Three days: North end of South Island?
Sep 27, 2007, 9:09 pm
#1
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Three days: North end of South Island?
As part of a two-week trip to NZ, we arrive in Picton by ferry at 11:35 am on Tuesday, New Year's Day 2008, and leave on the 1 pm train to Christchurch on the 4th, continuing on to Greymouth the next morning and then south to the glaciers. That gives us two half-days and two full days in the area.
We'd like to take a winery tour, spend at least a half day hiking (along the sound? fairly open), get a feel for the crafts, and see any major sights, and ???. We don't have hotel reservations yet (I know, it's getting late) so we're still flexible as to what city/cities we stay in, and will rent a car if there's a reason to. (One of us is fairly experienced with the driving-on-the-left bit.)
What do you suggest for splitting our time among Nelson/Picton/Marlborough, staying in one place versus moving around, things to see/do (two 60-ish fit/active adults), the need for a car, etc.? We've read the FT threads and a few guidebooks, but are looking for something that's (a) a bit more personal and (b) takes our time constraints into account.
(Our bodies will be on NZ time by then. We'll have spent some time on the NI absorbing Maori culture, so that needn't be on the agenda unless there's something unique here.)
We'd like to take a winery tour, spend at least a half day hiking (along the sound? fairly open), get a feel for the crafts, and see any major sights, and ???. We don't have hotel reservations yet (I know, it's getting late) so we're still flexible as to what city/cities we stay in, and will rent a car if there's a reason to. (One of us is fairly experienced with the driving-on-the-left bit.)
What do you suggest for splitting our time among Nelson/Picton/Marlborough, staying in one place versus moving around, things to see/do (two 60-ish fit/active adults), the need for a car, etc.? We've read the FT threads and a few guidebooks, but are looking for something that's (a) a bit more personal and (b) takes our time constraints into account.
(Our bodies will be on NZ time by then. We'll have spent some time on the NI absorbing Maori culture, so that needn't be on the agenda unless there's something unique here.)
Last edited by Efrem; Sep 27, 2007 at 10:21 pm Reason: Fix wrong train destination - thanks, Mwenenzi
Sep 27, 2007, 9:59 pm
#2
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You definitley need a car.
As its peak vacation time Nelson will be booked out 110%. Nelson is a very popular destination that time on the year. Picton does not have much going for it, but its close to Blenheim
I assume your train is to CHC and then Greymouth the next day on the Transalpine. Another option is a car down the west route of Nelson - Lewis Pass - Chc
As its peak vacation time Nelson will be booked out 110%. Nelson is a very popular destination that time on the year. Picton does not have much going for it, but its close to Blenheim
I assume your train is to CHC and then Greymouth the next day on the Transalpine. Another option is a car down the west route of Nelson - Lewis Pass - Chc
Sep 27, 2007, 10:54 pm
#3
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I'd head to Nelson (by car) - in particular Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay (or if prefer mountains to beaches try Nelson Lakes instead). Golden Bay should be slightly less crowded than Abel Tasman, but requires a drive over Takaka Hill.
Definitely book asap (both accommodation and rental car). The whole region can sell out well ahead of time.
Definitely book asap (both accommodation and rental car). The whole region can sell out well ahead of time.
Sep 27, 2007, 11:00 pm
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Sep 28, 2007, 7:30 am
#5
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Oct 4, 2007, 3:22 pm
#6
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There are some superb crafts near Nelson (not in town, so you definitely need a car). Stunning quality (as in world class), with blown glass a particular surprise. Near the entrance to Abel Tasman is a wood carver gallery that has some really unique and spectacular wood (again museum quality, and prices are high but good value for the lofty standards). For some reason this area has attracted artists from all over the world (the great weather and quality of life might have something to do with it). Considerably better crafts at the high end than you will find in AKL, CHC or even Thames.