We're stopping in NZ for only 2 1/2 days on our way back from Australia, and are wondering how best to make use of the time. We arrive in Auckland at 2 pm and leave two days later in the afternoon. One thought is to drive to Rotorua and spend two nights there. Another is to drive to Whakantane and try to take the boat to White Island, which, I understand is risky because of the weather. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Hi Ellen<BR>Sorry that you have only 2 days - you ned more like two months to see NZ BUT we need to make sure that your two days are so memorable that you will want to come back again. I could suggest that you stayed and enjoyed Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf but it sounds like you want to see as much as you can of the countryside. So I will give you the max. experience first.<BR>Day 1 - arrive 2pm clear Customs and collect rental car and be ready to leave the city at 4 pm. Hopefully it is in the summer or at least when daylight saving has started on 6 October. Travel down SH 1 then SH 5 from Tirau to Rotorua - allow about 3 hours. You may be able to take in a Maori concert in the evening.<BR>Day 2 - In the morning a look round Rotorua then off down SH 5 to the Waiotapu-o-Tapu thermal area and on to Huku Falls and Taupo (a 1 hour trip) Lunch at Taupo then down SH 1 to Turangi up SH 47 to the volcanic plateau and the Tongariro National Park (a 2 hour drive but very scenic) A cup of coffee at the Grand Chateau whee you could stop if you wish or push on and head north on SH 4 then SH3 to Te Kuiti. If you would enjoy a farmstay then we know of a great one in this area and another Fodors contact used it last month ( yes he got to shear his sheep!)<BR>Day 3 - Visit Waitomo Caves then head north on SH 3 and on to SH 1 at Hamilton (it is a 2 hour 30 minute drie from Waitomo to Auckland airport (sure people like me can do it in 100 minutes but we know all of the short cuts.<BR><BR>If this sounds like too much driving for you then on Day 2 head from Taupo back up SH 1 then SH 30 to Te Kuiti.<BR><BR>I have done this trip several times with overseas guests and it works well even if a bit rushed.<BR><BR>Regards<BR>Kerry

Thanks so much, Kerry. This sounds great. We're going to check the maps and may get back to you with further questions. I really wish we had more time in NZ. The more I read about it, the better it sounds. I take it you think it's not worth it to try to go to White Island.<BR>Ellen

Hi, Kerry. It's Ellen again. I forgot to mention: we would be interested in the farmstay. Would you mind letting me know how to contact them? Thanks.<BR>Ellen

Hi Ellen<BR>Sorry I have been busy working in my vineyard getting the vines pruned.<BR><BR>White Island is a fabulous place but access is not that easy- either by helicoper or by sea and the bar at Whakatane can be tricky in bad weather. While the volcanic mountains of Ruapehu and Tongariro may be not so spectactular you can do them in the course of your travel plans.<BR><BR>The farmstay that I was recommending out of te Kuiti, is Tawanui Farmstay, Andrew and Marguerite Leadley. You can find them on www.nzhomestay.co.nz/Waikato_219 If you get the first part of the URL right you will find them. <BR>A report from a Fodors American visitor last month commented, "Boy can the Marguerite cook!"<BR>Let me know if you need more help<BR><BR>Kerry

Hi, Kerry. Sorry for the delay in response. We're back from NZ, where we went to theTawanuifarmstay. It was great! Our hosts were friendly and interesting, the farm was beautiful, and the cooking terrific. So thanks for the recomemndation.