judilie

Thanks again, Heathy, for all of your efforts on our behalf. What you propose sounds great. I like the idea of staying 2 nights each in most of the places rather than just one.

I'll look into the lodging options that you recommend. If you or anyone has particular recommendations about specific lodging possibilities in our destinations other than Rotorua, about the best kayaking options in Coromandel, or about the particular caves we should see in Waitomo, I'd appreciate them

Thanks,

Judilie

heathy

Hello - me again ! Im off to the Coromandel 25th and 26th of this mth. I'll look into accom and kayaking for you. Could you please give me an idea of what you are looking for accom wise and approx budget. Heathy

judilie

Thanks so much, Heathy. You are SO helpful, and it is very much appreciated.

I have in mind kayaking for 2-4 hours -- either as part of a guided group or on our own. We have some experience, but not a lot.

For lodging, we'd be willing to go up to 200 NZD (or maybe even a bit more for something really nice), but we aren't fussy about accommodations, and, like most folks, always like a good deal. There are two of us -- husband and wife -- and we'll have a rental car. It's always good to be fairly centrally located, but, since we'll have a car, this isn't critical. We enjoy staying at B&Bs and meeting local folks that way. And since we'll be spending two nights in the area, we'd be interested in knowing about any special evening activities.

Please don't spend a lot of time and effort on all of this. Any assistance you (or others) are able to give us is most appreciated.

Judilie

heathy

Hi Judile. Its not a problem doing this. I think you will find most Kiwis are anxious for visitors to have a great time and are very happy to assist if able.

Please be aware that the Coromandel is very quiet. Im not too sure what type of entertainment you'll find in the evenings ! If you do decide to come down directly from the airport , it may pay to eat first ! Sorry but outside the large cities, finding somewhere to eat , esp Sunday evenings, can be a tad tricky !!!!!
Here is a website you may find of interest
http://thecoromandel.com/

heathy

Correction : there are restaurants etc. but just MAY possibly be closed from about 8pm on Sundays , off season. ( I dont wont u 2 think you 're heading completely into the backblocks ! )

ElendilPickle

Here's our pictures and trip report from the North Island in April 2004 - http://community.webshots.com/user/ElendilPickle

We did the concert and hangi at Te Whakarewarewa, which was really good. I wouldn't do one at a hotel.

I'll second the black water rafting tour, which was excellent. Mr. Pickle wasn't sure he would like it, but he had a blast.

Lee Ann

KathyNZ

Hi Judilie
If you are not totally confused by now then you should be with so many suggestions. If you have a week this is a more achievable itinerary, I have done it many times and quality is better than quantity, believe me, hurtling around in a rental car and trying to see too much is exhausting, Coromandel peninsula is a long drive and to get back round to Rotorua even longer from there.
From Auckland airport drive to Paeroa and stay the night. It is only a small town but it will get you started and the next morning drive thru the pretty Waihi gorge and on to Tauranga. Don't stop in Tauranga but go across the harbour bridge there to Mt Maunganui. Great cafes, shopping and gorgeous coastline and beach. You are now on the east coast. Drive thru the kiwifruit capital of the world Te Puke and head on to Rotorua. Lovely drive with native bush. You should arrive late afternoon, you will not have to book accommodation at that time of year, the main drag, Fenton st is literally full of motels and hotels plus in other parts of the city and near the lakefront. The best Maori hangi and cultural experience is Mitai by far, set in a natural bush setting and at the end you are walked to where there are glow worms. You may not need to go to Waitomo after that. Next day you will have a full day in Rotorua and there are lots of things to do so make the info centre your first stop in the morning for lots of ideas. If you have not been to Mitai the night before you can book there or your motel will book for you, they will even come and pick you up from where ever you are staying. Next day head south but stop at Waiotapu thermal area getting there by 9.50am, buy a ticket at the main office and drive back about ten minutes to see the Lady Knox geyser which is set off at 10.15am each day. Then go back round to the place where you bought your ticket and do the walk, it is the best and allow at least 2 1/2 hours. From there head on to Taupo, if possible take a cruise on Lake Taupo on the historic yacht Barbary, goes from the boat harbour at 2pm and 5pm. You will likely only make the 5pm time but as it will be daylight saving, you will still see everything. Again you could wing it to Taupo as there is masses of accommodation particularly along the lakefront, drive thru town and you will see many motels of excellent standard. I would have one night there as it is a small town but of course the lake is the attraction. Next day drive to Tongariro National Park and stay at the Skotel or a motel or if you want to splurge out, the Chateau Tongariro. The Tongariro crossing hike is a strenuous one and you need to be well equipped, the weather can change in a minute, if you cannot do that there are dozens of other shorter or less strenuous walks in the alpine area. Go up in a ski lift to the ski field for fabulous views over the countryside. Whatever you do there will be governed by the alpine weather.
Next day head north thru Taumaranui and if you decide to you can then go to Waitomo Caves. From there you could stay the night in Otorohanga, Te Awamutu or Hamilton. Then head back up to Auckland. You have one day up your sleeve for Auckland or if you have definitely decided to include the Coromandel, you should leave Auckland on arrival and stay the night in Thames and drive over the ranges in the morning coming out at Waihi and then head on the same route mentioned above to Tauranga etc. Over the ranges is a windy hilly stretch so extra concentration is needed.
This is a comfortable journey without rushing, I have done it many times on business trips and also been to Tongariro National Park many times as I used to ski there.
Good luck and have a nice time, I'm off to Canada and the States on wednesday.

judilie

Thanks very much, KathyNZ, for the detailed suggestions. We would like to go kayaking, and the Coromandel area sounded like a good place for it. Are there others near where we're going that might provide options for this?

Have a nice trip to the U.S. and Canada. To what places are you going?

KathyNZ

Hi there
There's a great place to hire a kayak in Auckland at Okahu Bay, about 10 minutes from the downtown area. Run by one of our Olympic gold medalists. There was a big event on yesterday, we drove past and there were many kayakers there just finishing an event.
Top of the south island is very popular round Abel Tasman National Park but too far out of the way for you, I'm sure there's lots of others but not a sport I know much about. Check out on google for outdoor sports in New Zealand, something should come up. Lake Taupo is another option but can be still quite cool on the lake, comes across from the mountains, the Barbary will take you to some interesting spots on the lake and to some Maori rock carvings. I even took the helm on the way back. Take ski jackets and gloves etc for Tongariro.
I'm going to the west coast and then right across to Quebec and down to Toronto and then West Virginia.

heathy

Hi Judilie
Please be assured that where ever you choose to go in the Nth Island you will be able to find a suitable lake / river /estuary / cove for kayaking. Just about everyone I know owns a boat of some description. My young children are taught to kayak at their school. We are truly spoilt.

twoaussies

Hi Healthy and everyone: You have been so helpful to judilie, I am wondering if you could give us some help.
We are Australians who have lived in Florida for 48 years. We have seen much of both islands of N.Z. - except the Coromandel Peninsular, Bay of Plenty and south to Napier.
We will have eight full days for those areas in early September. Then we have three months with son in Sydney.
We arrive in Auckland at 5.15 a.m. and are thinking (per a suggestion) of immediately driving towards Coromandel. Then where should we go for the rest of our time. We have already been black water rafting in Waitomo, would like to revisit Rotorua, just for a day. Our budget is a bit less than Judilie's of $200NZ.
We are senior citizens, and not into hiking, but photography, beaches and meeting people. Many thanks Jean

heathy

Hello Two Aussies
May I suggest that you start a new link - you may find you'll end up with more suggestions. Anyway no matter.
I would be inclined to simply follow the coast to Napier. Up and around the Coromandel. Along to Mt Maunganui. Day trip to Rotorua. Continue along coast to Whakatane/ Ohope .Continue along East Coast to Gisborne and onto Napier.
Accom should be plentiful at that time of year so you may not have to worry too much about booking ahead ( except in tiny places like Hicks Bay ). Happy planning.

twoaussies

Thanks, Healthy. As you can see I took your advice and started a new post.
Looking forward to visiting that area of the north island.