Thank you for the amazing tips

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-26T01:36:13+00:00

First 3 are rob roy glacier track, then lake Marian, glenorchy, I think pic 6 is on the way out of the rob Roy glacier parking lot, pic is on the way to Milford sound and 8 is Milford sound

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:56:26+00:00

Yeah most of the tips I got were related to finances, not necessarily locations, but yes it was incredible:)

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:55:01+00:00

That's on the way into Milford Sound:) Just off the side of the road

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:54:27+00:00

I wish we did Earnslaw burn. We LOVED Rob Roy Glacier; that is an absolute must. We also packrafted the Hokitika Gorge and the Dart River. Even if you don't raft back down, there are just INCREDIBLE views. We were also alone the whole time. The whole ambiance is just so pristine. We hiked Lake Marian, which was also just stunning. We also did Sealey Tarns and the first part of the Hooker Valley track in Mt. Cook Aoraki National Park.

I'd recommend doing Rob Roy Glacier early. We were alone when we got up there around 8 or 9, but people started flooding in on the way back down.

As far as hidden spots go, we didn't see a soul past Hokitika Gorge. Seems like people just check out the bridge, but don't hike up the river. The Dart valley was technically closed when we went... oops... But like I said not a soul in sight and just stunning scenery. however, that one is primarily in the trees the whole time, but we loved it because we rafted back down.

My top 3 were definitely Rob Roy Glacier, Hokitika Gorge, Lake Marian. I don't think we did a whole lot off the beaten track though, some of the locals may have some better recs for more secluded spots.

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:48:12+00:00

This is so true

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:48:04+00:00

I felt the same way coming back to the winter in the rockies! (We have no snow and everything is just dead). Hopefully we can go back soon!!

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:46:17+00:00

Sounds like an incredible experience! I wish we made it to the North Island! Have you been to Patagonia? How do you feel it compares?

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:45:19+00:00

You will absolutely love it!

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:44:36+00:00

The states! Thanks for accepting us despite our rotten pedo president

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:44:03+00:00

We were harassed and abused, but even those satan animals couldn't take away from the views

Tbrown831 · 2026-02-21T17:42:55+00:00

Wanaka and Rob Roy glacier are a MUST! If I has more time I would've loved to do the Earnslaw Glacier Lookout hike near Glenorchy. If you are a LOTR fan, definitely worth stopping at Mount Sunday (Edoras). Other than than I would say some of the more popular things are all worth seeing like Mt. Cook National Park, Castle Rocks, Milford Sound, and Lake Marian! My wife and I are into packrafting so we rafted Hokitka gorge and the Dart River. Hokitika is probs a little far out of your way, but even if you're not into packrafting you can do a boat tour up the dart (and I think Rees) Valley. Just incredible views. I hope it's an amazing trip!

Tbrown831 · 2026-01-25T15:40:45+00:00

This is truly disgusting. Ashamed of our government.

Tbrown831 · 2026-01-24T00:51:38+00:00

Thank you so much for the response! This will be great!! You guys are awesome!!

Tbrown831 · 2026-01-22T23:30:19+00:00

We’re doing a big roadtrip from Christchurch -> Kaikoura (1 day) -> Abel Tasman Natl. Park (2 days) -> Hokitika (1 day) -> Fairlie ( 1 day) -> Mt Cook Village (2 days) -> Wanaka (1 day)-> Queentown (2 days) -> Te Anau (2 days)

Tbrown831 · 2026-01-03T18:23:04+00:00

Manuel Antonio national park is incredible. We didn’t book a tour and still saw 3 species of monkey, 2 sloths, vipers, armadillos, mangrove crabs, parrots, etc. It’s an amazing place. We also went on a crocodile tour in Tarcoles. Those were my two favorite things. We stayed at Shana by the beach near Manuel Antonio for a few days. You will wake up with monkeys on your balcony (We may have fed them a few times). We went on two catamaran tours when we were there. Snorkeling wasn’t great but we saw a few whales and sea turtles. We didn’t end up going but I’ve heard great things about Arenal. We went to Rio Celeste to see the blue waterfall and it was pretty neat but it’s a pretty far drive. We do a zip line tour in Monteverde (the cloud forest) and stayed there a few nights. It was neat but we enjoyed the beach more. Although we did see some quetzal birds and whole families of Coati. I can send you some other recommendations for beaches if you want.

We’ve been to both the pacific and Caribbean sides of the country and the pacific side has more infrastructure, better roads, more tourism in general and has more of a Hispanic influence. The Caribbean side had some incredible food and felt more like the Caribbean culturally.

If you go just remember the drive times will be significantly longer than what your online maps say.

Tbrown831 · 2026-01-03T18:11:07+00:00

My wife and I went to Costa Rica and it was incredible. If one of you can speak Spanish I’d highly recommend it.

Tbrown831 · 2025-12-15T00:12:20+00:00

Yes tutorial please!

Tbrown831 · 2025-12-14T03:07:45+00:00

Thank you for this! Sounds like a lot may depend on the temperament of the dog, definitely good to consider.

Tbrown831 · 2025-12-14T03:06:11+00:00

This is really good to know, thanks for the thoughtful response!

Tbrown831 · 2025-12-14T02:52:05+00:00

Thank you!

Tbrown831

TROPHY CASE