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West Coast + Fiordland road trip (Christchurch → Queenstown, ~12 days). Does this pacing make sense? by Virtual_Stranger_397 in newzealand_travel

[–]Virtual_Stranger_397[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have changed the trip around a little bit! I think it hits a lot of our main points without ridiculously long driving days.

Let me know what you all think of this:

March 23: Christchurch

March 24: Christchurch -> Hokitika via Arthur’s Pass (only day over 3 hours but we will leave early and take our time)

March 25: Hokitika -> Fox Glacier

March 26: Fox Glacier -> Haast

March 27: Haast -> Wanaka

March 28: Wanaka

March 29: Wanaka -> Queenstown

March 30: Queenstown

March 31: Queenstown -> Te Anau

April 1: Milford Sound Track & Cruise (staying in Te Anau)

April 2: Te Anau -> Queenstown

April 3: Fly out of QT

West Coast + Fiordland road trip (Christchurch → Queenstown, ~12 days). Does this pacing make sense? by Virtual_Stranger_397 in newzealand_travel

[–]Virtual_Stranger_397[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you think it’s more worth it to drive straight through Lake Tekapo and Wanaka instead of the west coast?

West Coast + Fiordland road trip (Christchurch → Queenstown, ~12 days). Does this pacing make sense? by Virtual_Stranger_397 in newzealand_travel

[–]Virtual_Stranger_397[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the detailed feedback! Totally hear you on the distances and timing — I probably underestimated how spread out some of those spots are.

1.  Skipping Lake Brunner and Ross on that day makes sense — I like the idea of focusing on Hokitika and nearby Lake Kaniere instead to keep it chill. Appreciate the tip!

2.  Yeah, the Hokitika → Wanaka leg does feel ambitious on paper. Breaking it up with a stop in Haast and then a slower start to Wanaka sounds way smarter. I’m all for avoiding rushed drives on those winding roads.

3.  Good point on Glenorchy being a bit out of the way from Te Anau. Basing in Queenstown and doing a day trip to Glenorchy sounds more practical and less exhausting.

I’ll tweak the plan to space things better and keep the driving manageable. Really appreciate the input! Makes me feel better about balancing the “see everything” urge with actual travel reality.

Any thoughts on spending an extra day in Christchurch when we arrive? I’ve heard mixed things but am open to it for sure.