DH and I are spending 11 nights/12 days motorhoming around New Zealand's North Island and then 2 nights in Auckland in a hotel at the end (Dec 28 - Jan 12). Our anniversary is NYE so we want to camp on a beautiful beach, preferably one where we can scuba dive. Beyond that we have no ideas about where to go, what to do, where to stay (campsites w/hookups), etc. Any suggested iteneraries, "can't miss" spots, "skip it" spots, restaurants (budget, local, and gourmet), campsites, etc. would be greatly appreciated! (Please don't suggest that we go to South Island instead, we are planning a separate three-week trip there later.) Thanks for any advice!!!

I think that there is no question that the best SCUBA diving in all of NZ is in the Poor Knights Islands. There are tons of interesting dive sites, with big schools of fish and great caves, tunnels, arches, and swim-throughs (http://www.diving.co.nz/poorknights.htm). There aren't too many great beaches on these islands, though. I think that you should decide to dive or stay on a beach, but not try for both at the same time.

If you want fine beaches, you should probably head up to the Northland and Cape Reinga, home of the aptly-named Ninety-Mile Beach. There are several campgrounds and holiday parks along the coast. Other good beach locations are the Coromandel Peninsula and near Whakatane.

One thing to check out would be some of the homestay and B & B locations, many of which also welcome campervans. We very much enjoyed staying with our hosts at these spots. Other than that, there is at least one holiday park in pretty much every town, so you will have little problem finding a place to stay. Particularly at that time of year though, you may find yourself with many neighbors in nearby campsites that may be a bit too close for privacy.

There are so many places to go on the N Island, it sort of depends on what you like to do. A visit to the Waitomo region would be fun, particularly if you are at all adventurous and interested in going on a cave exploration tour. These range from mildly strenuous 'blackwater rafting" to heavy duty spelunking excursions, such as "Honking Haggas Holes".

If you like volcanoes, you should head south to Tongariro/Ruapehu. We really enjoyed taking the Whakapapa Skifield chairlift up Mt Ruapehu, then hiking the rest of the way to the summit crater. If you like overnight hiking, the Tongariro crossing is quite spectacular.

The Taupo/Rotorua geothermal areas are interesting too. Orakei Korako (Hidden Valley) and Craters of the Moon are two great places to view geothermal activity, as well as the very popular Whakarewarewa in Rotorua.

Other things to check out: Giant Kauri tree forests, a cruise in the Bay of Islands, a ferry from Auckland to Rangitoto Island, a helicopter ride to the active volcano on White Island.

Thanks for the input, Alf! I am very excited about diving at PNI, it looks spectacular! Anyone else with any suggestions?

Also, when we arrive on the 30th we want to head straight for a great beach where we can park our camper for 2-3 nights (including NYE). I am thinking about either Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula, or the Bay of Plenty - does anybody have any specific recommendations? We would like something that will be a lively party spot on NYE but also a "good" beach (good for swimming, nice sand for laying out, nice spot to park a camper - hookups preferred - that kind of thing). Thanks!

Topping - still looking for NYE info...

ttt

You realise you will be in the middle of our holiday season, this includes packed out camping grounds and many dare I say it teenagers who on NYE can sometimes create havoc (too much drinking) in some well known beach areas. Don't quote me but for your own info it might be wise for you to know this. So best to seek out a quiet and smaller campsite, there are plenty opposite the Poor Knights Islands on the mainland.

This is a special find so keep it confindential. Don't miss Matauri Bay, Just north of Keri Keri in the Bay of Islands. It's a beautiful spot and has a well run RV park. As of 2 years ago there was even a wonderful German restaurant that you would never expect to find in such an isolated location. The road to it is steep and winding but it's worth the trip.

Thanks for the insight, Kathy & Steve! I know that we're going in a major holiday season which is why I want to make some campsite reservations now, if I can, so your information is VERY helpful. Thanks for the tip on the German restaurant; my husband is from Switzerland (the German area) so be thrilled to eat there! I hope it's still open...

Go into www.matauribay.co.nz
and click on where 2 stay, Steve, is this the restaurant?

Yes, the restaurant is "Oceans". The owners, Ingo and Karola Rasselnberg, are very nice. Try them at [email protected]. Hope you spend some time at Matauri Bay. I know you'll enjoy it. We did see some divers there, by the way.