Any advice re accomodations for North Island
 

We will be on the North Island for a week in March (having already planned our 2 weeks on the South Island and our stay in Wellington) and need recommendations for: Napier area, Taupo area, Rotorua and Auckland (or alternatives, if you think these locations are NOT the top picks.) Thanks in advance.

Some info as to how many people, and what your preferences are for accommodations would be helpful. ((R))

I don't know your budget, but we stayed at the Lake Plaza in Rotorua and the New President in Auckland and were pleased with our rooms.

The New President upgraded us to a two-bedroom apartment; it was so nice to be able to spread out and repack (it was our last night in NZ), and the full kitchen was an added bonus.

It's in a good location just off Queen Street, a few blocks from the harbor.

Lee Ann

OK, I'm new to this. Thanks for your input. Jed is right: I should have included in my inquiry that we are 2 active, mature adults, looking for value, cleanliness and a lack of pretentiousness. We're not opposed to comfort, but can't abide "gag-me cute." We'd like to spend under $150 per night, as we're outdoors people and we don't expect to spend much time in the room.
Thanks.

Have you thought about visiting Whakatane about 90kms North East of Rotorua.Main attraction is White Island volcano www.whiteisland.co.nz
Other attractions are great beaches,scenic walks,whale and dolphin watching.We have a nice bed and breakfast with ocean views from all rooms.Would love to meet you.
Our website is www.crestwood-homestay.co.nz

In Napier, the only flash hotel is the Scenic Circle Pania. However there are also a bunch of really nice motels on the Marine Parade. Like the Shoreline motel apartments.

I presume that is USD $150. If you spend that every night in NZ you are being ripped off. I would never spend more than $150NZD for a hotel room in NZ (usless it was a particularly special occasion). Nice Studios in motels will often be $100NZD.

Except in Auckland. But I can't help you there. I have only stayed in the The Heritage which was nice but overly snooty.

I can recommend the Westminister B&amp;B in Rotorua which is NZ$120, very good value, but small rooms. If you like a B&amp;B, check out <b>http://www.westminsterlodge.co.nz/index.html</b>

In Auckland, we stayed at Quay West Suites right in the center of town, and loved it. It was a large modern hotel, but maybe more than US$150.

Check out <b>wotif.com</b> before booking, for good prices, although you may get the same prices by emailing the places directly. ((F))

The Lake Plaza in Rotorua is really good and in a great location - if you have spent the first couple of weeks in NZ, you will probably have picked up supermarket dockets - check out the ones with the discounts on the back - Lake plaza is offering half price rooms, on presentation of the docket, up to the end of April. The &quot;superior&quot; rooms will only cost you $95 instead of $190.

If you have a car, &amp; want a bit of room to spread out, motels are a good choice, for the most part they are set up like small apartments with a stocked kitchen and separate sitting quarters. Housekeeping standards are generally high. The auto club has a free guide, online, at aa.co.nz. B&amp;B's or homestays are nice for meeting other travelers and the hosts. I've used Tresco B&amp;B in Rotorua.

Check out the Duxton Hotel / Auckland. It is on the edge of downtown but is an easy walk into the middle of downtown...The neighborhood it is located in is quiet. The rooms include a kitchen...and the spa bath is worth the extra money. They have a web page.