Good day, I hope this message finds you well. I have one week to visit the North Island. My interests are really birds, beaches, and biking around. I have done a lot of reserach but and becoming overwhelmed. Any thoughts on fleshing this out are appreciated. I am looking for specifics about Coromandel and the three days I have empty. I should note that I do not want to spend a lot of time busing and do not have an interest in Rotoura. Thank you kindly, I am excited!


1-arrive AKL, rest see the city if possible
2-travel to Coromandel, beach fun
3-Coromandel, beach, biking?
4-
5-
6-
7-Tiritiri Matangi Island bird tour
8-AKL, depart home

When you arrive in Auckland, don't go and rest right away. Go out and sightsee, have an early dinner, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. This helps you get acclimated to the time change.

Fodor's Travel Wire has a link for some tours which might interest you. I remember the writer mentioned going on a nighttime nature walk in the Northland which sounded interesting.

Another thought, if you have time, is to visit the offshore nature reserve near Wellington.

Lee Ann

I spent two days in Auckland. One day was enought. I spent two nights in Rotoura and I agree with you. Make it to the top of the North Island.

What has your research turned up?

All I can suggest is to get an explorer pass with the main NZ bus company - Intercity I think. I believe they do a hop, hop off for the Coromandel. All the hostels there will hire you a bike.

Don't ask me for specific recommendations. It's years since I was there, but I think I stayed one night in Thames, one night in/outside Coromandel, and two nights in Whitianga.
Plenty of good cycling roads and walking tracks all over, and hot water beach near Whitianga is nice.

For specifics about birds you really need to do a google - there must be something out there - and have you had a good look at the Lonely Planet guide?

Best of luck.

Hi wally34949

You said one day was enough in Auckland. My boyfriend and I are planning two days - one to look around the city itself/harbour and generally chill after a long flight. The second we were planning to take a ferry across to one of the Hauraki Gulf Islands. Do you think the city centre and trip to one of the islands can be done in one day?

Thanks!!!

You could do all that in a day, but I would go ahead and take two, especially if you want to spend a good chunk of the day on the island.

Lee Ann

Thames is quaint, birdwatching famous location nearby on the bay, one night would be fine there. I spent a few days in a B&B in Kuaotunu. Some fabulous beaches nearby, nicer than Hot Water in my opinion. Easy day trip to Cathedral Cove.