New Zealand 2013 Wanaka/Queenstown

Thanks for all comments and suggestions guys! And the offer of vouchers - might take you up on that Azz!

Chucky, RE driving not too far from Christchurch, yeah more just didn’t want to drive as far as Wanaka etc. So far we’re thinking something like going straight to Methven from Christchurch and doing a couple days at Mt Hutt and then driving to Lake Tekapo, using it as a base to visit Roundill and Mt Dobson. Not sure after that, we would only have time for maybe one day at a mountain, and then back to Christchurch, so maybe back at Mt Hutt if we like it or maybe Porters or one of the other fields up that way… Might leave those couple days open and decide when we’re there.

I noticed all those mountains have good lift deals for beginners, which include beginner lift/ rentals/ and group lessons. Plus Mt Hutt has a package deal for people who are ready to leave the baby slopes, giving access to one chairlift with an easy run. 

EDIT: Ohau is also an option from Lake Tekapo…

Flights are booked for mid August!

Anyone have any advice Re car rental???

Been checking out a few different ones, the cheapest I found was a kiwi hire car company called ‘go rentals’. With no excess for 9 days it was around $450-500NZD for a small-medium car called Nissan Sunny. Something like a Rav4 is near a grand!!! Last time I was there we managed fine in some little car like a Getz or something crapper even… Anyone used this company or have others they recommend?

But get this - my girlfriend found the Jucy website - it’s the same price for a Jucy camper van (with chains) that you can sleep in!!!?? It has cooking facilities and a double bed. For an extra $150-200 you get an even bigger one that has 2 double beds (good to store gear maybe). Anyone used the Jucy vans? Sleeping in the van could make for quite the adventure! And much cheaper of course. I guess if it sux/is too cold/gear is too wet, it’s still easy to just get some normal accommodation. Might be alright for a night or two at the very least… Campgrounds could provide basic facilities, but anyone know of a way to dry gear when travelling in a camper van? I can’t believe it’s the same price or cheaper than a car like a corolla!! WTF! What am I missing guys lol? Anyone done something similar?

I recommend affordablecars.co.nz   or ace car rental.

Thanks cords, Ace rentals seems to be particularly cheap.

Back to the drawing board right now - thinking up different plans…

pretty sure that Ace is the cheapest there is. A mate who is from NZ was the one who got me on to them originally and we used them on our trip in 2010.

I recommended affordable because they ended up being the cheapest we could get for an AWD….Used them on our trip in 2011. We were 8 people and got 2x subaru legacy. We were there for 2 weeks and they gave us a decent discount on the daily rate, and were super accommodating with us being able to pick up and drop off the cars at all hours of the morning and night!....Also I think they chucked in lockable snowboard roof racs for free….so if you need a bit of flexibility or anything out of the ordinary, I would recommend shooting them an email as they were super helpful to us.

Good luck with it. I may be in Sweden but I would froth on a trip to NZ (although not as much now that Snow Park isn’t open this year   )

NZ road trips are awesome.

That photo is incredible! I’ve heard so much about how stunning the landscape is but i get the feeling it’s even more amazing in person.

Only 3 weeks till we leave for NZ and four weeks till we get to Q’town, CANT WAIT!!

We’re planning on checking out a few different mountains but does anyone have any favourite mountains that are a must see? Or any tips? We will be staying on the edge of Q’town on the road to the Remarkables so we were planning on checking out Remarkables, Coronet Peak (though I’ve heard this is a bit family focused?), and maybe Cardrona and Treble Cone.

Also what do people think is generally the best way of getting around? I’ve heard from a few people that the road to Remarkables is unpaved and can be pretty daunting so we were leaning towards bus..

Any suggestions, recommendations, tips or advice anyone has would be greatly appreciated!

The remarks road is pretty hectic in spots. But you will be fine, unless its blizzarding like crazy you may be a bit apprehensive But just take it easy.

I have done it in various fwd cars in weather ranging from fine to blizzard and never had any issues. And i had never driven in snow at that point before.

Remarks is one of my favs, along with Snow Park (But it isnt open this year), Treble Cone is up there on a good snow day. Cadrona and Concrete Peak are decent, but i found myself returning to Snow Park and Remarks more often than not.

I liked Cardrona the most, followed by Coronet and then Remarks, but all were good. They’re the only mountains I’ve done so far, but will add a few more this season! Treble Cone sounds awesome.

Nice photo Chucky!

We are thinking of touring around a bit more now and covering a bit of ground. See some more awesome scenery!

The idea now is going up through Arthur’s Pass, West Coast, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo and back to Christchurch, so a nice loop. Should hopefully get 5 days boarding and 4 different mountains. Can’t wait!

I think we’re just going to have to check out all the mountains within reach! We’ll be in Queenstown for 10 days so plenty of time to explore and see what we like best.

Kinda tempted to just stick to bus-ing it up the mountains though. I drove when I was in the french alps and probably frustrated all the seasoned drivers with my lack of speed. Mind you that was driving an unfamiliar car on the wrong side of the road!

-You cant get much speed up to the resorts anwyay

-Its the right side of the road!

You will be sweet, my gf at the time drove a fair bit aswell, and she had no issues.

60 cm of dry pow and still pumping. Cardona. Pic off their facey page!!!

Might look into hiring a car then purely for the convenience factor..

Also another question for all the Queenstown experts, just how good is this Fergburger I keep hearing about? I have heard a lot of big claims about how epic it is and must say i am mighty intrigued!

Do not ever, ever, ever question the Fergburger on here again or i will lobby Jez to cancel your account…