Getting from Auckland to Christchurch?

[cUnDaLl]

Just about to book my flight and i was wondering does anyone know a way (apart from flying) that i can get from Auckland to Christchurch cheaply? As i have found a good trip though the days that i wish to travel on i must fly into Auckland and flay back from Christchurch..........

Any ideas?

Thanks

Mark

[cUnDaLl]

Just booked it now so i will have to find some path of adventure of getting between the both though i have just requested a quote for car hire which i can pick up in Auckland though drop off in Christchurch.......


Mark

Ps My plan is....

London to HongKong (3 night there) then onto Auckland (3 weeks and 4 days) flying out from Christchurch to LA (2 nights there) then back to London all for ?679 including Tax.......

Hi Mark,
I dont think you have any other choice than flying or driving and taking the interislander ferry, which probably works out at the same price with taking a car on the ferry!

[jamesthecarman]

Flying down is pretty cheap, and b/c of the slow NZ roads (and few motorways/freeways) driving takes a lot longer. But you get to see a lot more. It's about 5-7 hours from the north part of the S. Island (Ferry landing) to Christchurch. The ferry is 4 hours, and I heard it's cheaper if you pre-book. Not sure on how to contact the operator's for it though.

[Jodie]

If you're going to drive, it might be worth checking with the hire company if you can leave your car at Wellington, and pick up another one in Picton cos otherwise it'll cost you around $250 to take your car across on the ferry. :icon_eek: icon_exclaim.gif (Compared with about $40 if you're just a passenger!) I know that some of the companies do this but you'd need to book in advance I'd imagine....

Otherwise, Air NZ are doing some really good deals for one way flights from Auckland or Welly to ChCh. I think it's about $85? (So by the time you've hired a car and paid for petrol & ferry crossing, flying works out much cheaper.) Check out the website....

www.airnz.co.nz

Cheers,

Jodie

[cUnDaLl]

Cheers Jodie,

I am now trying to work out the best options though is it me or has the exchange rate dropped? As the price for the car hire seem to have gone up!

Mark

The exchange rate is dropping considerably.. something like $2.65 to ?1 now... bit of a pain!

[dan-ish]

Hey Mark,

I would recommend driving between Aucks and Chch as you will get to see sooooo :icon_eek: icon_exclaim.gif much more of the country that way. If you decide to fly from Aucks to Chch for example, you won't be able to stray too far from there before your flight to the South Island. I would, however, also agree with the Jodster about ditching your car in Welly and getting another in Picton as it does cost a few bob to take it with you. The ferry ride from North to South is, in itself, a wonderful experience.

I think driving is definately the more worthwhile experience, but obviously it is up to you... :icon_question:

Dan-ish

Dan you old terror!! Havent seen you here for aaaaaages!!!

[netchicken]

Hitchhike.
Gotta be cheapest...
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