Comments on: New Zealand > South Island > Exquisite Queenstown

By: naim

naim — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:20:33 +0000

Thanks, Dian, in summer weather is more stable. Winter can be bitterly cold with snowstorms blocking the roads linking eastern and western South Island. But then I think the place looks really pretty with more snow, so maybe late fall or early winter? You have to do more research on which season is more amenable you. You itinerary is good, almost similar to mine, and the driving in NZ is a pleasure — possibly the best country I’ve driven in, though the highway are only 2 lanes, and many bridges are 1 lane — which means in summer traffic could be heavy. You need to break your Christchurch-Queenstown drive … take it easy, loads of scenery to take in.

By: Dian

Dian — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:29:32 +0000

Salam, im pretty excited to see your photos in here! InsyaAllah me & hubby will be leaving for a vacation to South Island on Feb 2012. So its summer time, is it worth to go at this time or winter time?
We’re planning to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown, what do you think? Is the journey way too long for self-drive and costly? The whole trip route is Christchurch-Queenstown-Te Anau-Milford Sound-Wanaka-Franz Josef-Greymouth (TranzAlpine Scenic Train) back to Christchurch. Got my tips mostly from a travel program on 8tv- “Now Everyone Can Fly to NZ”/ Book-Lonely Planet NZ. Any ideas for great activities/ info? Tq!

By: hanes

hanes — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:18:17 +0000

thanks heaps for staying at our place ( hippo lodge ).

By: naim

naim — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:00:30 +0000

Thanks, preferably pre-book via the web. These sort of lodges are normally small and popular, so rooms can run out quickly. They are pretty decent for couples, no problem.

By: naim

naim — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:56:26 +0000

Food into NZ is as tough as into Australia. See here for details: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/declare
Car rental is DIY, but book it before you arrive to ensure you get the model that you want with minimal hassle. There’re plenty of car rentals online on the web.

By: yatiwa

yatiwa — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:10:17 +0000

InsyaAllah our trip will be next year in September, 2012. Can’t wait to reach there. Can we bring any dry foods from Malaysia to NZ? Did you rent a car and drive or was your trip arranged by a travel agent?

By: mat

mat — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:23:31 +0000

Salam Naim, what beautiful sights, after looking at your photos, I must plan a trip to nz one day. I noted your stay at YH and at Hippo Lodge, do you pre-book these lodging, or walk-in, are they reasonably comfortable for couples.

By: amal

amal — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:13:38 +0000

I am going to new zealend on the 26/6/2011 and it is going to be so much fun.

By: naim

naim — Wed, 25 May 2011 02:52:52 +0000

You’ll get there one day, now with easier and cheaper access.

By: zulaikha

zulaikha — Sun, 22 May 2011 05:01:46 +0000

one day i will reach queenstown, insyaAllah.