Best hotels/resorts in Auckland/BayOfIslands + Perth ??
 

Hi all! <BR> <BR>We´re visiting Auckland NZ this February and got 7 days to spend. We want to make a trip to the Bay of Islands and spend a couple of days there. What´s THE best resort to stay at in Bay of Islands and best hotel in Auckland? Price doesnt matter. <BR> <BR>We are also visiting Perth in AU, and thinking about going to the Monkey Mia Resort and the reef. Whats the best hotel in Perth? And how is Monkey Mia? Other tips? <BR> <BR>BIG thanx for ALL info!!!

If price is really no issue, my reccomendation would be the Stamford Plaza in Auckland--the Stamford Plaza used to be the Regent and is, in my opinion, the best in town--defintietly 5-star and much closer to things and a lot smaller than the Sheraton. If the Stamford Plaza is booked, we have also enjoyed our stays at the Hyatt. The Hyatt is located at the top of a hill (which makes walking back up a task!) but the rooms are very nice, the staff great and the views are from the rooms are also very good. Nevertheless, the Stanford Plaza's service, rooms and food are that much better. In terms of the Bay of Islands, the best place is the Okiato Lodge in Russell. It costs about $600US per night and they have wonderful rooms are are quite famous for their food. There are only 8 rooms so you ned to book well in advace. You should also know that Russell is out on the Penninsula so driving takes a while and to get to Pahaia (the main town in the area) you will need to take the small water ferry. The remaining hotels in the area are more like motels--think Holiday Inn and Econolodge. The Bay has wonderful sailing and we enjoyed a full day sail on the Crystabelle with just the husband and wife owners of the boat. They take you to a couple of the islands, take you on a hike or to for some great views and serve a nice lunch. Enjoy N.Z.!

Hello Thomas, <BR>I agree with Stamford Plaza - Carlton Hotel is very good (Clinton stayed there during Apec Conference) Hertitage they are part of the Scenic Circle Group)is good too Centra is very central too - there is also City Apartments for executives - I could find out more detail if you required it - also in Bay of Island - Kimberley Lodge is also exceptional - Okaito I wonderful too. <BR>Have you considered the Coromandel Peninsula - 2 hours south east of Auckland - NZ best kept secret - International Resort there Puka Park Resort see there website www.pukapark.co.nz - hope this helps- Booking will be essential as the America's Cup is creating influx of tourists <BR>Cheers <BR>Sharon <BR>

Hi Thomas - Perth has a number of decent hotels, depending upon your interests. In central Perth the Parmelia Hilton and Sheraton are both quite good - the Parmelia has just been refurbished. There's not a huge amount to do in the centre of the city though, especially at night. Most nighlife is centred around Northbridge approx 15 minutes walk from both hotels. <BR> <BR>The Burswood resort is another 5 star resort with a large casino that overlooks the Swan River, just east of Perth. The views can be nice and you'll appreciate the breeze of the river. <BR> <BR>February is our hottest month with temperatures hovering around 35-42 degrees (cent). You may want to stay at the Rendevous at Scarborough Beach (our only 4 star hotel right on the beach approx 20 mins from Perth. Alternatively try the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle (a historic port town with some character 20 mins west of Perth). I should be able to find a web site if you're interested. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your stay and the hot weather. <BR> <BR>Ian

Thomas: I agree with Sharon entirely...the Kimberly is also wonderful (although I have never stayed there) and we loved the Coromandel Penninsula and the Puka Park Lodge is supposed to be amazing! You might also want to consider the Huka Lodge and the Huka Falls near Lake Taupo--simply incredible!

Dear Thomas. The best place in Auckland is the Stamford Plaza. It and several others are rated FIVE STAR by the Qualmark of New Zealand Tourism Board. In the Bay of Islands , the Kimberely is rated FOUR STAR and the Paihia Beach Resort Is Rated FIVE STAR PLUS by Qualmark. The Okiato is about Three Stars but refuse to submit to the government rating agency's assessment.

Hi Thomas, I've just moved to Auckland from Perth. Can't help you much with Auckland accom. but can help with Perth. Most of the big Perth hotels ( Hyatt, Sheraton etc ) are a 10 - 15 min walk to the main shopping area on Hay St and even further from the restaurants in Northbridge. The Hilton is more central but still a distance from Northbridge. For something different I agree that the Esplanade in Freo is great ( Fremantle is a very cool place ), perhaps try the Peninsula apartments in South Perth, awesome views of the sktline and a $2 return ferry ride to the city. Ian also makes a good suggestion about Ob City in Scarb. Feb is very hot and will be even worse if you have just come from a northern hemisphere winter. Sea breezes reach the beaches and Freo up to a couple of hours before they reach the central city so though still hot it is a little more bearable in these areas. As for Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef, Unless you like really hot weather forget it. I"ve never been up north but apparently there are huge amounts of nothing between attractions. Ningaloo is a days drive from Perth and it's jellyfish season. Instaed head south. Margaret River ( Great wine, great beaches ), Pemberton ( Beautiful tall tree forests, peaceful rivers and waterfalls ) and Albany ( Unbelievable coastal scenery ) are stunning at this time of year. It's one of those great secrets of the world, known mainly to locals rather than overseas tourists. If I can be of more help feel free to e-mail me. Cheers, Scott.