4 days 3 nights Auckland before Cruise
 

We are taking a repositioning cruise Mar. 31- Auckland to Apr.15-Honolulu on RCCL with free air. <BR> <BR>We started out looking for a cruise to see NZ and we found that. But all we are going to see of NZ is the day we land in Auckland the ship leaves at 6pm and a 11 hour stop in Tauranga. <BR> <BR>Because the air is free we can't arrive early BUT if we buy their hotel package $150 a night we can get 4d/3n in Auckland. After reading the post comments I'm wondering if we'll be happy with so many days in Auckland????? <BR> <BR>From the posts I see we can: <BR>Ferry over to Devonport but want else is there in the city? Plays, 50s dancing music and we really are into history. Is there a Maori exhibit? Any suggestions we have to book this in a few days before they stop the free air offer. <BR> <BR>We will not be driving. Does anyone have an idea how much for a car/driver. I guess we could take a bus tour(don't like them). <BR> <BR>How far is: <BR>Coromandel Peninsula <BR>Mt. Maunganui <BR>Bay Islands <BR>Rotorua <BR> <BR>Really appreciate any help, sorry I know so little but this came up today. <BR>

Just a suggestion - why don't you train/bus to Rotorua? It's really different - Maori culture, concerts, the geyser area etc. It's only 235 km. <BR> <BR>Whangarei (Bay of Islands) is about 180 km - easy drive from Auckland.

Just booked a Princess cruise aroung NZ also going to Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney for $999 for 2 weeks. Of course, air fare is extra, but I have a frequent flyer ticket. Of course, it only leaves on certain dates at that price and they are all pretty soon. (I am going in Dec).I too, am looking for something to do on my one day in Auckland, and Rotorua sounds good.

Marg - great idea didn't know we could do that. I'll took for the train website. <BR> <BR>Pat - we saved Delta FF for a couple of years to use for this trip... their not partners anymore. Have to fly to Korea and then to NZ to use FF. What a bummer. You deal sounds 'great'. Would you let me know after your trip what you ended up doing in AKL. <BR> <BR>

Marge, Yes, I will get back to you after this trip.

Hi Marge, <BR>We live in Auckland and have done for the last 12 months. In that time we have managed to fill many weekends in and around the city seeing all sorts of things. I am not sure what your interests are but here goes on the suggestions; <BR> <BR>- Yes the ferry to Devonport is a short trip and Devenport is a very nice area. Good for walks, shops etc etc <BR>- You can also the ferry to Waihiki island. Now that and spending time on the island (lots of arts and crafts), vineyards and just a great place will take an hour. <BR>- You can drive to the West of the city and be on the rugged west coast within an hour. <BR>- To the south west is Titirangi. That again is a lovely wilderness area with a rainforest train that is well worth seeing. <BR>- If in Auckland you must go up the tallest building in the southern hemisphere which is the Skytower. Based in downtown Auckland on a clear day you can see forever. <BR>- Then there is the Auckland Museum. You can easy spend a day in there, especially when it rains, which in Auckland is quite often. <BR>- Auckland is renouned for great resturants and down at the Viaduct Basin there are many of world class standard. That whole area was revitalised for the America's Cup defence a few years ago and is getting ready again for 2003 competition. <BR>- The waterfront out along the Eastern Bays is spectacular. Late March is still summer so if you are up for a swim, a paddle of a walk you will enjoy. <BR> <BR>Marge, I am not a New Zealander but we are living here for a couple of years whilst I work. Auckland is a lovely city and you will have no trouble filling in 3 days. Whilst I have not covered your specific enquiry re 50's dancing I guess it is around if you look hard enough. Whilst the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel are just up the road I think you will be happy in Auckland. <BR>Your 11 hour stopover in Tauranga will take care of Mt Maunganui (in fact I am pretty sure that's where the ship stops). Also Auckland to the Mount by boat probably also means you will get a look at the Coromandel from the water. <BR> <BR>If you want me to look for anything specific I am happy to try. <BR> <BR>David

Whoops, the Waihiki island suggestion will take a DAY, not an hour