[dmc]

I'm going to be in Wellington in March and have started to plan how I'm going to get around the diffent areas I want to visit once I leave Wellington. I'm thinking of heading to the Nelson area for 2-3 nights and then on to Christchurch.

Does anyone have an opinion and/or a recommendation on the best form of travel between those destinations? I'm planning on renting a car during the stay in all locations. Is it better to fly to Nelson or take the ferry to the South Island? Is the best way to get to Christchurch from Nelson to fly or is it possible to drive?

Any info would be a big help!
Dominic

[Beach Kiwi]

I'm planning on renting a car during the stay in all locations.

Don't forget to check out the cheaper car rental options like this one (http://www.rentadent.co.nz). :nice1

Is it better to fly to Nelson or take the ferry to the South Island?

Depends on how quick you want to get there. Most tourists, and locals, take the ferry, as it's an adventure in its own right, and has great scenery to look at on the way, especially the Marlborough Sounds.

Is the best way to get to Christchurch from Nelson to fly or is it possible to drive?

You can drive, but it's a long way. Quite nice scenery, though. :cool

[dmc]

Thanks Beach Kiwi for the information on the rental car option. I'll definately check it out.

As for the ferry, I've been looking at the interislander web site. Is this the only option to Picton or is there a different company I should consider?

Dominic

[DrPhred]

Don't forget about about the train option. There is a lovely train ride from nelson to christchurch

[Beach Kiwi]

Is this the only option to Picton or is there a different company I should consider?



There used to be competition on the Cook Strait run, but it can never hold out against the 'big guy'. The only choice you have is whether to take their 'regular' ferries, or their 'quick' ones. I'd take the regular one myself - much more time to enjoy the trip - well, about 45 minutes more, at least. :mrgreen:

[dmc]

Thanks Beach Kiwi. One other question... would you recommend bringing a rental car over, or is better just to rent another one in Picton when you get there? I'm going to be flying out from Nelson, not returning to Wellington on the ferry.

[Beach Kiwi]

^ If the rental company has branches in both Wellington and Nelson, then you should be able to drop the car off in Nelson once you've finished with it.

That company I linked to has branches in both, so it shouldn't be a problem.