sandypandy

When we go out in October for a Holiday, we have planned to go to Christchurch and Nelson to have a look around. Can someone tell me how long it is likely to take us to drive from Christchurch to Nelson?
We may need to change our fights and if we do we have booked accomodation for the Tuesday night in Nelson, but our new flight will be from Christchurch at 11.30am on the Wednesday. Is it going to be possible to get up early and drive to the airport on wednesday morning, or do you think we should come back on the Tuesday and change our accomodation as well?

Cheers

Sandra

deedee

you wont get much traffic but you'll have to drive quick and if you get a breakdown you'll miss your schedule.Trying to get a bus or taxi on that route if you do have a problem just ain't easy....plus, there a huge spot with no cell phone coverage.Just a though
Says me who came here with no plan whatsoever

smithone

Check out

http://www.aatourism.co.nz/southlocations.html

to get an idea on driving distances. Looks a long drive from Nelson to Christchurch. Maybe 5-6 hours.

Roger

I'd plan for 5-6 hours of slow windy driving on routes to Christchurch. Why don't you drive down the previous morning and stay the night at Hamner Spring which is a nice alpiney resort.

A couple of pleasant restaurants, fush and chips and don't forget the springs. Some mountain walks too. Hamner is about 1.5 hours to Christchurch. Loads of accommodation.

Roger

JWW

It will take you 5 1/2 hours if you go through the Lewis Pass. Bout the same via state highway 1.

The Lewis pass route is a fantastic drive and the only slow section is over the pass itself. The views are so good that you'd want to take them slow anyway. There are also lots of nice places to stop for your sandwiches.

Also don't bother too much with Nelson, go to Keiteriteri and the Abel Tasmin national park instead.

sandypandy

Thanks for that, looks like we will have to change our plans yet again

Sandra