These were places which we had covered at South island of New Zealand.
Christchurch
Canterbury Plains
Greymouth
Fox Glacier
Journey between Fox Glacier and Queenstown
Queenstown
Milford Sound
Lake Tekapo
Hanmer Springs
Commuting around South Island
We based at a town (starting with Christchurch) for few days, did some activities and proceed on to other town (ending at Christchurch). We did not do any self driving but had taken their coaches (Intercity) and train (Tranzalpine) to commute. The transportation can be pre-booked in internet.
The friendly bus drivers of intercity coaches would make commentary along the way (like a tour guide) and would have stops along the way for toilet, lunch or photo taking.
Tranzalpine is a popular scenic train journey of Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps plying between Christchurch and Greymouth.
This was how we went:
Christchurch → Fox Glacier → Queenstown → Christchurch
Flying to Christchurch
There were not many airlines going to Christchurch direct, however we took a direct flight from Singapore to Christchurch operated by Singapore Airlines.
Transport (To and fro Airport)
From Christchurch airport, there were a few modes of transport to get to the city (about 20 min from the airport). They were public bus, private airport shuttle bus, taxi and car rental. We had taken a shuttle bus costing us about NZD25 and they will take us to our accommodation doorstep. We find this is a good option for those who do not drive. The shuttle can also be arranged from our accommodation when going back.
Accommodation
We had the opportunity to stay in different kinds of accommodations (hostels, holiday park, motel and hotel)
Hostel have bunk bed with shared facilities like bathroom, kitchen, laundry, etc. There is also private room with ensuite bathrooms.
Holiday Park has similar accommodation facilities as hostel, with campervan grounds.
Motel is like a private apartment with ensuite bathroom, kitchen and bathroom facilities.
These were the places which we stay.
Hotel IBIS – Christchurch
Fox Glacier Holiday Park – Fox Glacier
The Lofts (Motel) – Queenstown
YMCA (Hostel) – Christchurch
Activities
Apart from going from places to places; exploring the towns and cities, we also did some activities and day tours.
Fox Trot at Fox Glacier: A half day trek at the glaciers passing through a temperate rainforest.
Milford Sound Cruise: Scenic coach jouney on the way to Milford sound. Midday scenic cruise at the fiord.
White water rafting at Shotover River: An exciting ride up along Skipper’s Canyon to our start point. A grade 3 to 5 river, rafting through the rapids with a 170m Oxen tunnel at the end of the course.
Quad bikes: Ride the 400CC ATV farm bikes up the Queenstown Hill which great scenic views of The Remarkables.
Sheep farm tour: Located near Woodend outside of Christchurch. Watch sheepdog chase sheep and sheep shearing demo.
Horse riding: 1 hour of horse riding along the banks of Waimakariri River and the river itself.
Hanmer Springs Day trip: A relaxing place surrounded by mountains consisting of BBQ lunch by the host, interesting commentary along the journey and entry to outdoor thermal pools.
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