We spent some time over two weeks in December for our honeymoon.
We were quite sure we wanted to do a self drive and NZ seemed like a easy choice. Unfortunately, we were quite ill prepared due to the proximity to our wedding and work commitments thereafter. At least we managed to get air tickets, albeit slightly more expensive due to bad timing (after natas fair).
Having had no plan, we took the more expensive full fare which allowed the flexibility of flight change. Luckily we did because we did change our flight – instead of flying into Auckland and ex Christchurch, we did a Christchurch return. Yes, we never liked to rush our vacations.
Given the short time to plan and unfamiliarity with the geography of South Island, I got lazy and tried to get someone over the internet to do the planning. That way, we just needed to pay the money. It turns out that the savings wasn’t as much and it was too much hassle waiting for each other’s replies. We went about planning our own trip in the end with less than two weeks to spare.
For those who are interested, this was our itinerary. We deliberately arranged for a mix of accommodation for the experience. Most motels were ok, homestays were the best, holiday houses not too bad and hotels, felt like hotels.
| Christchurch | City Centre Motel | S$160 |
| Kaikoura | Holiday House | S$280 (2 nights) |
| Punakaiki | Havenz | S$170 |
| Fox Glacier | Lake Matheson Motel | S$140 |
| Wanaka | Berry Farm | NZD 180 |
| Queenstown | St Moritz | S$ 505 (3 nights, suite) |
| Te Anau | Amber Court | S$150 |
| Milford Sound | Overnight Cruise | S$ 1000 (1 night, 2 pax) |
| Dunedin | Chapel Apartments | S$380 (2 nights) |
| Lake Tekapo | Parkbrae Estate | S$540 (2 nights) |
| Christchurch | The George | S$270 (1 night) |
Would recommend Apex Car Rentals, rather fuss free and decent, clean cars. Do opt for the full insurance coverage – believe me, I know when I say it’s worth the extra fee.
Noticed that we are doing the pre/post trip on the same post. Work’s been piling so less time to blog. But we will do an update again.
