Its being a long time
that I have taken a vacation. I feel sometimes best therapy is a long drive and some music. So
here is the plan for 11 days in New Zealand and
off course with the minimum amount of funds. As days & funds are limited, i compensated by driving and I staying in Hostels. I have added my
best photographic locations for sunsets & sunrises.
The trip start from
Delhi, India this time.
Day 1: Fly to
Auckland. Based on the time of day you reach; you can roam around or rest. I
took the early morning flight so used my day to see Owharoa Falls. Which is 1.5
hrs from City. Sleep Over at Auckland. New Zealand is the first country in the
world to see the sunrise. Amazing right? So you are guaranteed to witness some
spectacular sights when travelling throughout New Zealand. Sunrise/Sunset
photography points: North Head/Devonport
Day 2: Spend the
next day at Cathedral Cove. Sleep Over at Auckland. Sunrise/Sunset photography points: Cathedral Cove Cathedral Cove
Optional - Rangitoto Island or Waitomo
Glowworm Caves. If you have additional day should see
Mt. Taranaki which has some wonderful hikes.
Day 3: Flight to
Christchurch. Picked up the car from the Budget Car Rental at shefield and not from the airport, which saved me good money. Another good thing is budget does not charge extra if you return the car at the airport. i stayed at Point break Backpackers. The location was nice but the building smelled like weed everywhere. Walked up to the beach and saw a nice sunset.
Day 4: Started early towards Greymouth. The drive was very good. Make sure to stop at Castle hill, then Lake Bruner. There will be plenty of photo stops once you cross Aurthurs Pass. The tiny city was nice and very friendly. I stayed at Noah's Ark Backpackers - This was really a nicely maintained place with nice people. (15$/night).
Day 5: Did early start towards Franz Joseph Glacier (2.5 hrs). Driving next to the Tasman Sea was very beautiful. You can pit stop at small cities like Hokitika & Ruatapu to enjoy the western beaches. I reached the city by afternoon and started the hike to the glacier. There is no need for a guide to see the glacier. A hike of an hour will take you the nearest point. If your planning Heli hike or skydiving, this place has plenty of opportunities. i grabbed a bite from the Snakebite Brewery and spend the night at Franz Josef Montrose. (18$)
Day 6: Started early morning to see Lake Matheson , 20 minutes away from Franz Joseph Glacier. The views was amazing. You can take the full 1.5hr loop of the lake or can just reach the nearest lookup 20mins. You can grab a bite at the restaurant at the lake trailhead also. Then around 9, i started for The Fox glacier hike. After completing the hike (around 2.5hrs) i started for my next destination - Queenstown. Plenty of lakes to stop if u get tired. LoL. Sleep Over at Black Sheep Backpackers (15$/night)
Day 4: Started early towards Greymouth. The drive was very good. Make sure to stop at Castle hill, then Lake Bruner. There will be plenty of photo stops once you cross Aurthurs Pass. The tiny city was nice and very friendly. I stayed at Noah's Ark Backpackers - This was really a nicely maintained place with nice people. (15$/night).
Day 5: Did early start towards Franz Joseph Glacier (2.5 hrs). Driving next to the Tasman Sea was very beautiful. You can pit stop at small cities like Hokitika & Ruatapu to enjoy the western beaches. I reached the city by afternoon and started the hike to the glacier. There is no need for a guide to see the glacier. A hike of an hour will take you the nearest point. If your planning Heli hike or skydiving, this place has plenty of opportunities. i grabbed a bite from the Snakebite Brewery and spend the night at Franz Josef Montrose. (18$)
Day 6: Started early morning to see Lake Matheson , 20 minutes away from Franz Joseph Glacier. The views was amazing. You can take the full 1.5hr loop of the lake or can just reach the nearest lookup 20mins. You can grab a bite at the restaurant at the lake trailhead also. Then around 9, i started for The Fox glacier hike. After completing the hike (around 2.5hrs) i started for my next destination - Queenstown. Plenty of lakes to stop if u get tired. LoL. Sleep Over at Black Sheep Backpackers (15$/night)
Day 7: Drive
Early morning by 5am towards Milford Sound. Take the first Cruise if possible, as during the day time it pretty crowded. If you are lucky you might see wildlife or dolphins. i planned my Sleep Over at Te
Anau, Te Anau Backpackers (15$/night). Sunrise/Sunset photography: Milford Sound.
Day 8: Drive early
from Te Anau towards Queenstown and arrived around noon. So we drove towards Glenorchy, which s arounf 1 hr drive from Queenstown. Make sure you pit stop at Moke Lake, Wilson Bay, Bennetts Bluff Lookout, & Glenorchy Boat Shed. Sleep Over at Black Sheep Backpackers (15$/night). Sunrise/Sunset photography: Skyline gondola or Wilson Bay, Moke Lake. Arrive Queenstown - relax
Day 9: Take skyline gondola see some amazing view of the Queenstown. The city also has some amazing nightlife and eating places. i had my sleepover at Black Sheep Backpackers (very nice place)
Day 9: Take skyline gondola see some amazing view of the Queenstown. The city also has some amazing nightlife and eating places. i had my sleepover at Black Sheep Backpackers (very nice place)
Day
10: Then drive
early toward Mt.Cook (3hrs). The drive is one of the best beautiful rides in new Zealand. Enjoy the breakfast at Mt. Cook Village. After a quick breakfast, i started for Hooker Valley Hike. The total time was 2.5hrs but the view was amazing. Then after taking a short break, i started towards my last destination - Christchurch(3hrs) . Sunset at Mt.Cook
Optional -If you can squeeze in another day, then should sleepover at Mt Cook and do the Governors Hike.
Optional -If you can squeeze in another day, then should sleepover at Mt Cook and do the Governors Hike.
Day
11: Returned the car at airport and took the early morning flight to Delhi.
