WanderlustNZ
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2012
- Messages
- 3,132
Excuse the long-winded post that follows. I wrote it in 'Pages' so hopefully it transfers properly to the website.
I honestly think that it would be a shame to rush your drives each day and do very few stops in order to fit them within a nap time. I think it would be missing the point of a NZ road trip. If your DD is like my son was at that age, she will wake most times you stop for a photo, or will only nap for less than an hour anyway. In which case, it really doesn't matter when you drive as no drive is going to be under a few hours. With plenty of photo, meal, and walk stops, most drives will be closer to half a day.
We got around long stretches in the car with our son by stopping often, even if it was just for one minute to stretch our legs and take a photo. We'd point out things for him to look at along the way, and somehow we always managed to avoid any meltdowns.
However, only you know your daughter best, and will know what works best for her. Of course if it's raining hard and you don't plan on doing many stops, then driving through naps times probably would work well. I say raining hard though as we have done many bush walks in light rain. Bring raincoats as NZ forest smells lovely in the rain.
We started doing bush walks with our young one from about the age of 2, and a few things to be aware of is that they generally don't have fences or barriers along the outside of the paths. Some are mostly safe to let your young one run a little bit ahead (e.g Redwood Forests in Rotorua), but in general I recommend keeping your child within arms length. As you are using a carrier, that is that problem solved. But since our big boy was very heavy at that age, we bought one of those harness/leash things so he could walk next to us when DH got tired of carrying him on his shoulders.
Other than unfenced drop-offs and waterways, and the occasional challenging piece of track, the NZ bush is relatively safe for young ones with no dangerous animals or insects. Make sure you look up often and point out the native birds to your DD. Their birdsong is so beautiful and quite unique. There are, however, quite a few sand flies in many parts of NZ bush, particularly Fiordland and the West Coast. Spray your family with bug spray regularly to avoid getting bitten.
Lastly, make sure you carry valuables with you. I've never had a vehicle broken into, but like in all countries around the world, there is always that slight risk.
For the stretch of road between Wanaka and Fox Glacier, I recommend Roaring Billy, Thundercreek Falls, Fantail Falls, and The Blue Pools.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-re...otago/wanaka-makarora/haast-pass-short-walks/
The doc website tends to overestimate the length of walks. We are not a fit family, but usually do these walks in about 3/4 of the time stated. It pays to print off a bit of information on each walk so you at least roughly know where they are located and can keep an eye out as you approach. Sign posting is getting better, but it is still easy to drive past some pull offs where the walks are located.
The Blue Pools walk is beautiful if you are lucky to strike the pools at their most brilliant blue. They were greenish while we were there, and I've heard of others who have seen them at a less-than-appealing, brown. It is still worth the walk however for the swing bridge and the pebbled shoreline. My son loved stopping for 15minutes to make towers out of pebbles. Make sure you allow time for these unexpected activities. They always form my most precious memories and are what stop my son from seeing a NZ roadtrip as just a 'long drive'.
In Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers there are short walks at both (under 30 minutes each) which take you to views of the Glaciers. I just can't quite find links to these walks right now. I'll keep looking. I also recommend Peter's Pool walk (it's very easy, but take the bug spray) and Lake Matheson. If you can do the whole lap of the lake, it is very worth it. As previously mentioned walk early morning or late afternoon - whenever the weather is best and most settled. If you try on arrival day, get to the first jetty lookout and there is no reflection, turn around and try again the next morning. Another benefit to walking early is that you beat the noisy bus tourists who don't seem to appreciate the peacefulness of the bush.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/west-coast/glaciers/peters-pool-walk/
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/west-coast/glaciers/lake-matheson-walk/
In Mt Cook I have done the Kea Point walk from the campground. The view of the glacier at the end is quite impressive (I'll try to dig out some pics), but the walk does have a few drop offs. Make sure you carry your DD on the hill parts of this walk. Also look out for Weta (native NZ insect) around and under rocks. DS found a whole family and was fascinated.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-re...ook/aoraki-mount-cook-village-walking-tracks/
Sadly, I have just discovered that the canal road I mentioned in the last post that goes past Lake Pukaki is closed (for how long, I'm not sure). I'm gutted as it is really beautiful. Perhaps keep an eye out just incase it has reopened.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTo...Lake_Tekapo_Mackenzie_District_Canterbur.html
Between Greymouth and Arthur's Pass there aren't a huge number of interesting short walks. I tried one that isn't worth mentioning. However there are literally dozens of beautiful places to pull over and take photos. If it's a lovely day on the day you travel, consider the slightly longer route past Lake Brunner. Also, pull over for a break at Lake Pearson and you'll hopefully be able to get some nice reflection pictures.
Driving South from Aoraki/Mt Cook you will pass over Lindis Pass, which is beautiful, but has few places to stop. However, once in Central Otago, a stop in both Cromwell and Arrowtown is highly worthwhile. The old town part of Cromwell is lovely, with some really quaint shops and nice views of the river. Arrowtown is even lovelier and worthy of at least a lunch stop. You may even choose to pull over at Shotover River and watch the speed boats for a while. Or a bit closer to Queenstown, watch the bungy jumpers.
I hope this helps.
I honestly think that it would be a shame to rush your drives each day and do very few stops in order to fit them within a nap time. I think it would be missing the point of a NZ road trip. If your DD is like my son was at that age, she will wake most times you stop for a photo, or will only nap for less than an hour anyway. In which case, it really doesn't matter when you drive as no drive is going to be under a few hours. With plenty of photo, meal, and walk stops, most drives will be closer to half a day.
We got around long stretches in the car with our son by stopping often, even if it was just for one minute to stretch our legs and take a photo. We'd point out things for him to look at along the way, and somehow we always managed to avoid any meltdowns.
However, only you know your daughter best, and will know what works best for her. Of course if it's raining hard and you don't plan on doing many stops, then driving through naps times probably would work well. I say raining hard though as we have done many bush walks in light rain. Bring raincoats as NZ forest smells lovely in the rain.
We started doing bush walks with our young one from about the age of 2, and a few things to be aware of is that they generally don't have fences or barriers along the outside of the paths. Some are mostly safe to let your young one run a little bit ahead (e.g Redwood Forests in Rotorua), but in general I recommend keeping your child within arms length. As you are using a carrier, that is that problem solved. But since our big boy was very heavy at that age, we bought one of those harness/leash things so he could walk next to us when DH got tired of carrying him on his shoulders.
Other than unfenced drop-offs and waterways, and the occasional challenging piece of track, the NZ bush is relatively safe for young ones with no dangerous animals or insects. Make sure you look up often and point out the native birds to your DD. Their birdsong is so beautiful and quite unique. There are, however, quite a few sand flies in many parts of NZ bush, particularly Fiordland and the West Coast. Spray your family with bug spray regularly to avoid getting bitten.
Lastly, make sure you carry valuables with you. I've never had a vehicle broken into, but like in all countries around the world, there is always that slight risk.
For the stretch of road between Wanaka and Fox Glacier, I recommend Roaring Billy, Thundercreek Falls, Fantail Falls, and The Blue Pools.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-re...otago/wanaka-makarora/haast-pass-short-walks/
The doc website tends to overestimate the length of walks. We are not a fit family, but usually do these walks in about 3/4 of the time stated. It pays to print off a bit of information on each walk so you at least roughly know where they are located and can keep an eye out as you approach. Sign posting is getting better, but it is still easy to drive past some pull offs where the walks are located.
The Blue Pools walk is beautiful if you are lucky to strike the pools at their most brilliant blue. They were greenish while we were there, and I've heard of others who have seen them at a less-than-appealing, brown. It is still worth the walk however for the swing bridge and the pebbled shoreline. My son loved stopping for 15minutes to make towers out of pebbles. Make sure you allow time for these unexpected activities. They always form my most precious memories and are what stop my son from seeing a NZ roadtrip as just a 'long drive'.
In Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers there are short walks at both (under 30 minutes each) which take you to views of the Glaciers. I just can't quite find links to these walks right now. I'll keep looking. I also recommend Peter's Pool walk (it's very easy, but take the bug spray) and Lake Matheson. If you can do the whole lap of the lake, it is very worth it. As previously mentioned walk early morning or late afternoon - whenever the weather is best and most settled. If you try on arrival day, get to the first jetty lookout and there is no reflection, turn around and try again the next morning. Another benefit to walking early is that you beat the noisy bus tourists who don't seem to appreciate the peacefulness of the bush.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/west-coast/glaciers/peters-pool-walk/
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/west-coast/glaciers/lake-matheson-walk/
In Mt Cook I have done the Kea Point walk from the campground. The view of the glacier at the end is quite impressive (I'll try to dig out some pics), but the walk does have a few drop offs. Make sure you carry your DD on the hill parts of this walk. Also look out for Weta (native NZ insect) around and under rocks. DS found a whole family and was fascinated.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-re...ook/aoraki-mount-cook-village-walking-tracks/
Sadly, I have just discovered that the canal road I mentioned in the last post that goes past Lake Pukaki is closed (for how long, I'm not sure). I'm gutted as it is really beautiful. Perhaps keep an eye out just incase it has reopened.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTo...Lake_Tekapo_Mackenzie_District_Canterbur.html
Between Greymouth and Arthur's Pass there aren't a huge number of interesting short walks. I tried one that isn't worth mentioning. However there are literally dozens of beautiful places to pull over and take photos. If it's a lovely day on the day you travel, consider the slightly longer route past Lake Brunner. Also, pull over for a break at Lake Pearson and you'll hopefully be able to get some nice reflection pictures.
Driving South from Aoraki/Mt Cook you will pass over Lindis Pass, which is beautiful, but has few places to stop. However, once in Central Otago, a stop in both Cromwell and Arrowtown is highly worthwhile. The old town part of Cromwell is lovely, with some really quaint shops and nice views of the river. Arrowtown is even lovelier and worthy of at least a lunch stop. You may even choose to pull over at Shotover River and watch the speed boats for a while. Or a bit closer to Queenstown, watch the bungy jumpers.
I hope this helps.
I always figured it's not going anywhere, so I'll get there eventually, but there might come a day when I don't want to do long haul flights any more, and that's when I'll see more of Australia 
