We arrive in Auckland on xmas evening at 8pm. We are leaving to Queestown on dec 27 at noon. for 6 days. . We will be returning for a final evening in Auckland before we fly back to the states.
My idea is to rent a car on Dec 26 and spend the day in Rotorua heading back to Auckland late that evening, or spending that night in Rotorua and getting up early on dec 27 to drive back to auckland. (we have a flight at 12 noon on the 27 to catch.
does that sound crazy. is it worth it!.
Thanks, Montreal Vic.

Vic,

is it crazy? Kinda. Is it worth it? That really depends on how badly you want to go to Rotorua! What is it specifically that you want to see in Rotorua? Thermal activity? Maori culture?

Renting a car and driving back from Rotorua "late evening" - driving back in the dark, on the other side of the road into a major city, with major traffic? Not recommended.

I certainly wouldn't recommend driving back from Rotorua on the day you have an international flight either -- too much margain for error -- all you need is a major traffic jam (an accident, whatever) and you miss your international flight.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie

I think it is crazy, sorry.

The afternoon flight is from Auckland to Queenstown. at 12 noon. Therefore we would have to leave either early morning or the same evening. I have never driven in New Zealand. Should I be concerned. We are interested in seeing Thermal activity, and also a break from big cities. Since we will have spent 5 days in Sydney prior to Auckland. Mind you we are staying in Queenstown for 6 days. Still confused. Maybe its too rushed and better to spend that day (dec 26 in Auckland) How is the highway from Auckland to Rotorua. Is driving in Auckland city a nightmare.
Thanks Vic.

I wouldn't do it. There will be a lot of other people on the road going to and fro, bad time of year for accidents.

Yes driving in Auckland city is difficult, a lot of one way streets and not a simple grid pattern.

If you want to get out of the city take a ferry cruise, eg from Auckland over to Devonport or Waiheke Island for the day.
Book ahead.

http://www.fullers.co.nz/