New Zealand North Island Auckland advice/ideas!

furrypig

Hi

Won a trip to New Zealand courtesy of the competitions board (so worth looking at guys!).;)
i will be in Auckland for 5 nights and wondered what and where to go whilst there??? I have my accommodation but thought I would ask for tips on places to eat/ visit things not to miss. Then off to Bay of Islands for 3 nights and again would love any recommendations for food/ boat trips stc. Finally visiting the Coromandel for 3 nights then home again!

Really appreciate any tips as want to try and keep spending down but want to enjoy it having won my flights and first 8 nights accommodation and 3 days car hire!

Thanks in advance:j

SammyD_2

Congratulations - you lucky thing...(homesick New Zealander talking). In Auckland I would recommend a trip to Waiheke Island (your hotel will have info, but they go from the central city) - there is a great Cafe there called the Mudbrick, and also various wineries to visit. If you are energertic, it is worth walking up Rangitoto (the extinct volcano in the harbour - again, a boat trip out there) - but it is hard work, although you follow a formed path. Views are fantastic. There are also canoeing trips out to Rangitoto - but again, for the energetic. If you can get down to Rotorua for a day, it is worth the trip - boiling mud pools, geysers and lots of Maori heritage - it would be a longish day though, although I think tour companies offer day trips.

Eating out in Auckland - the viaduct basin (where the America's Cup was hosted) has tonnes of excellent restaurants, or head for Ponsonby Road, again lots of restaurants.

The Bay of Islands - you could consider doing a day trip up to 90 mile beach - I have never been, but it has been recommended to me. Coromandel - my hubby recommends going white water rafting while there - but then he is a bit more adventurous than me.

Just one word of caution with the car hire - don't plan on driving the day you arrive - believe me, you will be in no fit state after more than 24 hours on the plane. I wouldn't plan anything too strenuous for the first couple of days.

If you have any more specific questions let me know and I will try to help. Enjoy the planning!

furrypig

Great tips thank you so much!

Don't actually get the car 'til the 4th day so will (hopefully!) not be jetlagged then!

Will definitely go to waiheke Island as this will be a great ( and hopefully easy) day out from Auckland.

Thanks for your advice and any other tips (including 'must buy' purchases or shops to look out for) would be great

Thanks!

Party_Animal

Parnell is very good for eating out too.
We enjoyed the Skytower and Kelly Tarletons as well as a harbour cruise in Auckland itself.