Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Best way to ZQN?

This trip is purely a theory/hope at this point, but I was wondering what the experts would recommend for visiting Queenstown (and Fiordland).

For some background, I would be visiting a friend who is working in Queenstown. Altogether I'd hope to spend at least 6 nights in New Zealand during the Southern Hemisphere winter (with a couple of days skiing of course). I have never been to NZ and would be flying in from the eastern US probably on a combination of UA and NZ.

The fares to ZQN seem to be about US$100 higher than flying to CHC or $200 higher than AKL roun trip. Would driving from CHC to Queenstown along a suitably scenic route be worth the time? Would the cost of such a trip (in terms of rental and fuel) be comparable to flying? Is there rail service between Christchurch and Queenstown?

There is too much still variable at this point to go into further detail, but thank you in advance.

I'd consider buying your ticket from the US to AKL or CHC, then buy a separate domestic ticket to ZQN. A ticket should be around NZD$200 return, if not less, but make sure you buy it from a NZ site. It's been reported that if you buy it from a US site, e.g., the Air NZ US site, the fare can be a lot higher. Not a great saving, but better than nothing.

As for driving, I don't think you'll save much more over a separate domestic ticket.

There's no rail link between Christchurch and Queenstown, but a coach link is available and that'll be cheaper than by air or by rental car. On the other hand, I'd fly especially if you've limited time. Also, depending on which part of winter you'll be here, roads may be difficult to travel on (if open).

I would fly. If you dont need the security of protected connection then by all means book from NZ's or QF's New Zealand website.

The flight into Queenstown is very spectacular (flight out is also nice but nowhere near as good) - over mountains much of the way from Christchurch and the approach through the valleys is amazing. Be sure to get a window seat (either side good)!

If you like driving and dont want to fly too much then I suggest flying into Queenstown and driving out. There is nice scenery in the region for pleasant drive (except on a small number of days in winter).

Queenstown to Milford Sound is also a spectacular flight - close ups of Sutherland Falls and Mitre Peak for example. But these are only operated by local airlines and small planes.

I agree with Kiwi Flyer - the flight into Queenstown is simply stunning.

During my visit to Queenstown I wanted to visit Milford Sound, and did so by using the Over The Top helicopter company (http://www.flynz.co.nz/). Not cheap, but still good value. Flying over the Remarkables in a helicopter is an experience not to be missed.

Glenn

I am doing a Milford Sound overnight cruise with a fly back option in April. I have heard such good things about the area in general and especially about flying over it. I can't wait.

I took the InterCity coach from Christchurch to Queenstown. It took something like nine hours if I remember correctly. We made several short stops along the way, including Lake Tekapu and Mount Cook. It was very scenic, and the driver gave lots of interesting commentary. It's great if you're not in any big rush!

Driving time from Christchurch to Queenstown is more like 5.5 hours. The first hour and a half out of Christchurch are very dull, but after that it gets much more scenic, and parts are stunning. There are one or two twisy bits but for the most part it is easy driving too (by NZ standards that is - don't expect any freeways!). Then again, the Queenstown / Te Anau / Milford area is even more stunning, so on a short trip like that you're probably better off flying.

Unless you're planning to stop in Christchurch or Auckland, I'd buy your ticket all in one to avoid hassles with connections in case there are delays, and also to ensure that you still get your decent North American luggage allowance (rather than the measly 20kg domestic allowance, which is pretty challenging if you have ski gear).

If flying Christchurch to Queenstown you want a window on the right hand side IMHO - absolutely stunning. Bear in mind also that AirNZ have direct LAX-CHC flights 3x weekly, which would be a bit simpler and quicker than transiting through Auckland, as many of the flights from Auckland to Queenstown go via Christchurch anyway. Trains are unfortunately not an option - trains in NZ for the most part are going the way of the dodo!

Flying over the Remarkables in a helicopter is an experience not to be missed.
Jumping out of a plane over the Remarkables works too. My guess is that the helicopter ride is probably cheaper though, and either way I'm sure it lasts a lot longer.

Queenstown is a great place. You'll have heaps of fun. Spent two nights there in December as part of a circular driving route around the South Island -- I'll try to get my trip report posted over the next week.

I did the flight-cruise-flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound with Glenochy Air. If you book directly with them by phone or at the airport, they might give you a 5-10% discount if you ask nicely.

I'll echo responses from others.

The flight from CHC to ZQN is specatular in the 737. The pilots actually have to fly the plane. Have your seatbelt securely fastened for the landing.

Make sure you book through the NZ resident portal of the Air NZ website, price will be better for sure.

Lots of good advice here on flying into ZQN, but I'll be flying out (to SYD on NZ 231). Which side should I sit for the best view? Also, this is a 2-class A320 and I'll be in the front. Is there much to choose between rows 1 and 2 for legroom and recline (apart from the obvious bulkhead issues)?

Thanks.

The view is nowhere near as good flying out. Given there is only 4 window seats in business I would concentrate on getting one of those (regardless of side). In the A320 row 1 has slightly less legroom than row 2 but easier to get in/out of seat (no one in front to recline into your space).

Thanks Kiwi Flyer. Everything except 1F is available right now, so is there an optimal choice?

I would probably go for row 2. Depending on time of year 2F to avoid glare from setting sun.

Y'egads, I never even properly thanked everyone for their responses. Thank you, and apologies. As it happens I'll be going in mid-October instead of winter and will have a little more time than originally planned (still not remotely enough). But I'll be flying in from Sydney to meet some friends and time is critical.

I am somewhat surprised about the total lack of trans-Tasman redeyes; it looks like I will waste a whole day flying over water. Maybe I will try to connect in AKL instead of CHC; I'm trying to use UA miles since $700 for the open jaw return via AKL is quite steeper than what I'm accustomed to paying for such distances.

There are evening flights from all the main east coast Oz cities to AKL/WLG/CHC - depart around 6-7 and arrive 12-1am. Of course these wont connect well to domestic flights. There are two red-eyes IIRC, but these are from PER (on Air NZ) and ADL (on Qantas) - both to AKL only.

... I am somewhat surprised about the total lack of trans-Tasman redeyes; it looks like I will waste a whole day flying over water. Maybe I will try to connect in AKL instead of CHC; I'm trying to use UA miles since $700 for the open jaw return via AKL is quite steeper than what I'm accustomed to paying for such distances.If you really wish to fly a 'red eye', as Kiwi Flyer posted there are some on QF from Adelaide to Auckland. They fly Sun, Tue & Thu. In mid October, NZ are on Daylight savings time and the flight departs ADL at 9:30PM and arrives in AKL around 5am.