I'm in the very early stages of planning a trip to New Zealand for February. We're old hands when it comes to the SI, but have only visited the NI once and it was ages ago...we're thinking maybe it's time for another look.

We'll be flying into and out of Auckland, so figure we can arrange a stopover easily enough. We're thinking 5-7 days with an emphasis on wine regions and walking tracks.

Any suggestions for a driving route beginning and ending in Auckland (preferably a loop) would be greatly appreciated.

You might want to take a look at my trip report. It's seven years old now but it might be helpful.

Hawkes Bay and Martinborough are the main wine areas on the NI, if I remember correctly. You could maybe head down to Tongariro NP, do the Tongariro Crossing, then head to a wine region for some R&R.

Lee Ann

Thanks Lee Ann, I'll take a look.

Just learned we won't be able to stopover after all due to a UA/Air NZ rule against stopovers when flying within the same region. Oh well, the SI it is.

Why not just book your trip to Auckland on miles, fly to Wellington, take the ferry one way to the SI and fly back? I was able to book very inexpensive fares Auck Wellington and CHch Auck last time.

My last trip I spent an overnight at Kapiti Lodge and Martinborough, near Wellington. I think you'd like both of those.

A day trip to the west coast black sand beaches such as Bethell's and the gannets at Muriwai, and a drive thru the wine area around Helensville/Kumeu is another good short trip.

Well, we booked flights yesterday - Perth-Auckland-CHC and return, using UA miles. We might still be able to work something out. Thanks for the suggestions.

Hi Melnq8!

Guess what ..... I'm going back to NZ. This time only a week on teh North Island, covering Auckland/Rotorua/Taupo/Tauranga. With 2 young children under 6, will be focusing more on kids-friendly activities.

Good on ya Chenoa! When will you be there?

Will be arriving into AKL on 2 Sept morning. I just booked the flight on Tuesday, am so busy with the itinerary these few days. Imagine I took months to prepare for my South island tour but I'm working on this for departure in 3 weeks. And I just found out while looking for accomodation in Auckland that it's the Rugby season and the rates are ridiculous! Am relieved that I found a suitable place at a reasonable price, though I hope it lives up to its description and photos.

I'm thinking of you today, Melnq8, seeing all of these snow scenes on-line from NZ. Wouldn't it be great to be there now, looking out the windows at the white stuff?

I'd love that kim! Even more so if it were hot here in Perth, but fortunately it isn't. We've had some nice spring-like days, a constant reminder that summer isn't too far away (gag).

We booked our return to NZ in February specifically to be away from Perth during it's hottest month of the year.

If you did end up staying in the North Island at all, you could pretty easily go to Waiheke Island. I didn't actually make it on my trip, but I tried a Syrah from a vineyard in Waiheke Island later in the trip, that was so unique and delicious, I wished I'd made it over there.

Thank you Amicita. Currently the entire trip is in jeopardy, but I'll keep your suggestion in mind if everything works out. I happen to love Syrah.