First time in NZ South Island: Queenstown or Christchurch?
May 16, 2019, 12:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne, Florida, USA
Posts: 2,983
First time in NZ South Island: Queenstown or Christchurch?
For my first time in New Zealand's South island in early December for 4 nights, shall I pick Queenstown or Christchurch?
I am interested in walking, hiking, exploring.
Thank you in advance!
I am interested in walking, hiking, exploring.
Thank you in advance!
May 16, 2019, 1:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 508
Enjoy!!
May 17, 2019, 4:37 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: DL Gold, AA Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 253
Four nights on the south island is really not enough time, but you take what you can get, right? I love both places. Christchurch is definitely more of city and has a bit of an English vibe. Queenstown is the place if you love spectacular scenery, adventurism, and great hiking. I haven't been in a few years and hear it's getting more and more crowded, so you could consider some other smaller towns around Q-town, like Wanaka or Te Anu (great access to the trails there). You really can't go wrong in NZ. For my money it's the most spectacular place on earth. Have a great trip.
May 18, 2019, 6:21 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: UA lifetime gold; Hilton Gold; Marriott/SPG Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,954
If you want to be really busy I would land in Christchurch, spend one day there
Take a tour bus that drives down the island with a stop at Cook Mountain area and arrives late in Queenstown
Spend the rest of your time in Queenstown and fly out of that airport
If you must pick one of those I would vote Queenstown for the uniqueness.
Take a tour bus that drives down the island with a stop at Cook Mountain area and arrives late in Queenstown
Spend the rest of your time in Queenstown and fly out of that airport
If you must pick one of those I would vote Queenstown for the uniqueness.
May 18, 2019, 6:36 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,584
don't take a pass on Christchurch
A couple of years ago, we had a one month home exchange in Dunedin and traveled to Queenston by car. Fabulous.
We also really liked Christchurch. After the earthquake, its a fascinating place.
IMO, do both.
We also really liked Christchurch. After the earthquake, its a fascinating place.
IMO, do both.
May 19, 2019, 4:48 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SFO, OAK, SJC
Posts: 242
With 4 nights (I take this to mean 3 full days), stick to Queenstown and maybe a day trip to Wanaka or Milford Sound (plan your travel wisely as you will undoubtedly spend more time than you think you will driving).
