Korimako

Not exactly what you asked and if you've already got your tickets .........

But did you know that Air New Zealand fly directly Vancouver - Auckland ?

Has anyone stayed here? Considering it for the night before our flight.

Any info gratefully received.

It's an unequivocal "no" from me. The only advantage of a cruise that I can think of is the point about places like Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound. But everywhere else is easily accessible by land, and the overwhelming majority of NZ's top sights cannot be seen from a cruise ship.

 

The number one proof of this is the popularity of the ship's overland/overnight tours via Queenstown. It has always seemed to me to be quite extraordinary that you'd pay (typically) several hundred dollars a day to be on the ship, and then you'd abandon those already paid-for days and pay several hundred dollars more to be taken on a 2-day overland tour to see things that you can't see from conventional cruise port calls. It just shows why, if you want to see what NZ really has to offer, you shouldn't do it from a cruise.

 

In particular, I don't agree that if you're on a land tour, you'd "waste" sightseeing time travelling from place to place. In NZ - and especially on the South Island - the time taken to travel from place to place is sightseeing time. And if there are parts of your itinerary that you really want to skip over, there is a good network of airline service.

 

A cruise is good if you want a cruise, and it tickles your fancy to graze bits of the two countries. But you should be aware that that is what you'd be buying if you were to cruise. And if your interest is in seeing the countries rather than cruising, the time spent crossing the Tasman is truly just wasted time.

Couldn't have said it any better - exactly right!!

]Candians [/b]are a gruff bunch. Canadians' date=' on the other hand.....:)[/quote']

 

Is that the same Candia that is next to Nambia?:D:D

From personal experience, the Google Maps estimate for Picton to Giesen is the usual: slightly generous; that's an easy drive.

 

I haven't driven the return half of this planned trip, but I expect that you'd want to allow time to stop and look from time to time. In the OP's shoes, I would be allowing plenty of time for this so that there's no time pressure if there places to linger at. Indeed, what I wonder is whether it might be more sensible to do the scenic drive first, and then go directly back from Giesen to Picton.

I would tend to agree with this except for one thing. Havelock to Picton on the Queen Charlotte Drive, all the pull-in parking places for views/photo opportunities etc are on the left, whereas in the opposite direction you have to pull in and out across the traffic. It's not impossible or difficult, but might be a consideration for the OP who is unfamiliar with the road.

I've just re-read my previous post and it sounds a bit abrupt - so here's the link to Cape Reinga which will explain better.

Enjoy NZ!!

https://www.newzealand.com/us/cape-reinga/

I don't know where you are planning to have lunch, but please be aware that Cape Reinga is a sacred Maori site and eating there is not permitted.

If you decide to do a DIY driving trip, do NOT use Google Maps for timings as they are usually over-optimistic!

The only one to use is the AA Time and Distance calculator, which does take our twisty scenic roads into consideration!

LOL, that thought had occurred to me. But the OP has to understand that not everyone is in that situation.

And that not everyone lives in the US! :D

LAX is why we never fly to Europe via the States, always via Asia. Better airlines too!!

It really doesn't matter, there's scenery all around you!. There is an open-air observation car - no glass in the windows - which is good for taking photos from. And you'll be coming in the middle of summer, so should have blue skies and sunshine.

But look on the link I gave you, or just google Tranzalpine for more information.

Enjoy your trip.

I see my iPad has cleverly changed my typing into a link!! Didn't know it could do that - learn something new every day

:)

It's an amazing journey and I'd do it again. I've only done it by train in both directions, but the bus ride back will be equally spectacular with fantastic views. We've driven this route, so I know what it's like.

Google

http://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz for more information and photos (sorry I don't know how to post a link)

and then choose Tranzalpine.

What time of year will you be here?

What sort of timings does Princess give? I ask because I am really puzzled by it being called 'express'. It's a 1hr 15 minute drive from Akaroa to Christchurch Station where the Tranzalpine train leaves from at 08.15. The journey to Greymouth takes 5 hours, arriving at 13.05 and then leaves to come back to Christchurch at 14.05, arriving at 18.31. Then another 1hr 15 min back to Akaroa. Total time 12 hours!!! Not what I'd call 'express':D:D:D

But it's a fantastic journey. What time of year will you be there?

We are NZ residents/passport holders and booked a cruise with a Canadian TA on a US ship, leaving from US - no problems.

I agree with sailing canary about the timing etc. We regularly fly NZ to Europe via Singapore and I have to say Changi is a fantastic airport if you have a long layover. Just go on their website and have a look - you can go for a swim, see a movie - all sorts of things. They also do a free coach tour of the city if your timings allow it. There's a transit hotel after security, where you can book blocks of 6 hours and have a bit of a snooze if you want.

Please advise how anything could possibly be "a bit unique".

Yes!! Thank you, it's good to know I'm not alone!

Not forgetting the 'less' and 'fewer' usage:):)

He got it! That was one of the first things someone suggested to him. Thanks!

I would also suggest he logs in to Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum, which is for independent travellers. He will find lots of information about European travel from people who live there or who visit frequently as solo travellers. Many there will probably consider 28 to be not a young adult!!:D

We travel annually from New Zealand to Europe for a stay of several months at a time, so need a fairly large supply. Our weeks' supply is in the organiser and the rest is in the original containers, together with a doctor's letter saying we need them. And ALL of them in our carry-on luggage in case our bags go astray.

We have never once been asked about them.

I can thoroughly recommend Jet Park. We always stay there the night before our international flight out of NZ. They have a free shuttle bus from both terminals to the hotel and are extremely helpful and friendly.

Check out their website.

Friday: Arriving early morning Auckland Airport, drive south to hotel

I don't know where you're coming from, but PLEASE.... do not get off a long-haul flight and straight behind the wheel of a car. Every holiday season we have road fatalities caused by jet-lagged drivers from overseas who have never driven a right hand drive car on - what is to them - the wrong side of the road. Do your Auckland sightseeing first and give yourselves time to adjust.

Crystal

Considering a pre/post cruise stay. I have heard that Greek toilets are "different"?

Something to do with pipe diameter?

Anyone have first hand knowledge of what to expect?

Is 3.20 the flight departure time or the time you need to be at the airport for an international flight? If the flight is at 3.20 you need to be at the airport by 1.20 if not 12.20

 

Also spend enough time in the Abel Tasman National Park so that you can do a boat trip along the coast. There used to be a water taxi company that ran tours in that area but I can't recall the name..

Wilsons

Why don't you want to drive yourselves? You might find something on Tripadvisor, but it's not a very 'Kiwi' thing to do - we're more DIY:)