Questions About NZ (South Island)

[Seekrit]

Hi Kiwis!

In Early October Chris, Cobes and I are heading to NZ to do as my mum wished and spreading her ashes at the Clutha River.

Now. I have no idea where this Clutha river runs through... Does it start near Queenstown?

We're also trying to decide if we should fly into Auckland and spend a week there, then fly to -wherever the Clutha River is- or fly into -wherever the Clutha River is- and then to Auckland.. spreading our time between both.

What is there to do in the South Island. (with a 15 month old in tow) :p My only real pull to Auckland is the Zoo :laughing: (I love Zoos, every family holiday Chris and I have been on we've been to a zoo)

I also have issues with the cold. I don't like it :p What's the average spring temp down there, and what's the average up near Auckland?

Thanks guys :D

[melfunction]

You are gonna freeze where ever you go :p Springtime still means snow down south.

Clutha River runs through the 'deep' south. You could fly into either Queenstown or Dunedin and not be too far away.

South Island Map (http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/mapofsouthisland.html)

If you look on the map, the river runs between Lakes Wanaka and Hawea almost following SH6. It continues to travel between Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra, Roxburgh, Lawrence finally getting to the coast near Balclutha.

Being a South Islander, I wouldn't even bother going to Auckland...Christchurch is sooooo much nicer :p

Forgot places to see and do....

Down south at that time of year, the main past time is skiing (Wish I was coming with you) If you ventured north to Christchurch (approx 5 hours from Queenstown), there are plenty of things to see and do. Ride the gondola to the top on the hill and view almost the entire east coast (on a clear day), go to my favourite place - Hamner Springs and relax surrounded by snow in the hot pools, jump off bridges etc..There is a place called Orana Park, just outside of CHCH, which is similar to Lone Pine without the koalas. Haven't been there for years, so can't tell you what is there. Maybe google could help?

Ok, done some googling...

Orana Park (http://www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz/)

Hamner Springs (http://www.hanmersprings.co.nz/)

Queenstown (http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz/)

Dunedin (http://www.dunedinnz.com/tourism/)

Central South Island

(http://www.southisland.org.nz/)HTH

[Seekrit]

Well I haven't actually seen snow before, so that might be fun at least. :p

Thanks for the map and the "wheres" I spent ages trying to find a map last night but couldn't find one for the Clutha.

I might have to ask Nana where she thinks we should fly into.

[melfunction]

The most scenic place to fly into would be Queenstown - breathtaking..
Nowhere can compare :)

[mm85]

i just got back from queestown there is so much to do go on the gondala ride go to the bird park zoo thing lots of sights to see and lots of yummy places to eat i love it there so so much id fly into queestown and the fly to auckland and fly home from auckland you'll have a wonderful time and what a beautiful thing your doing there..

[Seekrit]

Well, I've been told we need to be in Dunedin. "Closer to the sea" says Dad.

So.. what is there do to in Dunedin? lol

[melfunction]

Larnach Castle is up in the hills. Really beautiful old castle. Well worth a visit.

Here's more reading *click* (http://www.dunedinnz.com/tourism/)

[Seekrit]

But.
But there's no Zoos!!

Thanks Miss Function.

[lukaelmo]

Yes, very warm place Dunedin, no winter woolies needed there whatsoever :p .

NZ is easily the most scenic place I have ever visited. Breathtaking, I really don't think you can go wrong... why don't you take a look at one of those Let's Go guides, all the things to do will be listed there.

And missy, it's just lovely what you guys are doing, what a special moment you are going to share as a family... am feeling all warm and fuzzy.

[AM]

I agree with Mel, forget about Auckland, concentrate on the South! So much nicer..:thumbsup:

[Seekrit]

I do love NZ.. but I've always gone to Masterton, Auckland and Wellington.

What I'm strugging with is how to keep a 15 month old entertained while we do things.. iykwim

[natasha]

Hmm Iv only ever been to Auckland as iv just moved here...but I think its fantastic!! I love it!! The weather is beautiful! Oh and iv been to the Zoo! OMG it is sooooo much better than any Zoo i have ever been to in Australia!!!!

It is amazing!! You HAVE to go!!
Have to!!!!!:yes:

That said, iv heard all of NZ is beautiful so it's win win.

Oh and Auckland has heaps more stuff for the kiddies to do then anywhere iv been. We do something different every single day with dd.

[jojojonsey]

I do love NZ.. but I've always gone to Masterton, Auckland and Wellington.

What I'm strugging with is how to keep a 15 month old entertained while we do things.. iykwim

I love NZ too! (born there LOL) We took DD to NZ for a wedding when she was 11 months old and the little rascal took her first steps in the airport terminal before we got on the plane. We flew into Wellington and spent a couple of days (we didn't get to the Wellington Zoo :D though I'd been before) we then took the Ferry over to the South Island which was great because we watched a movie in the theatre and DD played on inside playground and the time went preety quickly.

We then hired a car and took our time travelling down the coast from Picton (we stayed in Picton the wedding was in Blenheim) to Christchurch. It was a nice easy drive and DD was fine. I loved Christchurch. The weather was great when we were there (in August) and there were heaps of easy fun things to do with a toddler. We went to the aquariam, tram rides, etc. We weren't there long other wise we would have headed out to to Queenstown (we'll have to do that next visit!)

I'm glad we did it that way :) It worked for us.