We will be travelling in March from Christchurch to Picton ferry terminal. Anyone know of the quickest route to get there? We understand the coast road is closed past Kaikoura due to the earthquake. We have 1 day to get there. Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3008 posts
The quickest way would be to fly ANZ into either Nelson (direct flts) or Blenheim (connecting in Wellington), and then work your way over to the terminal from there.
It's a 6 hour drive via the inland route, which is not the most scenic drive on the South Island. Might be easier all the way around to just fly to Wellington and skip the ferry, unless there's some overriding reason you want to spend most of 2 days getting to the same final destination.
Posted by
OP
34 posts
Thanks Robert. We have a car rented which includes the ferry so flying (also cost) is not an option. I guess its the inland drive for us.
Posted by
NZ
133 posts
This might help...
http://nzta.govt.nz/assets/traffic/docs/Picton-to-Christchurch-alternate-state-highway-route.pdf
Page 2 gives a good breakdown of the expected times between places.
It's a still a lovely scenic drive (even without the ocean views) and if you have the time there are a number of places that are nice to stop for walks, coffees, views.
I notice their description makes the drive sound quite treacherous, but it's really not. It's just not a road designed for speed or heavy traffic (volume and weight) and there aren't many places to pass if you get stuck behind slower traffic (one lane in each direction). Take your time, make sure you fuel up in Christchurch and enjoy the journey.
PS. I'd also suggest you speak to your rental company about the option of flying to Wellington from Chc. They might be quite happy and flexible about having the vehicle stay in the South?
Posted by
OP
34 posts
Thanks Kiwi for the website. Looks like a full day drive. We are going to change our ferry booking to the last boat of the day.
S
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Why not take your time on this route and stay overnight in Picton before catching the ferry. This way you won't be keeping an eye on the clock and worrying about missing the ferry. You have to leave the car in the South Island anyway don't you? We did in 2001. Picked up another car when we got off the ferry in Wellington.
Posted by
OP
34 posts
Thanks Judy for responding. We are dropping a motorhome off in Christchurch ( after 3 weeks) and picking up a rental car for 3 weeks in the north. We have now changed our ferry trip to the last sailing of the day so we don't have to drive in panic mode! Problem solved!