Driving NZ roads - Milford Sound

[craigeth]

Hey guys,

My wife and I are planning a trip to NZ's south island next year in July. While doing our research, I saw something that said the drive to Milford Sound is rated as one of the worlds best.

Here's my dilemma, my wife wants us to hire a camper van from a place like Juicy or one of those guys. I want to hire something a little more comfortable, like a Camry or a Falcon.

Do you think it would still be enjoyable to drive these well rated roads in a campervan..?

Also have any of you driven this road? Or done any driving in NZ?

Cheers.

[big_d]

Hi Craig.

The roads there will have that rating due to the views rather than their enjoyability for spirited driving.

In July, you may want to ask the rental company for tire chains in case of snow.

[Chubb]

I drove the west coast of NZ last year in July from Christchurch to Queenstown (the long way) , I mean no offence to any NZ residents but that was the most boring 10hours of my life. Pretty much every bridge we came across was one lane also.

[big_d]

Ha ha, that's the west coast for ya

[Chubb]

Drove for 10hours saw maybe 3 "towns" and about 10 cars, it blew my mind. I did however enjoy the drive into Queenstown down the devils staircase (think that it the name).

[bunnishiwa]

Perfect country for a Ralliart or Evo - Down the West coast no traffic, long straights then twisties through the mountains. Polite drivers on the roads.

Loved the drive to Milford Sound and did that in a 1ltr shitbox hire

Camper vans definately the way to go in NZ

[chris851]

Love the roads over there, i was disappointment with the sx4 suzuki we had so much roll and no power for the hills. My fav road was in-between queenstown and lake wanaka would def recommend going through that way! "cardrona valley rd" is the name

[Chubb]

That is the road I loved Chris thought the step part was called the devils stair case or something, you reckon your SX4 was bad... we had a 2.4l auto tarago with 7 people .