Stopover in NZ
#1
Stopover in NZ
As our flight from Brisbane to San Fransisco stops in Auckland (btw, this is a new Air NZ flight, Auckland to San Fransisco, starting in June), we have decided to stopover in NZ for a week. Can anyone give us some ideas about a nice area to visit, not more than 5 hours drive from Auckland?.
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 119
Re: Stopover in NZ
Originally posted by Amazulu
As our flight from Brisbane to San Fransisco stops in Auckland (btw, this is a new Air NZ flight, Auckland to San Fransisco, starting in June), we have decided to stopover in NZ for a week. Can anyone give us some ideas about a nice area to visit, not more than 5 hours drive from Auckland?.
As our flight from Brisbane to San Fransisco stops in Auckland (btw, this is a new Air NZ flight, Auckland to San Fransisco, starting in June), we have decided to stopover in NZ for a week. Can anyone give us some ideas about a nice area to visit, not more than 5 hours drive from Auckland?.
#3
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Re: Stopover in NZ
Originally posted by binman
Three hours easy drive from Auckland is Rotorua. You will find plenty to see and do within 90 min. drive of Rotorua to keep you occupied for a week. Hope this helps BINMAN
Three hours easy drive from Auckland is Rotorua. You will find plenty to see and do within 90 min. drive of Rotorua to keep you occupied for a week. Hope this helps BINMAN
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 49
Re: Stopover in NZ
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Amazulu
U should definately drive to Cape Reinga which is furthest point of north island, beautiful scenery, bay of islands, go to waitangi, where the maori treaty house is, auckland itself is fab and def worth a visit, rotorua is cool but only for a day, it has thermal baths etc there.
South Island is worth a visit, try hamner springs (thermal pools) kaikoura (wildlife ie dolphin swimming, whale watching, seal swimming) also on south island you have mount cook (nz highest peak) fox & franz josef glaciers on west coast and moeraki boulders on east coast. All depends what you want. Have fun.
U should definately drive to Cape Reinga which is furthest point of north island, beautiful scenery, bay of islands, go to waitangi, where the maori treaty house is, auckland itself is fab and def worth a visit, rotorua is cool but only for a day, it has thermal baths etc there.
South Island is worth a visit, try hamner springs (thermal pools) kaikoura (wildlife ie dolphin swimming, whale watching, seal swimming) also on south island you have mount cook (nz highest peak) fox & franz josef glaciers on west coast and moeraki boulders on east coast. All depends what you want. Have fun.
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 49
Re: Stopover in NZ
Originally posted by Amazulu
As our flight from Brisbane to San Fransisco stops in Auckland (btw, this is a new Air NZ flight, Auckland to San Fransisco, starting in June), we have decided to stopover in NZ for a week. Can anyone give us some ideas about a nice area to visit, not more than 5 hours drive from Auckland?.
As our flight from Brisbane to San Fransisco stops in Auckland (btw, this is a new Air NZ flight, Auckland to San Fransisco, starting in June), we have decided to stopover in NZ for a week. Can anyone give us some ideas about a nice area to visit, not more than 5 hours drive from Auckland?.
#6
there was a thread on here - I asked and it was interesting
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...hreadid=200718
I have not been here with my kids yet and I have been miserable (nothing to do with the sights) and have not got myself out and about. My mum was over for two days, her impression - did the round Auckland bus trip....brilliant on a nice day loads of info, thought Auckland and the access to the water and future trips could of filled a few more days than she did......but get out and do the sites, and if can get an extra flight into the south island do it!
My experience so far after working here 5 weeks (I work to enjoy myself) we did the casino one night (not upclass) Tower - interesting cause I like scaring myself with heights. Eat out lots but could of got it anywhere. So I am not impressed but think that might because I am a misery. I am living on Princes Wharf - ie into the water centre city! Next to the Hilton! The QE II and the Star Princess have docked right beside me since I have been here and they are impressive while I am working to work!
Do NZ - 2 days Auckland...........and then go see more.
My opinion only!
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...hreadid=200718
I have not been here with my kids yet and I have been miserable (nothing to do with the sights) and have not got myself out and about. My mum was over for two days, her impression - did the round Auckland bus trip....brilliant on a nice day loads of info, thought Auckland and the access to the water and future trips could of filled a few more days than she did......but get out and do the sites, and if can get an extra flight into the south island do it!
My experience so far after working here 5 weeks (I work to enjoy myself) we did the casino one night (not upclass) Tower - interesting cause I like scaring myself with heights. Eat out lots but could of got it anywhere. So I am not impressed but think that might because I am a misery. I am living on Princes Wharf - ie into the water centre city! Next to the Hilton! The QE II and the Star Princess have docked right beside me since I have been here and they are impressive while I am working to work!
Do NZ - 2 days Auckland...........and then go see more.
My opinion only!
#7
Re: Stopover in NZ
Originally posted by Amazulu
As our flight from Brisbane to San Fransisco stops in Auckland (btw, this is a new Air NZ flight, Auckland to San Fransisco, starting in June), we have decided to stopover in NZ for a week. Can anyone give us some ideas about a nice area to visit, not more than 5 hours drive from Auckland?.
As our flight from Brisbane to San Fransisco stops in Auckland (btw, this is a new Air NZ flight, Auckland to San Fransisco, starting in June), we have decided to stopover in NZ for a week. Can anyone give us some ideas about a nice area to visit, not more than 5 hours drive from Auckland?.
For someone who has not been to NZ before (you do not say whether you have or haven't) I would spend a half the week in Auckland and the other half in Rotorua. There are not many places in the world with a volcanic environment like Rotorua, it is fascinating and, as a tourist, you can indulge yourself with a Maori hangi and concert which many Kiwis shy from. Good fun.
#8
Re: Stopover in NZ
Originally posted by Servant24kids
It really does depend on what you like.
For someone who has not been to NZ before (you do not say whether you have or haven't) I would spend a half the week in Auckland and the other half in Rotorua. There are not many places in the world with a volcanic environment like Rotorua, it is fascinating and, as a tourist, you can indulge yourself with a Maori hangi and concert which many Kiwis shy from. Good fun.
It really does depend on what you like.
For someone who has not been to NZ before (you do not say whether you have or haven't) I would spend a half the week in Auckland and the other half in Rotorua. There are not many places in the world with a volcanic environment like Rotorua, it is fascinating and, as a tourist, you can indulge yourself with a Maori hangi and concert which many Kiwis shy from. Good fun.
#9
To Servant24kids and binman THANK YOU.
We have now lived in Rotorua for almost 8 months and have loved every minute of it. It really is an amazingly cultural thermal wonderland {and not a Mouse in sight Don}.
We have already had 3 groups of visitors from the UK who are stunned at the beauty of the area and the variety of activities that you can participate in.
"Rotorua is boring and overdone after about 5 milliseconds, probably one of the worst bits of NZ unless you are into Disneyland." how can anyone say that?
Jet boat ride...try Huka Falls 45 minutes'ish from Rotorua. You can tandem sky dive I believe from Rotorua airport.
Anything specific about Rotorua just PM us.
Gill and Rob
We have now lived in Rotorua for almost 8 months and have loved every minute of it. It really is an amazingly cultural thermal wonderland {and not a Mouse in sight Don}.
We have already had 3 groups of visitors from the UK who are stunned at the beauty of the area and the variety of activities that you can participate in.
"Rotorua is boring and overdone after about 5 milliseconds, probably one of the worst bits of NZ unless you are into Disneyland." how can anyone say that?
Jet boat ride...try Huka Falls 45 minutes'ish from Rotorua. You can tandem sky dive I believe from Rotorua airport.
Anything specific about Rotorua just PM us.
Gill and Rob
#10
(Jon) returning to NZ 04
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 816
I think Rotorua is worth a visit - I agree with you Gill and Rob, but the area in general is worthy of time spent - not just Rotorua itself.
Huka Falls is by Taupo - which is where I'd recommend. I'd spend a day or two in Rotorua, then head to Taupo to see the free (donation maybe?) Craters of the Moon. If you're into geothermal activity, there are lots of places outside of Rotorua. You could also loop back up through Waitomo Caves and back to Auckland.
Also worth checking out the wild West Coast - Piha etc - like most places in NZ - there's not much except pretty scenery though....
I'm guessing it will be winter when you're there Amazulu? That rules out doing the Tongariro Crossing (fantastic on a fine day) - so heading into Northland would be recommended.
Some nice NZ history at Waitangi and Russell - impressive coastline - and a real laid back part of NZ.
Or the Coromandel, BOP, and East Cape could all be worth a look.
Huka Falls is by Taupo - which is where I'd recommend. I'd spend a day or two in Rotorua, then head to Taupo to see the free (donation maybe?) Craters of the Moon. If you're into geothermal activity, there are lots of places outside of Rotorua. You could also loop back up through Waitomo Caves and back to Auckland.
Also worth checking out the wild West Coast - Piha etc - like most places in NZ - there's not much except pretty scenery though....
I'm guessing it will be winter when you're there Amazulu? That rules out doing the Tongariro Crossing (fantastic on a fine day) - so heading into Northland would be recommended.
Some nice NZ history at Waitangi and Russell - impressive coastline - and a real laid back part of NZ.
Or the Coromandel, BOP, and East Cape could all be worth a look.
#11
Originally posted by jandjuk
I think Rotorua is worth a visit - I agree with you Gill and Rob, but the area in general is worthy of time spent - not just Rotorua itself.
Huka Falls is by Taupo - which is where I'd recommend. I'd spend a day or two in Rotorua, then head to Taupo to see the free (donation maybe?) Craters of the Moon. If you're into geothermal activity, there are lots of places outside of Rotorua. You could also loop back up through Waitomo Caves and back to Auckland.
Also worth checking out the wild West Coast - Piha etc - like most places in NZ - there's not much except pretty scenery though....
I'm guessing it will be winter when you're there Amazulu? That rules out doing the Tongariro Crossing (fantastic on a fine day) - so heading into Northland would be recommended.
Some nice NZ history at Waitangi and Russell - impressive coastline - and a real laid back part of NZ.
Or the Coromandel, BOP, and East Cape could all be worth a look.
I think Rotorua is worth a visit - I agree with you Gill and Rob, but the area in general is worthy of time spent - not just Rotorua itself.
Huka Falls is by Taupo - which is where I'd recommend. I'd spend a day or two in Rotorua, then head to Taupo to see the free (donation maybe?) Craters of the Moon. If you're into geothermal activity, there are lots of places outside of Rotorua. You could also loop back up through Waitomo Caves and back to Auckland.
Also worth checking out the wild West Coast - Piha etc - like most places in NZ - there's not much except pretty scenery though....
I'm guessing it will be winter when you're there Amazulu? That rules out doing the Tongariro Crossing (fantastic on a fine day) - so heading into Northland would be recommended.
Some nice NZ history at Waitangi and Russell - impressive coastline - and a real laid back part of NZ.
Or the Coromandel, BOP, and East Cape could all be worth a look.
#12
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
OK, 5 milliseconds was overdoing it.
We stayed in Rotorua for maybe 4 days, also went to have a look see at Taupo and Huka Falls.
Interesting enough.
I just wouldn't choose them as being particularly special (apart from the interesting geothermics of course) or typical of NZ - I'd prefer to go for a walk on a beautiful bit of deserted beach, myself.
Shame the 8th wonder got covered over - could have made all the difference.
We stayed in Rotorua for maybe 4 days, also went to have a look see at Taupo and Huka Falls.
Interesting enough.
I just wouldn't choose them as being particularly special (apart from the interesting geothermics of course) or typical of NZ - I'd prefer to go for a walk on a beautiful bit of deserted beach, myself.
Shame the 8th wonder got covered over - could have made all the difference.
#13
but what is the weather like late May/Early June?
We are also doing a stopover enroute to Brisbane on AirNZ, after doing Raratonga too.
We arrive in Christchurch 18May and are renting motorhome to do 4 weeks through Sth, across the creek, then up through Nth.
Interested to read tips as above posts but concerned what the weather will be like to take advantage of sights like Doubtful Sound, Mt Cook, Kaikoura whale spotting, bubbling sand beach at Coromandel, hole in the rock up at Bay of Islands..... plus staying in campgrounds.
Any Advice on sightseeing above at that time of year will be much appreciated....
plus, if anyone lives in NZ and can give us specific advice on above, could you send me an email directly so I can please get some travel advice....thx
We arrive in Christchurch 18May and are renting motorhome to do 4 weeks through Sth, across the creek, then up through Nth.
Interested to read tips as above posts but concerned what the weather will be like to take advantage of sights like Doubtful Sound, Mt Cook, Kaikoura whale spotting, bubbling sand beach at Coromandel, hole in the rock up at Bay of Islands..... plus staying in campgrounds.
Any Advice on sightseeing above at that time of year will be much appreciated....
plus, if anyone lives in NZ and can give us specific advice on above, could you send me an email directly so I can please get some travel advice....thx
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Auckland till May, then Brisbane!
Posts: 18
Re: but what is the weather like late May/Early June?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by brisbane bronco
bubbling sand beach at Coromandel
(called Hot Water Beach) Dig ya own bath when the tide goes out and burn your ass:scared:
Rotorua is a dump and smells like one to! Avoid if poss..
Sorry....Have had my car pinched there twice!
Not my favourite place.
bubbling sand beach at Coromandel
(called Hot Water Beach) Dig ya own bath when the tide goes out and burn your ass:scared:
Rotorua is a dump and smells like one to! Avoid if poss..
Sorry....Have had my car pinched there twice!
Not my favourite place.
#15
No I don't work for the Rotorua Tourist Information board BUT, Rotorua IS NOT A DUMP !! and although SOME PARTS of it does have a sulphur smell, most places don't. In fact we were dissapointed that it didn't smell more pungent ! It is after all part of the geothermal activity that is such an attraction to the area.
As for having your car stolen, it is coincidental that it was twice in the same town.
Gill
As for having your car stolen, it is coincidental that it was twice in the same town.
Gill