Chiclanagir

Has anyone done it, and is it worth it? We are staying in Christchurch and want to see the North Island too. Originally going to get a flight to Auckland but have now been thinking about driving.

Yotty

The Picton to Welly ferry can work out very expensive in busy times, and when booked at short notice. Often the best idea is to hire a car from CHC to Picton and then pick up another one in Welly. (The hire car companies can arrange this for you). If you've got the time the drive is well worth it!

jueinnz

Its a solid 10-12 hour drive, to Auckland once you get off the ferry, I would suggest stick with flying and rent a car/campervan from here, then from there you can move up or down the country depending on what you are wanting to do. What in particular did you want to see in North Island?

Yotty

Just a question for you jueinnz... err in your opinion is there anything significant south of the Bombay Hills?

jueinnz

Not what I meant.............I meant we could maybe suggest something, there is not much piont in driving if she only wants to stop in Taupo for a day, she could drive down from Auckland easily, especially if most of what she wanted to do was "up north"

Yotty

My apologies!

jueinnz

ned

I am planning to do Auckland to Wellington. I did ask for travel tips
here

Maz

OK I just checked Ned's thread and I did answer in it but didn't give details. Last April we got the train from AKL to WLG but drove it in reverse. Quick breakdown of our trip. We stopped at Masterton for 3 nights, then Taupo for 2. Did some sight-seeing and friend-visiting along the way.

90 minutes, Wellington to Masterton
4 1/2 hours, Masterton to Taupo
4 1/2 hours, Taupo to Auckland

They're very rough times. We weren't sure where we were going in Masterton, we stopped along the way to Taupo, stopped in Rotorua for lunch on the last leg, then were held up by a diversion between Rotorua and Hamilton because of a downed power line... then got a flat tyre. Fun and games!

But yes, definitely worth it!

P18PPS

Hi, we live in Auckland and did a big trip to south island just over 12 months ago - it takes a good solid 7 hours minimum putting your foot down, or more realistic 9 hours taking in the countryside. In our opinion it is well worth the trip, and the scenery is so different and extremely beautiful. If you've got kids you might need to stop a little more frequently and to stretch your legs and it may take longer in winter expecially going via the desert road (if it's open).

There are loads of places to stay along the way - keep your guide book handy to find the off the main road farm stays and B&Bs.

Chiclanagir

Thanks all of you. This is all driving me crazy. Why daughter couldn´t have got married back in England defeats me. Oh it could be something to do with marrying a Kiwi! We really want to see Bay of Plenty, Cormorand Peninsula, Goats Island. If it is going to take so long to drive we may have to think again and get a flight (anyone recommend which airline from Christchurch to Auckland?) or what about the train?

Margaret Parkinson

We drove from Papamoa to Christchurch & back to Papamoa taking 8 days. Heres our route:-
Papamoa - Waunganui - stayed overnight
Waunganui to Wellington - caught ferry to Picton
Short drive to Blenheim - stayed overnight
Blenheim - Kaikura went dolphin watching
Kaikura - Christchurch - stayed 2 nights
Christchurch - Nelson - stayed overnight
Nelson to Picton caught ferry to Wellington
Wellington - Masterton - stayed overnight
Masterton - Napier - stayed overnight
Napier - Papamoa Bay of Plenty

Papamoa is a 3 hour drive from Auckland.

For the hire car make 3 separate bookings
Doing it this way you save 2 days car hire as well

Christchurch - Picton - drop off
Wellington - Wellington - drop off
Picton - Christchurch - drop off

I think its worth the drive because you see so many different places and the ferry crossing is awesome. Definitely not to be missed.

jueinnz

........ the ferry crossing is not great if you catch the 10pm one like we did, bugger all to see!!!!!!

If you are on a limited time and you seem to have already set out the main bits of interest for yourselves then flying is cool and don't feel bad 'bout missing bits out', there is always next time...

www.webjet.co.nz

...But watch out for some of the prices as it can send on links to aussie sites and you end up paying aussie$

owen

If you drive north mid to late summer, some rental companies do great offers. Most people drive south and the rental companies need their cars back north.

2 yrs ago I did chc to picton over 2 days then crossed on the ferry as a foot passenger. Then did welly to auck over 2 days and thrifty gave me the car free!!!! Sush though, don't tell everyone!

helinuk

yes we have done it, and will be doing it again next week. If you haven't been throught this area yes it's well worth the trip, especially going through the National park , on the desert road, and passed the volcano and Mt Ruapehu (sp?) Lake Taupo is lovely then you can go to Rotorua, Hobbiton ...lots to see