NZ south - Dunedin and Picton a must?

Wondering what I can eliminate from a south island itinerary in order
to fit other things in:

1) Can I bypass Dunedin on the basis of it's essentially a smaller (but
more adorable?) version of Christchurch which is already scheduled in?

2) Can I overfly the Christchurch to Wellington route rather than
dawdle along the scenic coastal rail route to Picton, then take the
ferry?

I hoped to experience both of these, but they don't seem to feature
highly on other folks travelogs, so wonder if they rate relatively low
on the south island priority list... tks

In article .com,
dumbstruck writes
Wondering what I can eliminate from a south island itinerary in order
to fit other things in:

1) Can I bypass Dunedin on the basis of it's essentially a smaller (but
more adorable?) version of Christchurch which is already scheduled in?


Frankly, Dunedin IMO is a lot more scenic than Christchurch and has a
lot more attractions nearby, like the Otago peninsula and the Taieri
gorge railway. It would be a shame not to go. In Gabin McLean's 100
Historic places in New Zealand, CCH's count is 5 and Dunedin's count is
12. My advice is to spend more time in Dunedin than Christchurch.

2) Can I overfly the Christchurch to Wellington route rather than
dawdle along the scenic coastal rail route to Picton, then take the
ferry?


Well, yes, you can, but I would advise against it.

I hoped to experience both of these, but they don't seem to feature
highly on other folks travelogs, so wonder if they rate relatively low
on the south island priority list... tks


I spent two days in Kaikoura (OK, a bit commercialised) and two days in
Nelson. Nelson is the place to stay if you are up that way, with
possibly the most interesting museum in NZ (Wearable Art), fantastic
scenery and good weather.

Kaikoura is very impressive because the mountains come down to the sea -
the only place on the east coast like this - and you are guaranteed to
see whales and dolphins, but quite touristy.

If you don't have time, stay longer in Dunedin and fly to Wellington if
you must.

--
JohnM
Author of Brazil: Life, Blood, Soul &
Rainbow Diary: A Journey in the New South Africa
http://www.scroll.demon.co.uk/spaver.htm

On 2 Aug 2005 02:58:50 -0700, "dumbstruck"
wrote:

Wondering what I can eliminate from a south island itinerary in order
to fit other things in:

1) Can I bypass Dunedin on the basis of it's essentially a smaller (but
more adorable?) version of Christchurch which is already scheduled in?

2) Can I overfly the Christchurch to Wellington route rather than
dawdle along the scenic coastal rail route to Picton, then take the
ferry?

I hoped to experience both of these, but they don't seem to feature
highly on other folks travelogs, so wonder if they rate relatively low
on the south island priority list... tks

One can easily spend as much time in and around Dunedin as
Christchurch, but personally I prefer Dunedin and will always use
train over plane, if I have the option and time. Also, allow more time
for Wellington (It doesn't how much time you have already allowed).

It would seem that you are beginning to discover the reality of
needing more time to experience New Zealand than you originally
thought. I have found that one needs at least a month each for the two
major islands. Anything less means compromises and deletions and
I, nor anyone else, can do that for you. Good Luck.

Charles
nzvideos.org

"dumbstruck" wrote in message
oups.com...
Wondering what I can eliminate from a south island itinerary in order
to fit other things in:

1) Can I bypass Dunedin on the basis of it's essentially a smaller (but
more adorable?) version of Christchurch which is already scheduled in?

2) Can I overfly the Christchurch to Wellington route rather than
dawdle along the scenic coastal rail route to Picton, then take the
ferry?

I hoped to experience both of these, but they don't seem to feature
highly on other folks travelogs, so wonder if they rate relatively low
on the south island priority list... tks


I can't comment on Dunedin as I have never visited there but
I can advise against flying from Wellington to Christchurch.
You'll miss out on some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of New
Zealand.

Take the ferry or seacat from Wellington for one of the most wonderful
journeys through Queen Charlotte Sound.
If its a nice day then the scenery is gorgeous. I would advise taking the
Seatcat (Lynx) as it's quicker.
Picton is a nice little stop for tea and buns.

Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson is lovely. Well worth spending a day or
two just trekking or driving around.
Some great secluded beaches at the end of walks.

Then head into Marlbrough for the wine region. Rent a cycle and visit the
wineries.
Also lots of nice restaurants and cafes to stop off at. A beautiful part of
Nz.

The drive down to Kaikoura is amazing. The road hugs the coast and you can
see sea lions sunbathing.
It's very scenic. Kaikoura itself is a small town with the best fish and
chips, blue cod being the speciality.
There are some quaint bed and breakfasts and motels. And of course you have
to do the whalewatch.
Book in advance to be sure of a seat. A little commercial but not overly so.

The drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch is scenic too but stopping points
are minmal in that stretch.

So really you shouldn't miss out on that area.

dumbstruck wrote:
Wondering what I can eliminate from a south island itinerary in order
to fit other things in:

1) Can I bypass Dunedin on the basis of it's essentially a smaller (but
more adorable?) version of Christchurch which is already scheduled in?

2) Can I overfly the Christchurch to Wellington route rather than
dawdle along the scenic coastal rail route to Picton, then take the
ferry?

I hoped to experience both of these, but they don't seem to feature
highly on other folks travelogs, so wonder if they rate relatively low
on the south island priority list... tks


Please don't miss the Queen Charlote Drive, the ferry was cheaper (but I
had a car) and dolphins some of the way, great sunset on the return to
the north island. I prefer the North Island but I see the huge appeal
for the south. I'm no city person and spend only a day in Christchurch.
It's very nice but it's a city (a pretty one but just a city).

manic