First trip to the North Island in many years, not sure where to start
Jun 13th, 2014, 11:29 PM
#1
First trip to the North Island in many years, not sure where to start
We've been visiting the South Island on a regular basis for years, but have only been to the NI once, and that was back in 1994.
Spouse and I are considering a semi-spontaneous July visit to the North Island - only have about 10 days, and we're pretty clueless about where to begin.
We'll fly in/out of Auckland, coming from Perth. We love a good drop, and are interested in visiting the wine region of Martinborough, home to the best pinot noir spouse has ever had. We're also avid walkers and love the outdoors and national parks.
Also considering a few days in Wellington, but otherwise very much want to avoid cities.
Feeling rather lost at the moment, and would much appreciate any suggestions for a leisurely visit, perhaps a loop from Wellington with a return flight to Auckland.
All suggestions appreciated.
Spouse and I are considering a semi-spontaneous July visit to the North Island - only have about 10 days, and we're pretty clueless about where to begin.
We'll fly in/out of Auckland, coming from Perth. We love a good drop, and are interested in visiting the wine region of Martinborough, home to the best pinot noir spouse has ever had. We're also avid walkers and love the outdoors and national parks.
Also considering a few days in Wellington, but otherwise very much want to avoid cities.
Feeling rather lost at the moment, and would much appreciate any suggestions for a leisurely visit, perhaps a loop from Wellington with a return flight to Auckland.
All suggestions appreciated.
Jun 14th, 2014, 12:10 PM
#2
mel, as you know we've only been to NZ once and of our 17 nights, only 4 of them were spent on the NI. Therefore, we missed quite a lot. however, we saw enough of the Napier area to think that you might enjoy it there - lots of good wineries, some walks that we didn't do as it was raining, and when it wasn't, a trip out to see the gannets which was one of the highlights of our visit.
The other area we liked a lot, though we didn't see that much of it, was the Coromandel peninsular where we would have liked to spend longer. we found the area between the Coromandel and Napier was pretty interesting, especially the mining area [around Waihi I think] which reminded us of home and where there looked to be quite a few nice walks.
We never got further north than that - in particular we never got to the Bay of Islands so I don't know what it's like in July. warmer than Dunedin though I should think!
The other area we liked a lot, though we didn't see that much of it, was the Coromandel peninsular where we would have liked to spend longer. we found the area between the Coromandel and Napier was pretty interesting, especially the mining area [around Waihi I think] which reminded us of home and where there looked to be quite a few nice walks.
We never got further north than that - in particular we never got to the Bay of Islands so I don't know what it's like in July. warmer than Dunedin though I should think!
Jun 14th, 2014, 03:34 PM
#3
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We've also been only once to NZ, splitting two weeks between north and south islands.
For North Island, I would second Ann's recommendation for Napier, charming small city and interesting area. We really liked Russell in the Bay of Islands despite 24 hours of torrential rain. Waitangi is nearby. Lake Taupo was quaint, we took a cruise on the lake that was very scenic and enjoyable.
Rotorua is scenic if smelly, but the natural hot springs were soothing and it was fun to watch silver jewellery turn black. The Kaikoura Coast was very pretty. Wellington was hard to enjoy with the constant wind, but Te Papa museum excellent.
In Auckland we liked the ferry over to Devenport and a stroll around, plus the lunch at Skytower revolving restaurant was excellent food and included the lift price. Amazing views from up there.
For North Island, I would second Ann's recommendation for Napier, charming small city and interesting area. We really liked Russell in the Bay of Islands despite 24 hours of torrential rain. Waitangi is nearby. Lake Taupo was quaint, we took a cruise on the lake that was very scenic and enjoyable.
Rotorua is scenic if smelly, but the natural hot springs were soothing and it was fun to watch silver jewellery turn black. The Kaikoura Coast was very pretty. Wellington was hard to enjoy with the constant wind, but Te Papa museum excellent.
In Auckland we liked the ferry over to Devenport and a stroll around, plus the lunch at Skytower revolving restaurant was excellent food and included the lift price. Amazing views from up there.
Jun 14th, 2014, 08:44 PM
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Hi, Mel.
While in Napier try to fit in a visit (or two) to Havelock North. We have some lovely vineyards and restaurants here.
I know everyone raves about the Martinborough wines but I believe Hawke's Bay has an equally if not better selection of wines.
We will be between Wellington and Hawke's Bay until the middle of July when we will finally be in residence in "the Bay'.
There are some great walks around Wellington although I'm not sure of their suitability in July.
Research The Forgotten Highway near Wanganui as an alternative to the main road to Auckland. When going to Hamilton we usually go through Taihape and Taumaranui but I can't remember where we come out (all our maps are in Havelock North so I can't check routes).
Dot
While in Napier try to fit in a visit (or two) to Havelock North. We have some lovely vineyards and restaurants here.
I know everyone raves about the Martinborough wines but I believe Hawke's Bay has an equally if not better selection of wines.
We will be between Wellington and Hawke's Bay until the middle of July when we will finally be in residence in "the Bay'.
There are some great walks around Wellington although I'm not sure of their suitability in July.
Research The Forgotten Highway near Wanganui as an alternative to the main road to Auckland. When going to Hamilton we usually go through Taihape and Taumaranui but I can't remember where we come out (all our maps are in Havelock North so I can't check routes).
Dot
Jun 15th, 2014, 11:31 AM
#7
Hi Melnq8,
Although I've been all over the North Island, never in mid winter!
In 2010 I stayed at this place in Martinborough which is run by a contract winemaker. If you aren't allergic to cats they are a fun couple. (The cats are confined to the main house). Chris is Australian but studied at UC Davis. Worth staying there just to sip one or two of his own bottles in the evening. Martinborough is dead flat so you can stumble between wineries easily which helps with the pacing.
http://www.burings.co.nz/
On that trip I combined it with Wellington, Paraparaumu and Kapiti Island.
Although you can day trip to Kapiti it is really a special experience to spend the night with John, Amo and Minnie. They offer a nighttime kiwi walk. The weather between Paraparumu and the Island can scrub your boat ride, and I'm not sure what it would be like in July (Or if they even run in July!)
http://www.kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz/
http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...dge-photos.cfm
If it was summer I would recommend Tongariro and the central volcanic region but it will be very cold east of the volcanos.
Some great roads eg the Whanganui River Road which was not sealed (and scary) when I did it, but now it should be mostly paved.
It won't really be beach weather in the north so not sure I'd head up that way.
Although I've been all over the North Island, never in mid winter!
In 2010 I stayed at this place in Martinborough which is run by a contract winemaker. If you aren't allergic to cats they are a fun couple. (The cats are confined to the main house). Chris is Australian but studied at UC Davis. Worth staying there just to sip one or two of his own bottles in the evening. Martinborough is dead flat so you can stumble between wineries easily which helps with the pacing.
http://www.burings.co.nz/
On that trip I combined it with Wellington, Paraparaumu and Kapiti Island.
Although you can day trip to Kapiti it is really a special experience to spend the night with John, Amo and Minnie. They offer a nighttime kiwi walk. The weather between Paraparumu and the Island can scrub your boat ride, and I'm not sure what it would be like in July (Or if they even run in July!)
http://www.kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz/
http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...dge-photos.cfm
If it was summer I would recommend Tongariro and the central volcanic region but it will be very cold east of the volcanos.
Some great roads eg the Whanganui River Road which was not sealed (and scary) when I did it, but now it should be mostly paved.
It won't really be beach weather in the north so not sure I'd head up that way.
Jun 15th, 2014, 04:26 PM
#9
Thanks mlgb, great suggestions. We're still waffling. We'd planned to go to South Australia, but spouse is pushing for the NI instead. I'm still on the fence, long way to go for such a short time.
Jun 15th, 2014, 10:25 PM
#10
Have you been to the Bay of Island Mel, if not I would definitely put this into the equation. I had been there many years ago, but my DH had never been. We did a trip two years ago flew into Auckland and then drove the Twin Coast Highway going up the West Coast then across to the East Coast, basing ourselves in Paihia. We did not make it up to Cape Reinga this time we ran out of days.
There are a lot of wineries just north of Auckland also.
The Coromandel is also a beautiful spot and defintely worth a visit!!
There are a lot of wineries just north of Auckland also.
The Coromandel is also a beautiful spot and defintely worth a visit!!
Jun 16th, 2014, 01:29 AM
#14
The coromandel was lovely and one of my biggest regrets about our trip is that we didn't have longer there. I suspect that we would have liked the Bay of Islands too, but that will have to be for another time.
what I don't know is what they would be like in mid-winter. More populated areas like Rotorua or even Napier [which supposedly has a very mild climate] but which offer the outdoor activities that you enjoy, Mel, might be better.
what I don't know is what they would be like in mid-winter. More populated areas like Rotorua or even Napier [which supposedly has a very mild climate] but which offer the outdoor activities that you enjoy, Mel, might be better.
Jun 17th, 2014, 06:28 AM
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Enjoyed a wonderful trip to North Island this past April. 9 Days from Wellington to Auckland, with overnights in Wellington, Havelock North, Rotorua, and Hamilton. We called the trip "Of Wine and Hobbits"
Day 1 - Started with one day in Wellington. We stayed at the Art Museum Hotel across from TePapa. Terrific room, nice location, amazing Caesar Salad from Room Service. In Wellington we visited Weta, Te Papa, and the Wellington Zoo (fabulous Red Panda Encounter).
Day 2 - Then we were off on the Wine Trail. We were able to stop at 3 wineries (more if we had started earlier) - Martinborough (bought a Viognier Syrah), Palliser (a Chardonnay and a SavBlanc), and Ata Rangi (a mix of reds). We enjoyed the wineries, really helpful servers -- a fun afternoon. Other highlights on the drive included lunch at Everest in Featherton, and the cheese shop next door was excellent - C'Est Cheese. Other highlights included a stop in Greytown at Schock chocolates - so good! Try the lime chili bar, or the toasted coconut, or any of the artisan chocolates. Arrived at dinnertime to our self catered Cottages at St. Andrews. The kids loved the farm animals and trampoline. We ate dinner at Off the Track. The wine list was extensive. Lots of menu options. Dinner was nice but we were tired.
Day 3 - Breakfast at Cuccini, excellent Fejoa muffins, apparently Fejoa is a fruit and a short-lived seasonal treat. We tried them many different ways over the week but that first muffin was the best. Spent the day with Long Island Guides - highly recommend! We visited Te Mata peak (the mountain and the winery), a working sheepherding farm, a private Maori elder welcome on a gorgeous beach (one of the highlights of the trip), and wine tasting...Te Mata, Craggy Lodge (amazing lunch at Terroir with a glass of Quarry), Clearview and Elephant Hill. Also some winetasting at Arataki Honey and finished day with ice-cream from Rush Munros (missed the shop, it had just closed so settled on pints from the grocery store). Dinner was takeaway pizza from Pipi's. Loved Havelock North.
Day 4 - breakfast stop at Milk and Honey in Napier. Off to Taupo. Pleasant drive through vineyards and farmland. Stopped in Taupo for Huka Falls jet boating. We loved it. Lots of fun for the whole family. Also stopped at Orakei Korako - terrific thermal park. Front cafe was very kindly staffed and DD happy to learn they had wifi. We had a nice hike through several different thermal areas and loved the sacred cave and fern forest. Well marked path with informative sign posts. Continued on to Rotorua. Overnight at Hamurana Lodge. Can't say enough good things about Hamurana and Patrick. Really excellent lodging. The supper platter was terrific and the lodge is lovely. We were well and truly spoiled!.
Day 5 - Fishing with John Hamill. Half day charter. Caught enough trout for dinner, breakfast and extras for John and Patrick. Amazing morning of fishing for me and the kids, a nice long hike for DH and swimming in the lake. My little guy caught the biggest trout of the day (the trout really are something in NZ, the size of a nice salmon at home). On the way back to Rotorua we stopped at Buried Village, very interesting, great gift shop. Dinner at The Regent (they cooked the trout for us).
Day 6 - Explored tourist offerings of Rotorua including the Agrodome (kids loved feeding all the animals), lunch at Fat Dog cafe (amazing burgers and other stuff) and the evening show at Mitai Village. Fun day.
Day 7 - Early start, driving to Hobbiton. We secured a private tour (great decision) and toured an hour before the buses arrived. It was amazing. Even if you are not a LOTR fan, it was still amazing. Loved grabbing a pint at the Green Dragon, also best meat pies of the trip. Lunch in Cambridge at an italian restaurant whose name I forgot to write down. Great pasta. Cambridge was cute. Very much getting ready for a visit from the royal couple and baby George the following week. Flags and bunting in all the shop windows, making a charming little town all the more charming. Overnight at Blackwood House. Super lodging. Loved staying and would go back to the area just to visit and drink wine with our hosts again. Lovely dinner at Woodbox Eatery Bar at Mystery Creek Wines.
Day 8 - long drive to Hairy Feet Waitomo but so worth it! Took a nature walk through private farmland where some of the Hobbit was filmed. Really great nature walk and interesting to hear about the filming. Again, even if not a fan of LOTR this is a great excursion as the land is so beautiful. We stopped briefly in Otorohanga for the Kiwi House. Pretty low key (and in need of some refurbishment) but cool to see Kiwi (be sure to time it so you are there for the feeding). From there, we visited Waitomo and did the Glow Worm caves. On the way home, we stopped at Huhu Cafe. Unbelievably good food (I loved my curry dish). Great day. Relaxing evening at Blackwood House. DH stayed up late with our host enjoying scotch and stories. (They made delicious breakfasts too!)
Day 9 - off to Auckland for final day and flight home, but first an enjoyable (but too brief) stop at Hamilton Gardens. In Auckland, we visited Kelly Tarlton's Sealife Aquarium - always fun to go to this unusual aquarium. Loved watching the penguins!
Great trip, fun itinerary, can't wait to go back!
I know this read like a trip report and I will post one soon but wanted to give Melnq8 our suggestions. The wine was great and we've enjoyed several bottles already. Wish we had visited more wineries and brought home more (only 2 cases!)
As for other suggestions made in earlier posts, I also second Bay of Islands. We enjoyed the town of Russell on a prior trip and picked up one of our favorite paintings from there. Stayed at Pukematu (B&B, lovely hosts, terrific breakfast). Coramandel was nice too. Stayed at a luxury hotel (Puka Park) and had a very relaxing time (great spa too). In Auckland, we've stayed at Hyland House in Devonport. Lovely. But this trip was many years ago and don't know if the businesses are still operating.
Day 1 - Started with one day in Wellington. We stayed at the Art Museum Hotel across from TePapa. Terrific room, nice location, amazing Caesar Salad from Room Service. In Wellington we visited Weta, Te Papa, and the Wellington Zoo (fabulous Red Panda Encounter).
Day 2 - Then we were off on the Wine Trail. We were able to stop at 3 wineries (more if we had started earlier) - Martinborough (bought a Viognier Syrah), Palliser (a Chardonnay and a SavBlanc), and Ata Rangi (a mix of reds). We enjoyed the wineries, really helpful servers -- a fun afternoon. Other highlights on the drive included lunch at Everest in Featherton, and the cheese shop next door was excellent - C'Est Cheese. Other highlights included a stop in Greytown at Schock chocolates - so good! Try the lime chili bar, or the toasted coconut, or any of the artisan chocolates. Arrived at dinnertime to our self catered Cottages at St. Andrews. The kids loved the farm animals and trampoline. We ate dinner at Off the Track. The wine list was extensive. Lots of menu options. Dinner was nice but we were tired.
Day 3 - Breakfast at Cuccini, excellent Fejoa muffins, apparently Fejoa is a fruit and a short-lived seasonal treat. We tried them many different ways over the week but that first muffin was the best. Spent the day with Long Island Guides - highly recommend! We visited Te Mata peak (the mountain and the winery), a working sheepherding farm, a private Maori elder welcome on a gorgeous beach (one of the highlights of the trip), and wine tasting...Te Mata, Craggy Lodge (amazing lunch at Terroir with a glass of Quarry), Clearview and Elephant Hill. Also some winetasting at Arataki Honey and finished day with ice-cream from Rush Munros (missed the shop, it had just closed so settled on pints from the grocery store). Dinner was takeaway pizza from Pipi's. Loved Havelock North.
Day 4 - breakfast stop at Milk and Honey in Napier. Off to Taupo. Pleasant drive through vineyards and farmland. Stopped in Taupo for Huka Falls jet boating. We loved it. Lots of fun for the whole family. Also stopped at Orakei Korako - terrific thermal park. Front cafe was very kindly staffed and DD happy to learn they had wifi. We had a nice hike through several different thermal areas and loved the sacred cave and fern forest. Well marked path with informative sign posts. Continued on to Rotorua. Overnight at Hamurana Lodge. Can't say enough good things about Hamurana and Patrick. Really excellent lodging. The supper platter was terrific and the lodge is lovely. We were well and truly spoiled!.
Day 5 - Fishing with John Hamill. Half day charter. Caught enough trout for dinner, breakfast and extras for John and Patrick. Amazing morning of fishing for me and the kids, a nice long hike for DH and swimming in the lake. My little guy caught the biggest trout of the day (the trout really are something in NZ, the size of a nice salmon at home). On the way back to Rotorua we stopped at Buried Village, very interesting, great gift shop. Dinner at The Regent (they cooked the trout for us).
Day 6 - Explored tourist offerings of Rotorua including the Agrodome (kids loved feeding all the animals), lunch at Fat Dog cafe (amazing burgers and other stuff) and the evening show at Mitai Village. Fun day.
Day 7 - Early start, driving to Hobbiton. We secured a private tour (great decision) and toured an hour before the buses arrived. It was amazing. Even if you are not a LOTR fan, it was still amazing. Loved grabbing a pint at the Green Dragon, also best meat pies of the trip. Lunch in Cambridge at an italian restaurant whose name I forgot to write down. Great pasta. Cambridge was cute. Very much getting ready for a visit from the royal couple and baby George the following week. Flags and bunting in all the shop windows, making a charming little town all the more charming. Overnight at Blackwood House. Super lodging. Loved staying and would go back to the area just to visit and drink wine with our hosts again. Lovely dinner at Woodbox Eatery Bar at Mystery Creek Wines.
Day 8 - long drive to Hairy Feet Waitomo but so worth it! Took a nature walk through private farmland where some of the Hobbit was filmed. Really great nature walk and interesting to hear about the filming. Again, even if not a fan of LOTR this is a great excursion as the land is so beautiful. We stopped briefly in Otorohanga for the Kiwi House. Pretty low key (and in need of some refurbishment) but cool to see Kiwi (be sure to time it so you are there for the feeding). From there, we visited Waitomo and did the Glow Worm caves. On the way home, we stopped at Huhu Cafe. Unbelievably good food (I loved my curry dish). Great day. Relaxing evening at Blackwood House. DH stayed up late with our host enjoying scotch and stories. (They made delicious breakfasts too!)
Day 9 - off to Auckland for final day and flight home, but first an enjoyable (but too brief) stop at Hamilton Gardens. In Auckland, we visited Kelly Tarlton's Sealife Aquarium - always fun to go to this unusual aquarium. Loved watching the penguins!
Great trip, fun itinerary, can't wait to go back!
I know this read like a trip report and I will post one soon but wanted to give Melnq8 our suggestions. The wine was great and we've enjoyed several bottles already. Wish we had visited more wineries and brought home more (only 2 cases!)
As for other suggestions made in earlier posts, I also second Bay of Islands. We enjoyed the town of Russell on a prior trip and picked up one of our favorite paintings from there. Stayed at Pukematu (B&B, lovely hosts, terrific breakfast). Coramandel was nice too. Stayed at a luxury hotel (Puka Park) and had a very relaxing time (great spa too). In Auckland, we've stayed at Hyland House in Devonport. Lovely. But this trip was many years ago and don't know if the businesses are still operating.
Nov 26th, 2014, 01:48 PM
#19
I'm revisiting this thread as it seems we're now back on for a trip to NZ in February.
While February wouldn't usually be our first choice, we're determined to get out of Perth during the most miserable month of the year, so that's a major bonus. The disadvantage of course is that it's high season in NZ and I've noticed many places are fully booked.
We just hatched this plan yesterday, so it's still in its infancy, but we're thinking one week on the NI and two on the SI.
To limit driving, we're considering flying Perth-Auckland-Wellington, then heading to Martinborough for three nights, then back to Wellington for the rest of the week.
Then, we're considering flying to QT to spend a week in the vicinity of Arrowtown and then spend a second week somewhere else....perhaps Wanaka.
Every time we visit NZ, we tell ourselves 'next time' we'll just plunk ourselves down in one or two places and give all the long drives a pass, hence the week long stays.
Wondering if someone could give me an idea of what to expect temperature wise at these locations in February and if accommodation with air con is necessary (keeping in mind we're hot weather wimps).
While February wouldn't usually be our first choice, we're determined to get out of Perth during the most miserable month of the year, so that's a major bonus. The disadvantage of course is that it's high season in NZ and I've noticed many places are fully booked.
We just hatched this plan yesterday, so it's still in its infancy, but we're thinking one week on the NI and two on the SI.
To limit driving, we're considering flying Perth-Auckland-Wellington, then heading to Martinborough for three nights, then back to Wellington for the rest of the week.
Then, we're considering flying to QT to spend a week in the vicinity of Arrowtown and then spend a second week somewhere else....perhaps Wanaka.
Every time we visit NZ, we tell ourselves 'next time' we'll just plunk ourselves down in one or two places and give all the long drives a pass, hence the week long stays.
Wondering if someone could give me an idea of what to expect temperature wise at these locations in February and if accommodation with air con is necessary (keeping in mind we're hot weather wimps).
Nov 26th, 2014, 01:57 PM
#20
I would want air conditioning if going north of Auckland. I haven't gone as late as February. I think my latest trip was into January and it was warm and humid enough (I am also a wimp).
I spent time in Martinborough at Oak House, if they are still doing it (and especially if you like wine, breakfast and cats) I think it's a good and very affordable choice).
There may be other more posh lodgings but the Burings are the real reason to stay there.
http://www.burings.co.nz/
I spent time in Martinborough at Oak House, if they are still doing it (and especially if you like wine, breakfast and cats) I think it's a good and very affordable choice).
There may be other more posh lodgings but the Burings are the real reason to stay there.
http://www.burings.co.nz/
