MrsTheo

My husband and I will be travelling to Tonga mid-September 2009 and on our return to the USA, via Auckland, we plan to stay a few extra nights on the North Island. From the posts I have read about Auckland, most people just spend they day/night and then head out to their destination.

My husband and I are avid hikers and hiked for two weeks on the South Island in 2004 (we're 45 and 50). Are there any good hiking areas near Auckland? Again, we'll be there at the end of September. In September 2004 on the South Island we experienced very cool temperatures and avalanches when "tramping" in the back country; therefore, I'm not sure what to expect on the North Island at about the same timeframe.

We're not opposed to renting a car but we will only have three full days so we probably won't be able to travel too far.

Anyone who has unique experiences to share, out of the way places, in town or quirky corners, I'd like to hear about them. I've read about the Maori shows and the Auckland Museum, so what else would you recommend? Is agri-tourism a possibility?

Thank you for any feedback!

hobbes

I'd definitely reco a day at Waiheke, 4o minutes from Auckland by ferry,and it has some great hiking trails. I managed only part of one while seeing a sculpture exhibit but it was outstanding.

Bushranger

There's a lot of shorter walking trails on the north island and some of just a couple of hours or so to lookouts and the like that you'll see well sign posted but they probably are not on any site such as www,doc.govt.nz

Warkworth, only about an hour north of Auckland would make a resonable base or further up at Paihia on Bay of Islands
http://www.warkworth-information.co.nz/ and http://www.warkworthnz.co.nz/

You could have some cooler days, a bit of rain but no snow and the Kiwis refer to the northland region as the winterless north - quite mild relative to south island and central region south of Auckland.

Bushranger

And nearly forgot: With a hire vehicle make sure you get one that has no remote boot release or it is disconnected or of a lockable kind and a suitable sticker on windows and then leave any valuables in the boot.

Break ins do occur at some car parks of trails.

mlgb

You could drive out toward the west coast, stopping at the Arataki Visitor Center in the Waitakere Ranges.

There are some walks described on their webpage

http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-par...entre_home.cfm