8 nights on the South Island
Planning a trip to the New Zealand in March to include 8 nights on the South Island. I'll fly to the South Island from Auckland, probably to Queenstown.
Broadly speaking I am considering one of these two options. I prefer to not switch lodging every day.
Queenstown (3 nights), west coast 4 nights (2 stops), then across Arthur's Path with final night in Christchurch before flying to Wellington.
Queenstown 3 nights, Te Anau 2 nights, 2 nights somewhere else not too far away, and fly to Wellington from Queenstown.
Hiking is a priority, as far as interests go, but I'm also interested in having at least one laid back day. Option 2 is clearly less driving but also more back and forth.
Perhaps my question is also "would I be sadder to miss the west or the south."
Thanks!!