Hey guys!

I'm planning to travel the south island in this recent weeks flying from Melbourne. I will be staying around 4 to 5 days with my family.
Should I land in Queenstown instead of Christchurch since I do not have much time to drive around?
For 4days only, which places would be the best to travel and not too far apart? I need to do some research soon after I finish my exam.. Thanks!

yea I do prefer to land in Queesntown too! but after checking the price is nearly double to land there instead of Christchurch. 400aud christchurch, 800aud for queenstown from mel is a big difference..
Will consider properly again. Anyway thanks!

U guys have any idea if I rent the car in Christchurch and drive down to Queenstown, am I able to return the car there instead of driving back to Christchurch?

Might plan to fly from Melb-Christchurch-Queesntown-Melb

Please do comment and help on the itinerary.

Day 1(Thursday)
Christchurch - Lake Tekapo
Day 2(Friday)
Lake Tekapo - Wanaka - Queenstown
Day 3(Saturday)
Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Day 4(Sunday)
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Queenstown
Day 5(Monday)
Queenstown - Glenorchy - Queenstown
Day 6(Tuesday)
Queenstown - Melbourne

As it just gonna be a short trip, so I prefer something more relax and less driving hours. Anything I can add or change on the locations?
Do I need to book advance for the Milford and Glenorchy cruise tour? Any recommendations on the company? Thank you!

PLEASE PLEASE get a translated english copy for your driving license!!!

I showed them the Malaysian driving licence and they don't allow it. Apparently they are stricter now due to some police regulation.

I'm forced to stay in the airport for 5hours just to wait for the translation to be done online and send back to the company.. =.=

This post has been edited by Holatjh: Nov 21 2013, 03:39 AM

Yea.. But I find it easier to stay in the same hotel instead of packing and change back to queenstown after that.. Haha
Anyway I'm done for that day.. Took me 5hrs to drive thr stopping at te anau for subway breakfast, grocery shopping and some photo taking..
Then it took me another 3.5hrs speeding all the way back.. So to anyone who is not keen on driving, I do suggest follow a tour or overnight in te anau..

Hey everyone!

Any suggestions for beautiful sceneries or places at the north and west coast of South island?
I've been to christchurch > tekapo > wanaka > queenstown and milford sound.
I'm hoping to cover different areas this time as I will be going again ard mid of Nov.
Thank you!