We have a stopover at Auckland. Our flight from US arrives early morning and we will have 3 full days. I want to feel the nature of NZ and unfortunately we won't get to go to South Island this time. If we want to see more "scenic" NZ, should we go to Northland (Bay of Islands) or Rotorua area? Thanks. We are going at the end of November.

Yoonny - first of all 3 days is not a lot of time. Do you intend renting a hire car? to get to either Bay of Islands or Rotorua.
What "nature of NZ" are you expecting? I say this as both places you mentioned are touristy, and not where I would go.
Firstly, the Bay of Islands has loads of accommodation, boat cruises in the Bay, heaps of restaurants/cafes, and loads of tourists. To go further up into Northland, is where the Kiwis go to escape the overseas tourists in the Bay of Islands.
Northland consists of some beautiful uncrowded bays/beaches, but you need to seek them out, like Matai Bay.
Rotorua has a some interesting sights, eg. Lake Taupo, mountain national parks, thermal region, and of course touristy Rotorua, sort of like of Gold Coast in a way.

yoonny - I had to go off the computer, to find my NZ north island map. Here are some places, you may wish to visit (beachy):
in Northland....Matai Bay, Kerikeri Peninsula, Taipa, Cooper Beach, Taupo Bay, Matauri Bay, Tauranga Bay, then there is Mangonui with its great fish & chip shop, probably the best in NZ.

Here is a list of the best things to do in New Zealand. If I was you I would head to the Bay of Islands.
Enjoy.
http://www.newzealandatoz.com/index.php?pageid=227

I would vote for 2 nts in Rotorua and 1 nt around Waitomo. You would see the geological expressions, native culture, and glowworms.

Thx for responses. I still can't decide. Is the water too cold to go in in the end of November? Is the water calm to kayak for novice kayakers?

I think we will rent a car as we like to move on our own pace. Would it be easy to find a room to stay without booking in advance?

November is late spring and 'probably' a bit cold for swimming, even at the top in the BOI's. Also the enjoyment of the BOI's trip would vary greatly on the weather at the time when you are there. If it's pouring, which it might be, then heading South would be best. Rotorua, Waitomo and the surrounding region are farily unique in the world and if you've been to islands before then thats my vote.

Here are some options:
http://www.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/in...rth_island.php

I am leaning towards this:

Day 1 - Bungy jump @ auckland then drive to Rotorua (possible stop for glowworm caves). Do somthing Maori. Thermal bath at night to get over jetlag.

Day 2 - Drive to Taupo (bike to Huka falls, kayak, etc.)

Day 3 - More Taupo and drive to Auckland late afternoon (any interesting stopovers??). Auckland night sightseeing.

Thanks for all the info.

Hi, sorry I know you didn't even ask for info on this place... but what about the Coromandel Peninsula? It's not as tourist as Northland or Rotorua and just an hour or two to drive to. It's very beautiful and while there's not as many touristy things to do, it's a lovely place to visit.

But if you're still asking about Rotorua or Northland. I'd choose Northland unless you have a particular desire to see geothermal activity. Personally I don't think there's not much else to see in and around Rotorua, whereas up north you can see beautiful beaches, amazing forests, visit places like the Waitangi treaty grounds or the huge Kauri trees north of Dargaville.