Will you also be spending time in the South Island? If not, many will tell you to spend those days in the Queenstown area.

A lot of people also include the caves at Waitomo in the North Island highlights. You might consider that, as well -- if it interests you. I did a different glow worm cave and loved it.

I've been there several times in June and have been comfortable wearing a lightweight, rainproof jacket. At times I've added layers by including a sweat shirt.

Be sure to visit a Volcanic Park in Rotorua. Waimangu is our favorite. The sheep show in Rotorua was also fun, as was the Maori Hangi. Very touristy -- but, hey -- I'm a tourist -- and I enjoyed them. FYI, the hangi is a Maori version of a luau. If you're also interested in the Polynesian Spa you might want to add a day in Rotorua.

Enjoy.

I'll second Songdoc's Rotorua recommendations, though we went to Wai-o-tapu and thought it was really interesting. We went to an evening concert and hangi at Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, in Rotorua. http://www.tepuia.com/ It was interesting, the food was good, and we had a little time to look at the lit-up geyser before we went back to our hotel.

Lee Ann

I would spend more time in Rotorua and less around Coromandel. The Coromandel is great for New Zealanders on holiday, laze back on the beach and enjoy a bit of fishing ect. In my opinion its not that spectacular as a tourist attraction.

You probably could drive from Pahia to Coromandel in one day, although days are short in August. I would probably try and stay the night near Coromandel town, then the next day drive up the port jackson road (gravel) and see the old Pohutukawa trees which arch across the road, very scenic, even more so during the summer when they are flowering. That same day drive back down and cross over to the other side. Not much to see on that side, the towns are 'ordinary', Cathedral cove is a bigger then normal rock arch, only worth the effort on a slow day imo. Hot water beach is great when the tides are right.

I forgot to include, you are there in winter. While the days can be nice the nights and mornings can be cold (below freezing, especially away from the coast). Pack warm clothing but remember to layer, once the sun is up a single layer should be sufficient.