Stopover in NZ
#16
I stayed in Rotorua for 2 days and it was 1.5 days too long!
Yes the geyser and thermals were "interesting" but the rest of the place is a grubby old town. Was one of the biggest disappointments of NZ for me.
Loved Taupo and Huka Falls, but even that gets boring after a short while.
Piha is definitely a good palce to visit and close to Aucks. I lved about 20mins from there and often took the dogs for a walk next to the crashing waves. Even the drive down to it is lovely.
Nice place for a pleasant afternoon is visiting the macadamia nut farm just outside Helensville...i cant remember the name of it...but its a beautiful place.
Yes the geyser and thermals were "interesting" but the rest of the place is a grubby old town. Was one of the biggest disappointments of NZ for me.
Loved Taupo and Huka Falls, but even that gets boring after a short while.
Piha is definitely a good palce to visit and close to Aucks. I lved about 20mins from there and often took the dogs for a walk next to the crashing waves. Even the drive down to it is lovely.
Nice place for a pleasant afternoon is visiting the macadamia nut farm just outside Helensville...i cant remember the name of it...but its a beautiful place.
#17
With regards to Rotorua - if you want to see geothermal activity the sites actually in town are over priced, touristy and disappointing.
Hell's Gate is OK but again - very touristy.
Get out to one of the surrounding valleys - there is one that just took our breath away on the Rotorua/Taupo road - it is awesome - really beautiful and not so many busloads of tourists - there are some really nice thermal pools off that road too - again not touristy and jolly nice (especially if you and your missus get a private pool )
As soon as I remember the name of that valley I will post it up here!
Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley - that's the one!!
Try this www.geyserland.co.nz/
Hell's Gate is OK but again - very touristy.
Get out to one of the surrounding valleys - there is one that just took our breath away on the Rotorua/Taupo road - it is awesome - really beautiful and not so many busloads of tourists - there are some really nice thermal pools off that road too - again not touristy and jolly nice (especially if you and your missus get a private pool )
As soon as I remember the name of that valley I will post it up here!
Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley - that's the one!!
Try this www.geyserland.co.nz/
Last edited by Pollster; Mar 2nd 2004 at 4:35 am.
#18
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Watch out for the Orcs and other middle earth weirdos. According to legend the land is in danger of going over to the dark side of Mordor.
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 49
Re: but what is the weather like late May/Early June?
Originally posted by brisbane bronco
can send you some info if you want it, email me [email protected]
can send you some info if you want it, email me [email protected]
#20
(Jon) returning to NZ 04
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 816
the weather in may,june, july will be okay. Might be a bit wet, but it won't be freezing (in the north) - sitting in hot water beach might be a bit chilly, but could be nice on winters day.
Or you could go to some nice thermal pools in Waiwera, Te Aroha, Rotorua or any number of places.
Rotorua as a town is nothing flash, but the Rotorua region is very good. Tarawera region is worth a look too. The Tarawera crater is magnificent, and Buried Village is okay (not fabulous, and certainly no Pompeii - but then what is?) - but interesting enough.
On Northland - can't name any specific places to stay that aren't camp grounds - but a good place to base yourself would be Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Small tourist town - but a good starting point for all the sights.
This is a good interesting little museum in Matakohe, telling the history of the Kauri tree and logging in NZ: http://www.bestwestern.co.nz/northland/museum.htm
Or you could go to some nice thermal pools in Waiwera, Te Aroha, Rotorua or any number of places.
Rotorua as a town is nothing flash, but the Rotorua region is very good. Tarawera region is worth a look too. The Tarawera crater is magnificent, and Buried Village is okay (not fabulous, and certainly no Pompeii - but then what is?) - but interesting enough.
On Northland - can't name any specific places to stay that aren't camp grounds - but a good place to base yourself would be Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Small tourist town - but a good starting point for all the sights.
This is a good interesting little museum in Matakohe, telling the history of the Kauri tree and logging in NZ: http://www.bestwestern.co.nz/northland/museum.htm