Queenstown Julia. But have 3 days to get there from Christchurch without actually knowing what to do. Any suggestions?
Hello TH:
Presuming that you will have a car (you will need chains if going the inland route), I'd suggest driving from Christchurch to Mt Cook the first day, about six hours through magnificent lake and mountain country. Stay overnight at The Hermitage (a bit expensive but worth it) and hope to see Mt Cook as the sun sets over its peak. Then return to the main inland route through Central Otago, more lakes mountains and just wide open spaces. Try to avoid hitting sheep which wander across the road. Possibly stay at Lake Ohau or Tekapo, but personally I'd just go straight through to Queenstown which is a fabulous town. So much to do. Apart from the skiing there's all sorts of other adventure stuff - white water rafting, bungee jumping. Of if you feel more sedate, just gorgeous walks around the lake with the Remarkables mountain range in the distance. If you're into night clubs etc, there's a huge selection.
For a quiet afternoon drive, if you're coming to terms with the night before, and the skiing isn't great, drive through to Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved gold mining town of the last century with many of the original buildings. Picturesque and charming.
About 30 mins drive from Queenstown.
Warning: it can be breathtakingly cold for someone coming from Oz. Take lots of layers. Accommodation will all be centrally heated and most with hot tubs etc.
If you are driving back to Christchurch, then I'd suggest returning via the coast road, through Central Otago to Dunedin, then north following the coast through Oamaru, Timaru, to Christchurch. Again about six or seven hours from Queenstown.
Hope you have a wonderful time.