A Week Exploring Fjordland, New Zealand, by 4WD and Boat
By Martin C · May 29, 2016
- New Zealand
- ·
- 8 Nights
- ·
- Shopping, Relax, Motor Boating
- Origin
- Melbourne, Australia
- Destination
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Main mode of transport
- Aeroplane
- Cost per person
- $1000 - $2000
- Accommodation
- AirBNB in both Wellington and Queenstown. The first was an apartment, the second a townhouse by the lake. Both places are compact and easy to get around. You do need a car in Queenstown ideally (while Wellington, though very hilly, can be done on foot).
Trip Summary
Wellington, Queenstown and Fjordland; a week of contrasts in New Zealand.
Best Bits
Highly recommend a trip to Manapouri and Doubtful Sound, ideally with 1 night in Manapouri. Much larger than Milford Sound and only 1 boat on the Sound most days!
Worst Bits
The distances on South Island are long and the roads, while good, are necessarily slow. It takes time to get around so don’t be over ambitious in terms of scheduling - leave some time to enjoy the scenery!
Trip Dates and Comments on Timing
April — It’s still surprisingly warm in New Zealand in April!
Arrival Logistics
Landed at the small and stress-free Wellington Airport and rented a car before heading into town.
General Route
Stayed in the CBD close to the “Beehive” (Parliament) and then stayed close to the city for 3 days. Then flew down to Queenstown for the remaining 5 nights, doing day trips from there.
Main Activities
Relaxing, shopping, motor boating, boat trip.
Food and Drink Highlights
A variety of restaurants, cafes and gastropubs. Highlights in Wellington were the Thistle Inn (the oldest pub in Wellington), the Backbencher (opposite Parliament) and, for lunch or coffee, Mojo. In Queenstown a trip out of town to the Millhouse was well worth the trip. In town, Vidu cafe was great and Halo has good breakfast and dinner menus.
Essential Packing for this Trip
Do bring layers as the weather can vary a lot - especially in the mountains. Or buy them locally - lots of outdoor gear and good quality woolen clothing to buy.
About The Traveller
Gender & Age Range
Male, 36 - 45
I’m from
Manchester, UK
Occupation
Chief of Staff
My favourite trip as of late
Exploring Fjordland, New Zealand, by 4WD and boat.
Travelling Style
Book the important stuff, but leave some flexibility in the schedule.
I like to go on the following types of trips
Birthday Trips, Beaches, Gourmet, AirBnb, City Breaks, Luxury, Historical, Wine, Scuba Diving, Culture
It’s a dealbreaker when
Places aim to be “cool” while forgetting the basics, like good service and value for money.
Continent I know the best
Europe
First Last Name
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I’m from Perth, Western Australia
My favourite trip as of late is New Zealand, solo travel in lots of nature for a soul-refresher.
My travelling style is to Book the first night, then wing it from there!
It’s a dealbreaker when I’m stuck around large groups of package tourists.
Continent I know best is Asia.
See profile