After looking at the weather for August in the Milford Sound area...and the CHAINS required notices on the govt road site between Te Anau and Milford...decided to concentrate on the North Island for a week.

We will fly in and out of Auckland.

Will probably stay at Marriott or Hilton there but then wanted to drive out to Rotorua, Lake Taupo and then over Napier.

Looking at 2 days Auckland, 1 day each at the other places driving/stopping along the way as we feel like it! Would also be interested in maybe 1 day north of Auckland.

So besides all the volcanic activity/lakes...what are MUST see sites along that route?

Is Napier worth a look? My husband really liked the looks of it after a travel channel special! Guess he likes Art Deco ;-)


Looking at clean, decent lodging for less than $150 NZ/night outside of Auckland. Not really interested in the SPA facilities too much unless the husband decides to go skiing one day (then I would stay and do the pampering thing)

Assuming the exchange rate is similar next August--we just want to spend no more than $100 US/night. IF we could get points that would be a different story!

And before anyone says we can't cover all that in 1 day etc....WE know we can't see everything in 1 day either but we want to get a nice variety and pick one or 2 interesting things at each place and move on. We don't mind long days and we stay up late...so even if we have a 3 hr drive at 8pm to the next city...NO big deal. I can spend extra time sleeping when I get back from vacation!!

With regard to Napier, it's a great city with lots on offer to tourists. It's in the Hawkes Bay which of course is one of our prime wine areas, so many to choose from and visit. I like the Mission vineyard, close to the city and an old monastery, there's a tour of the vineyard and a great lunch stop. To say nothing of the wines which are superb.
Yes, it is in the art deco style because the city was rebuilt after the big earthquake of the early 1930's. The museum has all the relevant facts, figures and memorabilia of this era.
There is a good selection of antique shops, an attractive marine esplanade and seascapes, the gannet colony out from Hastings, which is a slightly larger city than Napier. There are no towns between Napier and Taupo, just a couple of cafe stops so fill up the gas before taking off from Taupo.

Hi Alise - yes, Napier is a lovely town - we stayed at a gorgeous B&B just out of town which had the most stunning garden and very helpful hosts- Spence Homestay - www.bnbn.co.nz/spence.html - for other B&B's look at www.bnb.co.nz

As you are heading here in August, the ski fields on Mount Ruapehu should be open for business by then.

Mount Ruapehu is under an hours drive from Taupo.

Waitomo Caves is an interesting spot as well.

Re the budget, you should do vey nicely indeed on under $150 (NZ) for accomodation.

Most motels/hotels are between $70 -$120 for a double room.
When you arrive, head to any tourist imformation office ( there is a good one on the waterfront in Auckland city) and pick up the FREE Accomodation books.

Flicking through these will give you a good idea of the prices for rooms and whats on offer in all New Zealand cities and towns.

Pity that you have had to put off your planned trip to the South Island though but maybe August is a bit of a dicey time to visit.

Good luck.

I can always go back to the South Island on another trip! I didn't expect to be going back to Australia/NZ this quickly anyways--so this is a bonus treat!

We can always plan another trip since we are saving miles this one by flying coach.

I will be checking out that B&B near Napier! Thanks!

I know we will make reservations for Auckland but we will probably be more flexible with our other cites--Am I wrong in thinking that time of year won't be very busy and hotels should have plenty of rooms??

We booked the flight into Auckland and arrive Sunday August 8th 7am and will fly out the following Sunday afternoon to Melbourne. SO 7 1/2 full days of sightseeing in NZ!