Bay of Islands vs Bay of Plenty
Apr 28th, 2010, 12:51 PM
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Bay of Islands vs Bay of Plenty
Hi All,
I will be in NZ at the beginning of June this year and am looking to include the Bay of Plenty and/or the Bay of Islands in my itinerary. Any thoughts on whether we should see both or just pick one? I know the weather is mild but don't plan on it being warm enough to get in the water, unless someone says otherwise.
We have 14 nights and if we do indeed tour the North Island we will also try to include Rotura, Hawkes Bay (Napier and Martinbourough), Bay of P and/or Bay of Islands, Waitomo, and Wellington.
Thanks!
A
I will be in NZ at the beginning of June this year and am looking to include the Bay of Plenty and/or the Bay of Islands in my itinerary. Any thoughts on whether we should see both or just pick one? I know the weather is mild but don't plan on it being warm enough to get in the water, unless someone says otherwise.
We have 14 nights and if we do indeed tour the North Island we will also try to include Rotura, Hawkes Bay (Napier and Martinbourough), Bay of P and/or Bay of Islands, Waitomo, and Wellington.
Thanks!
A
Apr 28th, 2010, 02:10 PM
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I haven't been to the Bay of Islands yet, but given that everything else you want to do is south of Auckland, I would visit the Bay of Plenty instead. We spent a night in Whakatane and enjoyed walking around town.
If you click on my name, you should be able to find my trip report; we spent 10 nights on the North Island in 2004.
Are you planning on spending all your time on the North Island, or visiting the South Island as well?
Lee Ann
If you click on my name, you should be able to find my trip report; we spent 10 nights on the North Island in 2004.
Are you planning on spending all your time on the North Island, or visiting the South Island as well?
Lee Ann
Apr 28th, 2010, 08:26 PM
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Hi
I think with 14 nights you could probably include the Bay of Islands as part of your itinerary.
Day 1 Drive from Auckland to Bay of Islands (driving time 3 to 4 hours)Take an afternoon cruise in the Bay and out to the Hole in the Rock. Overnight Paihia/Kerikeri
Day 2. Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the morning. Drive to Omapere in Hokianga in the afternoon (driving time 1.5hours)In the evening take a guided walk into the Waipoua Forest and visit NZ's oldest and largest Kauri trees with local Maori guides. Overnight in Omapere
Day 3. Drive back to Auckland via the west coast stopping at the world famous Kauri Museum in Matakohe. (total driving time from Omapere to Auckland is about 4 hours). Overnight Auckland.
And then you can take it from there...
Take a look at northlandnz.com for some accommodation options.
Regards.
I think with 14 nights you could probably include the Bay of Islands as part of your itinerary.
Day 1 Drive from Auckland to Bay of Islands (driving time 3 to 4 hours)Take an afternoon cruise in the Bay and out to the Hole in the Rock. Overnight Paihia/Kerikeri
Day 2. Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the morning. Drive to Omapere in Hokianga in the afternoon (driving time 1.5hours)In the evening take a guided walk into the Waipoua Forest and visit NZ's oldest and largest Kauri trees with local Maori guides. Overnight in Omapere
Day 3. Drive back to Auckland via the west coast stopping at the world famous Kauri Museum in Matakohe. (total driving time from Omapere to Auckland is about 4 hours). Overnight Auckland.
And then you can take it from there...
Take a look at northlandnz.com for some accommodation options.
Regards.
Apr 29th, 2010, 01:56 PM
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The Bay of Islands in June will be warmer, and Waitangi Treaty Grounds is good in all weather. We have a guest house that is central (www.thehomestead.co.nz) so I am biased! Maori culture is strong in this area if that is your interest.
HAve a good trip. Michael
HAve a good trip. Michael
May 9th, 2010, 02:36 AM
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If you're short of time, then drop bay of islands! Bay of Plenty is on the way - Akld - Tauranga - Rotorua - Taupo - Napier - Hastings - Havelock north.....
Around Tauranga you can visit Kiwi 360 & see a working Kiwi fruit Orchard. Comvita Honey has a visitors centre - Comvita produce medicinal Manuka Honey & it's products. If you're into adventure there is a great white water rafting spot (could be cold, but wet suits are used!)Tauranga is only 40 mins/1 hour from Rotorua, depending on which road you take.
Bay of Islands is great & there is a lot of history there, but it's not the way to anywhere.
Around Tauranga you can visit Kiwi 360 & see a working Kiwi fruit Orchard. Comvita Honey has a visitors centre - Comvita produce medicinal Manuka Honey & it's products. If you're into adventure there is a great white water rafting spot (could be cold, but wet suits are used!)Tauranga is only 40 mins/1 hour from Rotorua, depending on which road you take.
Bay of Islands is great & there is a lot of history there, but it's not the way to anywhere.
