Rotorua
 

I will be visiting NZ this July/Aug with my family. We have just 8 days, most of which we will spend on the South Island. However, we are contemplating seeing Rotorua on the North Island. It looks like it's a couple of hundred kilometers (3 hrs) from Auckland on the map. Question is: If we fly into Auckland before noon on one day, can we drive to Rotorua that afternoon, stay overnight and get back to Auckland by noon the next day and still see enough for the trip to be worth the rush and effort? Or should we just tack that day onto the South Island and forget about it? Or, is there an alternative North Island destination closer to Auckland that would be fun to see in a similar time frame?

Ralph

You are not going to be able to see much (other than beautiful New Zealand Countryside) with your timings on the Rotorua visit.

There are Hangi experiences that take place in the evening but the main volcanic attractions are a daytime experience. Likewise the lakes in the region are enjoyed by day.

If you are going to be in Auckland you could do several things. Take a half day trip with Great Sights around Auckland. Go to Kelly Tarltons aquarium and see the sharks and penguins (though obviously they are in separate areas).

Take a ferry across to Devonport and have a look around over there, climb Mt Victoria (Its only a couple of hundred feet high) and get a good view of the North Shore of the city.

Some of the many things you can do here in Auckland.

Use this link to help you identify some activities http://www.aucklandnz.com/

Rotorua is most certainly worth a visit but best done in daylight. and not too hurried.

Steve

No offense to Steve, but Rotorua is not worth it. I loved the Hangi dinner but my life would still be the same if I hadn't gone. The South Island is fantastic and there is so much to do and see that I would not spend my time and money flying to the NI just for a day. Rotorua also stinks like rotten eggs because of the sulfur, and unless you are into geysers and stuff I would not go. So many other wonderful things to see and do in the SI.

Thanks Steve and Abby...some great input there...pretty much what I thought might be the case. So I think I'll nix the Rotorua idea, even though I really like volcanic attractions. We fly to NZ in and out of Auckland so we'll have a little time to see some of the city sights.

We enjoyed Rororua okay, but compared to all the rest of NZ, was towards the bottom of the list. I like Auckland, and there is plenty to do and see. Just hang out in Parnell and Ponsonby, or take advantage of the sights the others have listed above. Have a great trip!

Abby

No offense taken at all. I agree the smell is something else and overall Rotorua as a tourist attraction is not worth breaking your neck for to get to see.

I lived in a town not too far away from Rotorua for about five years as a kid and believe it or not the air there smelt even worse. So I suppose I have got acclimatised over the years.

Ralph, by far your tourist experience will be enhanced by going to the South Island and extending your visit there. Auckland does have its attractions, some of which are outlined above, and since I live here I am probably biased.

If you are flying in off a longhaul flight, stopping off in Auckland to catch your breath is probably a very good idea.

As far as scenery is concerned you cannot beat the South Island though. There is also a lot of variation in what you see down there so it certainly does not get boring.

Whether you decide to see a bit of Auckland or head straight down to the South Island I am sure you will enjoy your stay.

Happy travels

Steve

I think you've convinced RalphR. I agree. Especially if you've been to Yellowstone NP you'll find the geysers at Rotorua don't even come close. After two weeks on the South Island, a drive to Waitomo for a blackwater rafting trip was a highlight of the North Island. It would be worth the trip from Auckland, but a rush, so two days at least for this fun experience.