[Hayden1002]

We're all coming on a recce/visa activation in November, to the South Island.
We thought of hiring a motor home and have now dismissed the idea.
So, we're now going to hire a car for the month and book in at "centres" and sort of wagon wheel the local area. (Go out for the day, come back. Move to the next spoke, go out for the day etc if you know what I mean!)
Having read a few posts about people saying "stayed in such and such, would've driven straight through it was so small/easily forgetable/boring etc".
Our question is this, which area's are really worth staying in, and are within driving distance from other stuff. Which area's are not worth bothering with.
We won't be going to Invercargill, as Sarah has decreed it too far south!
Our thoughts are ChCH, Dunedin, Queenstown area, somewhere on the westcoast, Nelson etc then ChCh for a day or two prior to flying back to the UK.
All answers gratefully received, would also like to bump into forumites on the way round too.

Cheers
Hayden
PS I apologise for not posting in ages but so much has been going on

[veronica]

its a good scenic tour but where is work most likely to be for you guys.

[thepiesleys]

I loved Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura, Picton and Blenheim on a recent trip we did. There all on the east coast - the west is supposedly even nicer.

Dan

[Andy-Dee]

You must not miss Punakaiki Rocks on the West Coast - we pushed the boat out on the recommendation of friends and stayed at the hotel there - its right on the beach. We only stayed one night but for me was one of the highlights of the trip. We sat on our balcony and could see the milky way with the waves crashing on the beach surrounded by some of the most fantastic scenery I've ever encountered - and thats from someone who's travelled extensively.

Following day we viewed the pancake rocks and blow holes.

Hope you can fit it in, well worth seeing.

[Hayden1002]

Thanks for the replies so far.
Veronica, work isn't really the issue this visit. It's trying to show Sarah as much of the country as poss without driving all the way to such and such and finding it really is a one horse town or closed.

[kanatakiwi]

you might want to look into very cheap motorhome rentals, where you return a motorhome (say from christchurch to queenstown or vice versa, or.....) we did this from Christchurch to Auckland, with a $1 a day camper, we had 6 days to do the trip so we went over to the west coast then up to Nelson and Marlborough sounds before booting it up the North Island to Auckland in 2 days. It was awesome and we just freedom camped right on beaches etc. they also included the price of the ferry. (we paid for passengers) with insurance added it, it was still a very cheap trip. I just had a look on their website and although most on offer right now are christchurch to auckland, there are several christchurch to picton with 5 days allowed, so that would give some time to look around the island and allow you to do some "freedom camping"
check
http://www.standbycars.com.au/oneways.aspx?cid=2

[NoelMC]

Punakaki,
If the weather is good, walk from the hotel, past the stables and have a dip in the river, just before it enters the sea there is a great swimming hole, all the locals were there.
If you prefer self catering, and a change to a hotel, (which is lovely) there are some cottages for rent just above the hotel, look out for the 3 legged dog!
Hydranger cottages i think they are called.

Cheers

Noelmc