Aloha,

My husband and I are going to New Zealnd for five days. We arrive in Auckland and will be staying there for two nights and from there we would like to travel thru North Island by car. We would really appreciate any recommendations as to driving routes with spectacular scenes. Also which cities to see and places to visit. Can you also suggest lodging. Thank you for your time and efforts.

Mahalo from Hawaii!

My wife and I just got back from a 10 day driving trip to the NI in November. It was great!!
Here's a link to one of the most comprehensive PERSONAL information on the trip that I can imagine.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=401294

It was very very informative for us and was written by a native Kiwi who really has a knack for helping out.

Hope it works well for you and ENJOY!
Best, Dave

Sorry for the double reply - but here's another site that will answer many of your questions regarding driving the NI.

We went from Auckland to Rotorua to Taupo to Hawke's Bay to Wellington.

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/get...outes-home.cfm

Best, Dave

So, basically, you only have two nights outside of Auckland before you have to come back for your flight home?

If so, that leaves you with very little time to go anywhere or see much of anything. Is there any way you can extend your trip?

Lee Ann

For your 2 extra nts, consider going to Rotorua for 2 nights, and on then going back to AKL (?airport) via Waitomo to see the caves.

BTW, get ready to say 'kia ora' in NZ.