New Zealand (South Island) 16D14N hiking and sightseeing trip from 2-17 March 2025 ... a self-plan, self-drive, self-cook trip with team members of 4 ladies and 3 guys:
KC Leong - organizer, trip main planner, trails navigator;
Josephine Lee - main driver, assistant Treasurer;
Alvin Lau - co-driver, navigator;
Rose Cheong - chief cook;
Felicia Hew - Treasurer, social media updates;
Vandy Yap - co-trails navigator;
ChongYF - gadget and technical support.
(ladies assist in buying groceries and cooking).
Do CLICK HERE for photos taken by yours truly, KC Leong, using a Nikon mirrorless camera.
At Queenstown ... (left) Felicia Hew, Rose Cheong, Josephine Lee, ChongYF, Vandy Yap, Alvin Lau, KC Leong.
Per Pax Costing
Spending for transport (car rental and petrol), accommodation and food = RM4,850;
Flight to/fro Queenstown via Singapore Airline = RM4,700;
Expenditure for the 16-day trip = RM9,550.
Rental Vehicle
For self-drive: Kia Carnival (that can take 7 persons comfortably with space for luggage, extra bags and grocery that packed to the brim);
Accommodation
Haka House in New Zealand (or Hostelling International hostels).
Trying out the famous Fergburger - yes, delicious!
The Scenery
The scenery in South Island is stunningly beautiful featuring rugged mountain and lakes, clear blue sky. We will share with you a post-event updates with improved itinerary. You just form a team and experience the pleasant journey, and enjoy the trip – it is do-able.
Our hostel with the Skyline Gondola Peak Station in the background
Fergburger
The Crown Jewel of Queenstown - we have the opportunity to try one of the best burgers of New Zealand. Average price is NZ$20 (or RM50) per burger. A lot of people queuing whole day to buy the prized burgers. We shared the burger on Day 1 evening. We liked it and decided to eat one each on the final evening before returning to Kuala Lumpur.
At the mid-hill of hiking up Skyline Gondola hill-station via Tiki Trail
Summary of itinerary
1. Queenstown (2 nights, from 3 March 2025);
2. Wakana (2N);
3. Franz Josef (1N);
4. Aorari / Mount Cook (2N);
5. Lake Tekapo (1N);
6. Christchurch (2N; second day bad weather the whole day, 12 March 2025);
7. Dunedin (2N);
8. Te Anau (1N);
9. Queenstown (1N).
At the Skyline Gondola Peak Station with the scenic view of Queenstown
After the hike, walk around at the Queenstown Park
This is how we pack our luggage to the brim; the box contains grocery where we will shift from one hostel to another
Visiting Shotover Jet (en route to Wanaka)
Visiting Arrowtown Chinese Settlement (en route to Wanaka)
Wine tasting at Gibbston Valley (en route to Wanaka)
Roys Track Viewpoint hike (overlooking Lake Wanaka; 6 hours round-trip hike without any shades or clouds)
Roys Track Viewpoint hike - at lookout point
Roys Track Viewpoint hike - overlooking Lake Wanaka
Roys Track Viewpoint hike - a scenic view overlooking Lake Wanaka
Roys Track Viewpoint hike - taking a breather at a mid-hill station (Rose and Josephine)
The Lone Tree of Wanaka during low tide - this tree is not submerged in the water all the time; hence, it can survive.
Happy moment when dinner is cooked (at Queenstown) with Rose Cheong (R2) as Chief Cook and assisted by the ladies
Happy moment when dinner is cooked - at Wanaka
Posted by KC Leong
No comments:
Post a Comment