Ok, I have Sunday/Monday off with a car hire booked!

I am running a 10K on Sunday morning, and we are thinking of heading out of town early afternoon, back on Monday afternoon (by 4pm to return the car!)...

Any idea?

Was thinking Rotorua but 3hrs drive is too much! Anyone has any recommendation?

Idealy an hour drive max from Auckland...

Main idea is too relax, a little break away from the city centre life & our small flat...

Sorry can't help but just wanted to say good luck for Sunday and enjoy the break.....you'll need it! Maybe somewhere their is a masseuse to rub your achy legs?

Phyl x

Coromandel?

Or is that too far?

Coromandel is a good 3 to 3.5 hours drive.

One hour south of Auckland basically gets you to Hamilton, perhaps try Raglan nearby at the coast, cool sort of small town, not sure what it's like at this time of year though. In summer it's petty busy with surf dudes.

http://www.raglan.net.nz/

Mmm one hour drive limits it a tad. What about the ferry instead - Waiheke?

If you fancy just chilling out with a pub nearby, I can recommend

http://www.saltydoginn.co.nz/

At Snells beach about one hour north of Auckland. Food in the pub is great and nice wee chalet / motel accomodation. Few nice places and beaches to mooch around at Sandspit, stop for coffee at Warkworth on the way.

Rotorua's not far by Kiwi standards...Or Coromandel.
Actually...I would go for Coromandel I think

Three hours is nothing in the car Matewx, spread your wings
I've never been to Coromandel so can only comment on Rotorua.
There is plenty to do though you may want to take it easy after the run
If you do end up there then go up the gondola and try the luge. You get great views over the lake and the chance to speed down a concrete track on a plastic tray with wheels-what more could you want? In fact there were way more adults than kids both times I've been...
Also more bubbling mud and sulphurous smells than any one person could possibly desire
Can't help with anywhere else as I've never been further north than Whakatane. Should try and see up there soon as we may be on the move south at the end of the year...

Rotorua !!
a gentle 3 -3.5 hours drive. Come via Hamilton.
Lots to do, loads of great bargains for accommodation.
ROTORUA !!!!

Yeah
Gill and Rob.... ROTORUA since 2003

three hours would get you to the Bay of Islands
Me ? biased?

Rotorua's a great idea as they have a great spa complex so you can soothe those muscles after your run