driving to bay of islands from AKL for a day trip
 

Hi,

It seems that it is nearly 4 hrs to get there from AKL yet I see alot of full day tours offered by bus companies. Anyone ever do this trip in a car in a one day format. Worth it? Or do Cormandel which seems closer. Any othere day trip suggestions?
Thanks

Hi There

driving to the BOI and back in one day makes for a very long day indeed. The road up to the Bay is a pretty windy one. Reasonably scenic, though for the driver less so as you will be focussed on the driving.

One day coach trips are also pretty long and strenuous, early starts, not long while you are there and then straight back.

If you want to go to the bay I would recommend staying overnight in somewhere like Paihia or Russell. That way there is less time spent in the car and more time spent looking around.

Eight hours driving on unfamiliar roads is not an attractive proposition.

Coromandel is closer but only marginally, the East coast of the Coromandel is still two and a bit hours from Auckland, narrow roads again.

Trips to take advantage of the scenery which are closer would include the West Coast beaches at Piha or Muriwai. Head north a bit on the West Coast road and take in the South Kaipara area, going through places like Parakai (With hotsprings) and Helensville

Or you could stay closer to Auckland and sample the wineries of West Auckland around Kumeu.

Don't drive at all but take a ferry to an Island in the Gulf and check out the scenery there.

Plenty of options for local tours. Google, Visit Auckland and the local visitors centre will come up. they have many a helpful suggestion.

I agree with everything Kiwi acct has recommended.

We drove that route and ended up staying in Pahia 3 nights. There is NO way I would do that as a day trip. You will see and enjoy nothing except the inside of a vehicle.

stay in kerikeri!

Posting from Auckland on the home stretch of my RTW...

I had to do laundry this morning so couldn't get away till after 12. Drove out to the east coast of Coromandel thinking I would just go out and back.

Ended up doing the whole loop - around 6 hours driving. Omigod. Gorgeous! Lots of car time, but worth it and how, on a beautiful day!

Blimey Gardyloo ! Im impressed! Glad you enjoyed the Coromandel Peninsula. Please come back in the summer when the pohutukawa trees are in bloom - you'll be really stunned by it then !