[K&CS]

We've decided to head north for a week to 10 days in January. We're planning to drive up to Picton, stay a night (maybe two - is it worth staying two?) there, then taking the ferry to Wellington and stay a few nights there, then head towards Napier. Is there anywhere en route to Napier that's worth a look? Not sure how long to stay in Napier. It's all unchartered territory for us so any suggestions would be very gratefully received. We are a family of 5 (with our youngest being only 2), so it does restrict us somewhat! We basically want a fairly laid back holiday without having to drive too much in one go!

Thanks

Kate

[Debbie P.]

Hi Kate,

It depends on what sort of things you like, but you might want to stay 2 nights at Picton if you're interested in exploring the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Track. You can get a boat to one point and walk to another to be picked up again, although with a 2 year old I guess that might not be practical! It's a bit of a drive from Christchurch to Picton, so if nothing else, a day before getting the ferry would be more relaxing.

If you like wine, Martinborough (http://www.martinborough.com/) or the Wairarapa area generally would make a good stop-off point. There's a scrummy chocolate shop in one of the towns around there too, but I can't remember which one! I think it gets a mention in the recent chocolate debate on here.

A little further on is Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre (http://www.mtbruce.org.nz/), with guided tours of the wildlife, feeding times etc.

We did this route in the winter (also stopping at Kaikoura between Christchurch and Picton), and I'd love to go back in the summertime, especially the Wairarapa. The countryside was so beautiful around there.

Have a great trip :)

[Smiler]

Hi Kate,

It depends on what sort of things you like, but you might want to stay 2 nights at Picton if you're interested in exploring the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Track. You can get a boat to one point and walk to another to be picked up again, although with a 2 year old I guess that might not be practical! It's a bit of a drive from Christchurch to Picton, so if nothing else, a day before getting the ferry would be more relaxing.

If you like wine, Martinborough (http://www.martinborough.com/) or the Wairarapa area generally would make a good stop-off point. There's a scrummy chocolate shop in one of the towns around there too, but I can't remember which one! I think it gets a mention in the recent chocolate debate on here.

A little further on is Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre (http://www.mtbruce.org.nz/) (http://www.mtbruce.org.nz/%29), with guided tours of the wildlife, feeding times etc.

We did this route in the winter (also stopping at Kaikoura between Christchurch and Picton), and I'd love to go back in the summertime, especially the Wairarapa. The countryside was so beautiful around there.

Have a great trip

We've done Napier - Welly in a day but I wouldn't recommend it with 3 in the back.

Debbie's right, the Martinborough region is gorgeous. Greytown is a good place to stop for lunch after your nail biting drive over the Rimutaka's! It's a little high street of expensive boutique shops but it's a good place to stretch your legs. It's got the Schoc chololate shop (yum yum) and a play area? next door.

Mount Bruce is fab. PM Rosemary, she works there and you'd get the guided tour, I'm sure.

Eketehuna is where the Tui brewery is, about 30 mins further on. They're making it into more of an tourist attraction, like on the adverts. ( I think they have near nekid nymphs bathing in the river, tell Craig) :laugh There is little else in Eke apart from 2 large concrete kiwi's.

Or you are welcome to drive up the coast from Wellington ( 2.5 hours) and stay with us. :yes You can easily drive across the ranges to Napier from here.

2 nights in Picton? :no

[PECJ]

Can I suggest whatever you do, stop off at the Masteton Queen Elizabeth Park. There is a great play park there with a huge "people of the town built" play park. The kids will love it and you might find it interesting as well - the story of how the town built it is quite heart warming. There is also a flying fox, minature train and lake and a deer park (although we didn't reaslise about the deer and did look for them). Opposite New World (to stock up on those forgotten essentials) and a sheep shearing museum (good educational stuff and reasonable exhibits). The park is on the "back road" to the East, parallel with the main road. Worth a lunch stop.