NZ North of AKL

[docjames]

Hi all,

looking at a 4 day break in NZ - have never been to north of AKL (have previously done south island, plus rotorua, WEL etc)

So was looking at arriving into AKL late and overnighting, then 2-3 days before flying out of AKL late (4-6pm) on day 4 (eg arrive thursday night, o/n AKL then fly out again Monday PM so i only have to take two days off work!)

Would love input to suggested plans.

How long does it take to drive AKL-Whangeri or even to Bay of Islands (?Paihia?) - is this long enough to do this and still see stuff (scenery, maybe go rafting, wineries etc.)

I found when we visited south island we covered more distance more quickly than i thought which was both good and bad!

Thanks for your input.

Edit: Happy to take hotel recommendations - was considering staying near airport the thursday night rather than driving into town.

 

[serfty]

I found Northland is quite interesting.

It's maximum 3½ hours from AKL to the Bay of Islands.

Some more here: Northland > New Zealand

Certainly Bay of Islands and the Waitangi treaty House nearby can be worth looking at.

Stay a night or two at Paihia - do a day trip from there to Kerikeri and Kaitaia

 

[strewthbut]

I did a quick(2-day) drive of Northland last month. Felt and looked different to the rest of the North Island, good tho.

2 days was enough to do a flying tour of the east coast, go right up to Cape Reinga(top of NZ) and back down to AKL. 3-4 days would have been better.

If you're into driving: northlandnz dot com/things_to_do/25_must_dos/index dot html

For one of a kind diving, try the poor knights: diving dot co dot nz

or to just go somewhere pretty(read: touristy) with easy acces to cruises ect, then bay of islands: bayofislands dot net

 

[munitalP]

The drive between AKL and Whangarei is tiresome and the nicest part is at the top of the mountains just south of Whangarei. I suggest you fly to Whangarei then drive from there.

Follow the east coast from Whangarei to Tutakaha and all the way up to Russell. You can cut across after sandy bay to the Russell rd - it is clearly sign posted - its a dirt road but not rough and it's easy to drive on.

Car ferry across to Paihia, stay the night!! Have dinner and a beer at the fishing club.

Tour out to the hole in the rock (Cape Brett) the next day then visit Waitangi. Kerikeri is not much further north and I would suggest a night there as well.

There are busses that leave from Kerikeri and Paihia to take you to the northern cape - it's just a lighthouse... hmmm

Much better idea - go see some kauri trees - cut across the country and go to Rawene then drive south down the West coast back to Whangarei for return flights...

Whirl-wind but worth it - some beautiful country in that little tour... Mrs! and I have spent a tonne of time up there and love it...


Mr!

 

[rwatts]

You can see the masts from the original Rainbow Warrior [sunk in Aukland harbour by French intelligence agents (terrorists ?)] outside the Dargaville museum. I wondered what the hell it was as I drove past but read about them that night at the motel.

Richard.

 

[docjames]

Thanks so far! keep them coming!

Anything in AKL that's "must see"?

 

[tuapekastar]

Sound advice above, a pleasant part of the world.

Flying to Whangarei is not something I'd considered...may be worth it considering you're driving from the airport on the south side of AKL...but it's not that far to drive - guess it depends on pricing and timing..something I'll investigate next time!

Whangarei has a reasonably pretty waterfront, and Whangarei Falls is worth a look...couldn't recommend staying there though, just check it on the way through.

Kawakawa (short of Paihia) has (and I never thought I'd recommend toilets to anyone ) these public toilets that were decorated back in the 90's by some famous European artist. Worth a look, but a little pongy! :shock:

Paihia has the boat trips (Hole in the Rock, can be done leisurely, or in a 'fast' open boat, though this relies on rough conditions to make it worthwhile) etc...a car ferry to Russell leaves from nearby Opua, and a pax ferry (5-10 mins ferry ride) leaves from Paihia itself. Russell was once the 'capital' of NZ). Of course you could drive around to Russell and car ferry it to Paihia as suggested earlier (an interesting idea, and may do it next time I'm there).

Waitangi, as suggested, is worth a look, for the treaty house.

We took a bus trip to Cape Reinga...one reason being they drive back along the 90 mile beach (it's more like 50) which is a public highway (rental cars not usually allowed)...it's weird being in a big pax bus doing 100kmh down the beach. Ours also went deep into a Kauri forest as well as stopping at a place that made furniture from the trees. But the highlight was probably climbing massive sand dunes (tough work :evil and boogie boarding down (big fun )

So Northland is good.

An alternative nearer AKL is the Coromandel Peninsula which is quite hilly and rugged and has a few attractons of its own.

Whichever trip you do you should enjoy it!

PS. Stayed at the same place in Paihia both times...Anchorage Motel...walking distance (5-10) mins along the beachfront into town...top floor (there are only two) has better views (logical I guess). There would be squillions of places to stay, but that's the only one I've experienced and it was pleasant enough for me to return.

 

[Gold Member]

Hi Tuapekastar

Small worlds or great minds - I'm also looking at doing the exact same thing you are for March, albeit 6 days in North Island. Anyway, I've done a bit of hunting myself so I though I'd share my ideas.

No. 1 priority - ALCAMAHOL. Get yourself to Duty Free Stores New Zealand - Duty Free NZ - Free delivery to all New Zealand airports and get in love with some sweet elixir. NZ/AUD currency is your friend, and only getting better IMHO (currently 1/1.2 NZ/AUD).

I am keen on a number of the activites in previous posts such as Goat Island Dive, however this one seemed to be interesting too -> http://www.explorenz.co.nz/site/content.aspx?pageid=13

I will be hiring a car for 4-5 days during my stay in North Island as well as visiting Coromandel. I'm well aware of NZ car rental prices and not happy Jan. Fortunately, I have Emirates First Class (A380) return chauffer rides into AKL so no too peeved (showers self with praise and glory!) Nevertheless, I've found Hertz to to be the most competitive of the big brands.

And my final 'FWIW' link is the hotelclub link which I would encourage you to take of advantage within the next 24 hours! Hotel Reservations. Discount Hotels Worldwide - gets you $50 USD = ~$70AUD off your booking with them. Good for NZ hotels of course, but the offer expires and of '08 (24 hrs away).

Based on my research of Bay of Islands accommodation I would recommend (no order):

1. Bay of Islands Lodge
2. Edgewater Palms
3. Paihia Beach Resort
4. The Boathouse Opua

Good luck, hope this helps. Let us all know if you find anything worthwhile!

GM

 

[tuapekastar]

Hi Tuapekastar

Small worlds or great minds - I'm also looking at doing the exact same thing you are for March, albeit 6 days in North Island. Anyway, I've done a bit of hunting myself so I though I'd share my ideas.

No. 1 priority - ALCAMAHOL. Get yourself to Duty Free Stores New Zealand - Duty Free NZ - Free delivery to all New Zealand airports and get in love with some sweet elixir. NZ/AUD currency is your friend, and only getting better IMHO (currently 1/1.2 NZ/AUD).

I am keen on a number of the activites in previous posts such as Goat Island Dive, however this one seemed to be interesting too -> Sail NZ | On the Edge | High performance catamaran | Ultimate day sail | Bay of Islands | Northland | New Zealand

I will be hiring a car for 4-5 days during my stay in North Island as well as visiting Coromandel. I'm well aware of NZ car rental prices and not happy Jan. Fortunately, I have Emirates First Class (A380) return chauffer rides into AKL so no too peeved (showers self with praise and glory!) Nevertheless, I've found Hertz to to be the most competitive of the big brands.

And my final 'FWIW' link is the hotelclub link which I would encourage you to take of advantage within the next 24 hours! Hotel Reservations. Discount Hotels Worldwide - gets you $50 USD = ~$70AUD off your booking with them. Good for NZ hotels of course, but the offer expires and of '08 (24 hrs away).

Based on my research of Bay of Islands accommodation I would recommend (no order):

1. Bay of Islands Lodge
2. Edgewater Palms
3. Paihia Beach Resort
4. The Boathouse Opua

Good luck, hope this helps. Let us all know if you find anything worthwhile!

GM

Thanks for the the great info Gold Member, I'm sure the OP (docjames) will appreciate it.

Actually, so do I, for I'm sure I'll be back in that part of the world in the near future.

DFS NZ is great value - there are two DF 'chains' with very similar names, such that I went to the wrong booth at AKL for collection earlier this year (in my defence, the corrrect booth was rather hidden)!

I imagine you've researched Coromandel if you're going there but I found Driving Creek Railway fascinating, and Hot Water Beach quite a novelty (painful if you're not careful)!

And the accommodation recommendations are noted...I've been happy with where I've stayed, but no reason not to try elsewhere.

Hope your trip goes well...chauffer with EK should be worthwhile (not to mention travelling in F).

Cheers

 

[Gold Member]

LOL, I could've sworn I had the OP correct... ah well, must be getting old nowadays.

BTW, that link in the Coromandle looks way too cool! 'Cheers Bro'

 

[munitalP]

Another spot if time allows for the diving type is Great Barrier Island - that place is spectacular - Friend! & I caught a high speed ferry out there - 2.5 or 3 hours, can't remember now, stayed at a place - an old (rearly old) 3 bedroom home which had a generator which turned off at 8pm.

The next time we went out, we chartered a 42' launch from AKL for a week - diving, fishing and drinking in no particular order... a good waste of about 15K I think total cost including diesel and food - I would imagine the prices have increased a bit since 2001

Smokehouse Bay - Great Barrier Island

Auckland Skyline

Tryphena - the main "port" - here you can pick up dive charters, fishing charters etc - also where the ferry comes in from AKL

A nice morning before the fog lifted

Mr!

 

[GCD123]

As you can see, nobody has a bad word to say about Northland. In true NZ style, the tourist infrastructure is great.
That's the rub : For me a few of the places are very touristy - but to each their own.

My Top Picks :
1. The drive from Auckland has nothing to recommend it. You can fly easily to Whangarei (also just another unremarkable small city). Or even fly into Kerikeri (heart of Bay of Islands), get a car and use the 7-8 hours you didn't drive to explore the area.

2. The best value accommodation experience are the upmarket B&B's. Many to choose from.
We stayed at Heron Hill - Kerikeri. See the website.
Beautiful modern house with separate guest area. The owner, Keith, is a chef who delights in creating wonderful breakfasts; & dinners on request.

3. Pahia - touristy.

4. Russell - touristy but good quality and historicallty interesting. Surrounding beaches are nice. Worth an overnight. Also the location of The Eagles Nest (if you have to ask - you can't afford it. Although, taking a house as a group becomes more reasonable)

5. Waitangi - historical and very well done

6. The whole Bay of islands - continually stunning views around every corner.

8. West Coast. We did not go up to Cape Regina, but the trip down the west coast showed a different landscape - with rugged coastline, expansive estuaries & Kauri forests.

A trip well worth taking - but maximize your time around Bay of Islands.

Cheers GCD123

 

[sr81]

Did this trip with the GF in Sept. Was a great trip starting with Westin AKL then driving to Paiha. We got a focus from Hertz and whilst I didn't like the car it was very servicable.

Russell is a great stop with a nifty little museum and some lovely mussels on sale. Make sure you walk to the flagstaff on top of the hill, amazing view.

The church in Russell is full of history and stop to read the grave stones. Many stories and each quite touching.

We stayed two nights at Paiha at The Waterfront Suites. The cost was ok and we were upgraded to a two bedroom suite that was massive.

We did plenty of walking and the treaty grounds are well worth a visit. It is about a 5 minutes drive from Paiha to the grounds so don't stress that trip.

Paiha is bigger than Russell with a few more options though apart from the mussells in Russell we found the food a little disapointing. Not many local options and it really was the beef, lamb, pasta or fish. Nothing was especially fresh in terms of what we expect from local produce here.

In all a big tumbs up for this trip.

 

[docjames]

Thanks everyone - all sounding good, i'm pretty sold unless mrsdoc decides she wants to go elsewhere! Now just to wangle the dates with work!