collection there. I went to the glowworm caves at te Anau. Best to go during day time as they were also giving a tour of nearby flora and fauna. Is your gondola ride referring to the Christchurch one? If so the view is supposedly good. But the day I went up half the mountain was covered in clouds with very strong winds. Mt john observatory at tekapo is good. Got for the star gazing tour. Although highly dependent on weather. I drove up during the day with a toll of 7nzd per car. Great view of tekapo and everything around it. A nice little cafe on top too. The staff there will get everybody to leave before 5pm as there are no lights there. Again, remember low gears. Nobody's allowed to drive up after dark except for their own tours. I stayed at sudima airport hotel the night before flying out and visited the Antarctic centre. Give yourself at least half a day but the whole exhibits can be done in 2 hours or so. Have you considered akaroa? lots of winding mountain roads too, but worth the visit. If you're headed out to the east coast from te anau/Queenstown, an interesting sight will be the Milton kink. The main road through the town of Milton has a link in it due to the 2 separate surveyors starting works from 2 different ends of the road. There's also Dunedin on the east coast. Edited September 17, 2018 by RCTP 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tianmo Hypersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 Wife has been planning for a family vacation to NZ this Dec. Apart from our family of 4, we'll be bringing my parents along too. Will be going to South Island only, for about 12 days. We're planning to rent a MPV to move around. Am looking at renting a Kia Carnival. Is this MPV suitable for the type of terrain typical of NZ? The tentative itinerary that wife has planned (i copy and paste) is: Christchurch Train ride Christchurch to Greymouth railway station Franz Josef/Fox Glacier do helicopter Wanaka tree puzzling world Waiorau Snow Farm ?? coach cruise coach to milford sound glowworm caves Queenstown gondola ride The Lakes gem alpaca tour church of the good shepherd lavender farm Mount John University Observatory Commodore Hotel Christchurch Airport Antartic centre Any comments on this, and anyone has any other suggestions? Any must-do things that we've left out? tks.... you need @darryn the kiwi. Mayb can rent a car from him, last heard he operating a car rental back in kiwi land. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lala81 Hypersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 stay at the motels with the best view man. sibei shiok. look out to see lakes and mountains. damn peaceful. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitvip Supersonic September 17, 2018 Share September 17, 2018 No mention of Mount Cook? It is the highest mountain in South Island. The views are nice. Ps. Mt. Cook only appears when the weather permits! ↡ Advertisement 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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