affonsj

Hello,.
We have a day in Auckland, one in Rotorua and one in Wellington. (we will be driving). Any suggestions as what do you in each place? (I know AKL downtown is just that...a town or city). Would a drive to the Bay Islands be doable?

Regards
m

Melnq8

I've not been to the NI in ages, so can't help other than to offer this time/distance calculator which might be of assistance:

http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/td-calculator.php

Songdoc

I'm just back -- and still working on the trip report. IMO, it's too far to drive RT to Bay of Island from Auckland for the day. But you don't need to go that far to see some beautiful scenery. You could get to the Warkworth area in an hour. The Tawharanui Park has beautiful coastal views.

In Rotorua be sure you get out of the town to see a Volcanic Park. Waimangu was AMAZING.

In Wellington, you could enjoy walking along the waterfront, visiting the Te Papa museum, and browsing on Cuba Street. Or if you prefer scenery, you could easily include a drive to the beautiful Kapiti coast -- probably not more than 45 minutes from downtown.

Be forwarned ... Wellington was VERY cold and windy - with sleet and hail.

I LOVE NZ. You'll have a great time.

ElendilPickle

We had about a day in Auckland; we took the ferry over to Devonport, stopped at the information center to pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure, had lunch, strolled, etc. It was very pleasant.

If you're into wine, a lot of people like spending time on Waiheke Island (I haven't been there myself).

Rotorua - we visited Wai-o-tapu south of town. Lots of beautiful mineral pools and geothermal features. We spent one evening at Te Puia, the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Center, for a concert and hangi - a bit touristy, but lots of fun.

Rotorua to Wellington will take most the day. Songdoc has given you some great ideas on how to spend a day there, if you have the time.

We went in April, so it wasn't cold or windy, but winter is.

Lee Ann

indiancouple

affonsj, I had virtually the same question as what you have asked, so I hope you won't mind my butting in.

In Rotorua, we are planning to take in a Tamaki village concert and Hangi on the first day. On Day 2, could anyone help us select between Wai-O-Tapu, Buried Village, Waimangu Volcanic Area, Te Puia tour, walk in the Redwood forests of Whaka forest, dip in the Polynesian spa, or any boatride on any lake ? Obviously one cannot do all. Which ones are MUST SEE, and which ones will be repetitious ?

Kay2

Indiancouple,
I just came across your question for October.

I really enjoyed Te Puia. I went there before I went to Tamaki village hangi and tour. I actually liked Te Puia more, but there is some difference with Tamaki village. If you search, I gave my impressions from my January 2006? trip in a post.

indiancouple

Thanks kay2 for the response. I think we are planning on visiting Te Puia for sure, and probably going for the cultural show plus hangi at Mitai village.

Could not locate your trip report of Jan 2006.

Kay2

Maybe that's because it was in 2005. My how time flies...

http://tinyurl.com/m3pgf6