New Zealand

[DrewB]

Milford sound is rated one of Te worlds great wonders- def worth a visit and stay in the cabins en route. The sound is home to very rare dolphins. Areas around chch

Are beautiful and spend some time to visit a city recovering from major earthquakes- a humbling experience. West coast of s island is part of the amazing drive across Arthur's pass and down to q town- its rugged for sure and the area around haast is awesome. But each to there own, I live in the north island but absolutely love driving around Te s island

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

Is Christchurch as dreary as Billy Connolly says it is?

[DrewB]

There's a

Lot of rubble.....

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

LOL. Is that a good or a bad thing?

[DrewB]

Nah chch is a great place and surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in nz

[Taupotreeman]

A month is nowhere near enough to do what you want. I'd spend most of the time in the South Island as you'll cover most basis there. West Coast of the SI is pretty rugged. Southern Alps have to be done as does Milford. I'd just follow your nose and stop where you feel like but definately give yourself plenty of time to get around the south.

[Goaty]

Is Christchurch as dreary as Billy Connolly says it is?

 

I don't know what he said but pre earthquake it was like going to Cambridge or another old english town/city.

You don't travel to the other side of the globe to see what is only down the road here.

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

Sorry my mistake it was Dunedin he was referring to. He described it as the place Scots go when they are looking for a cold dreary Scottish-like climate in the South Pacific!

[teresa green]

A month is nowhere near enough to do what you want. I'd spend most of the time in the South Island as you'll cover most basis there. West Coast of the SI is pretty rugged. Southern Alps have to be done as does Milford. I'd just follow your nose and stop where you feel like but definately give yourself plenty of time to get around the south.

 

Cheers lads! Thanks for everyone getting back with some great advice. I'm afraid we can only go for a month this time round, dogs and work. But if it turns out to be all we've imagined it is like then we'll be planning on moving over for good! We were gonna give ourselves a week in the north island at most so we can have three weeks in the south.

[Goaty]

Sell the dogs and use the cash to get more time away!