November. we plan to spend 10 days in the North Island and 5 days in Sydney We were fortunate to spend a month in NZ 4yrs ago and spent most of the time in the South Island. Suggestions and updates for the No Island and 5 days in Sydney. Thank you

Why are you coming to Sydney? Wouldn't it be best to spend the time in NZ?

Besure to put Napier on your list. It was largely setroyed by an earthquake in the twenties and is full of Art Deco Buildings.

Likewise, White Island off the North Coast is an active Volcano and well worth the Helicopter ride. Don't go by boat unless you really can't afford the chopper.

Rotorua has lots of thermal springs and mud pools, but only one geyser.

Waimangu Thermal Valley is great. You walk down the valley and a bus takes you to the top.It is near Rotorua. http://www.waimangu.co.nz/

Possum hunting was greatfrom Whakatane.

The Bay of Islands is great as well.

For Sydney. A day or two in the city. Climb the Harbour Bridge (book early). Visit The Rocks which is the old part of the City. Darling Harbour. Visit some beaches and the National parks in the city. Then head out to the Blue mountains for great scenery and the Jenolan Caves. Kanagra Boyd National Park is great and is on the Southern end of the Blue Mountains.

The revolving restaurant in Sydney is over rated and not the best views. But not a bad experience. Just there are better ways to spend your money.

We fell in love with New Zealand on our first visit. Wish we could spend more time there and in Australia. Time and money are the enemies. Our oldest grandaughter is doing an internship in Sydney so it will be wonderful to see her and this beautiful city. It is better to visit for 5 days than to not go at all.
peterSale thank you for your helpful suggestions. I was so jet lagged last time that I did not get to see much of Auckland or the northern area. We only just thought of doing this trip, I hope we can make it work.

Another Sydney suggestion: do the Bondi to Bronte cliff walk. It is a relatively easy (there are some steps, but it's not a "hike") and very scenic walk along the cliffs between Bondi and Bronte beaches. We took a bus to Bondi beach, did the walk, then took the bus back. I think we did it in about 2 hours, not rushing.

The Sydney Botanical Gardens are very beautiful. They have a free walking tour every day at 10 or 11 am - check their website.

The Maritime Museum was enjoyable also, if you have any interest in that.

We spent 10 days on the North Island in April 2004. If you click on my name, you'll find my trip report.

Lee Ann

If you're in Sydney between October 28 & November 14, Sculpture by the Sea will be on display along the Bondi to Bronte walk. It's fabulous - don't miss it!

http://sculpturebythesea.com/