Headed to the south island of New Zealand the last week of Feb 2013.
Will be renting a car in Christchurch on the 24th and driving round to the south and then back up to leave from Queenstown on the 3rd of March. The only solid plan is an over night cruise on Milford Sound on 1 March. Appreciate any information of suggestions on places to stay, and if there is a way to reduce costs or share expenses. Thanks John Emerald Isle, NC
New Zealand South Island
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So you will about seven days travelling (as first day will be arrival and recovery from jetlag and last day will be flight out.
Chch - Mt Cook - Qtn - Te Anau - Milford is a popular route. Personally I would stick with that and enjoy those spots. Some would add an overnight trip to Fox glacier but I think that would be trying to do too much. The drive to Milford is one of the best anywhere.
It's hard to give suggestions for accommodation and activities without more info from you. For example, kayaking in the Sounds is a really nice way to see them, but not if you're 90 years old. Similarly there are some great hostels but not sure if that is your style of travel. Check out bbh.co.nz an. I'd look for those with high ratings. Many have private rooms as well as dorms and cater for all ages.
You can reduce costs by staying in hostels.
You can save money by self-catering, making meals in your accommodation. Hostels usually have shared kitchen facilities.
Motels in NZ are well equipped and well set up for self-catering, but will cost more than hostels.
A possible itinerary:
Feb 24 - Arrive Christchurch - one night (since you're coming from an international flight)
Feb 25 - Drive Christchurch to glaciers via Arthurs Pass with a side trip to Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) - two nights
Feb 27 - Drive from glaciers to Wanaka - two nights
March 1 - Drive from Wanaka to Milford for overnight (five hour drive) - what time do you have to be in Milford???
March 2 - drive from Milford to QT - four hour drive
March 3 - depart QT