Few days in NZ, what to do
 

Hi,

I am going to Australia for a work trip and have added a short 3 days in New Zealand on the way home. What are the top few things I should try and do while I am there (there will be 2 other coworkers with me). We fly into Auckland.. not sure if we are renting a car, unless i am told it really is necessary.

Thanks for the help!

Jamie

Meant to say this will be the last week of October

Be specific - three short days means what? You fly in when at what time, how many nights and full days on the ground, when and at what time do you fly out?

Auckland and a day trip to either Hobbiton or Waitomo Caves is about all you will have time for.
Stay in a downtown hotel and visit Waiheke Island for the day.
Without a car it will be hard to see a lot as Auckland's public transport is not great.

Thanks Tasmangirl. I'll check out those suggestions.

in regards to what 3 short days ...I have 3 full days to enjoy the sites, not including travel.

Thanks for clarifying. Three full days is nice!

If you're game to do a bit of driving, to go see the countryside and also something very meaningful and interesting, in about three hours you can be In Paihia, where the Waitangi grounds of the treaty signing provide a great experience.

http://www.waitangi.org.nz

We were just there in April and are still most impressed. It taught us so much, was very entertaining as well as informative, and will remain one of the most cherished memories of our many NZ trips. The traditional folkloristic performance was much better than the often cheesy ones you get on cruises and in ritzy hotels.

You'd want to share the driving and make a bit of an outing out of it, with an overnight - maybe in Whangarei which makes the trip back shorter.

Be advised that coming into Auckland from the north can be excruciatingly slow at peak-traffic times. A look at a map will show you why...

Whatever you'll do, you'll have a great time, in a low-key sort of way (that's the Kiwi way, rarely going "over the top" but always nice and sincere).

Thank you Michelle! I am also hoping to get to zipline or something else like that while i am there...
I'll check out the link you suggested. I may also want to do a wine tasting...did you do that while you were there?

Zipline and wine on Waiheke Island - perfect place for a day trip.
Auckland to Paihia would be about 4 hours drive, not 3.

I hate to waste 4 hours each day driving!