We will be spending 6 days in Auckland for a business meeting, so we don't want to spend any of our free time there. We could arrange to fly into any of the airports that have international flights (Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland).
2007-01-08 13:57:29 · 11 answers · asked by Marcella S 5 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
It really does depend what your into
In Christchurch it's really nice to take a ride up the hill in the gondola just before sunset, have a great meal watching the sun set and enjoy the night lights on the way down
Durign the day you can ride up the gondola and mountain bike back down (choice of three routes)
In Hamner Springs it's really really nice to spend two hours soaking in the hot pools then get a massage (two people at a time - very popular so you have to book the massage in advance)
Lots of walks and a bungy jump & jetboating on the way from Christchurch, also a really nice train backpacker's at the turn off to Hammner springs - the cabins are railcars the rest of the place a stylised station
Check out the official web site
2007-01-08 16:40:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there,
as you only have that short time, ( such a shame) as you are already in Auckland,, book yourselves a day trip with the Ferry to Great Barrier Island at least, really pretty if you enjoy a little bit of wilderness and simplicity.
In fact, why not book in to land in Christchurch, then mosey on up to Picton and take the Ferry crossing over to Wellington. You may even be lucky enough and see dolphins or whales on the crossing!!
Trouble is, you are spoilt for choice,, Auckland itself offers many treats, locally ,or if you have the chance to perhaps rent a car and just want to look around, you won't be disappointed.
Have a great visit.
Word of warning,, you may kick yourselves for not having made a longer trip of it,,, still, I am convinced you will have a great time,, just go on out there and ask!!!! The good folks there will set you right anyway.
2007-01-09 15:46:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your problem is that 5 days isn't a long time to see New Zealand (you need about a month to rush around, longer if you want to do walks etc).
I suggest go north of Auckland (Northland) because it will give you a taste of New Zealand (enough to make you want to come back), but it will still be a leisurely trip. Plus Northland will have the best weather in April.
Day 1 - drive north. Consider stopping at Waiwera Thermal Pools, Puhoi Cheese Factory, Matakana vineyards (there are various), Tawharanui Regional Park. Stay somewhere around Matakana, perhaps Sandpiper Lodge.
Day 2 - drive north. Head towards the west to see the big kauri trees at Waipoua Forest. See also the kauri museum at Matakohe. Drive north and stay in the Bay of Islands (Kerikeri or Paihia).
Day 3 - See the historic buildings in Kerikeri, take the ferry to Russell and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Consider also a boat cruise to the Hole in the Rock or elsewhere. Stay overnight either in the same place, or slightly further south at the Lodge at Matapouri (nr Tutukaka).
Day 4 - spend a day chilling out around the Matapouri/Tutukaka coast. Go fishing, snorkelling or scuba diving, or just enjoy the scenery. Stay overnight at the Lodge at Matapouri or nearby.
Day 5 - drive south to Whangarei. Visit Whangarei Falls just before the town, then the boutique shops at Whangarei Town Basin and spend an hour at Clapham's Clock Museum. Drive back to Auckland at your leisure (about a 3 hour drive).
Like the writer above, I also recommend www.aatravel.co.nz 's 101 must dos for Kiwis site.
2007-01-13 08:11:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you fly straight to Auckland, there's plenty to occupy you in the northern part of North Island - you could go further north to the Bay of Islands, visit the Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua. If you decide to stick to North Island, a better option might be to fly to Wellington, then travel north to Auckland through the central volcanic area, visiting other places on your way to Auckland.
My first choice, however, would be to fly to Christchurch and spend a few days in South Island, before flying to Auckland for the meeting. Depending on what sort of places you like, you could visit Kaikoura, Akaroa, Arthur's Pass, Oamaru (for the penguins!), Queenstown, etc. I'd recommend the TranzAlpine railway, even if you don't go all the way to Greymouth on the west coast.
Have a great trip!
2007-01-13 07:35:08 · answer #4 · answered by Phil 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Central Otago is absolutely amazing this time of year. You should visit if you really want to see some beautiful places. Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra to name a few. There is a walk recommended to do in Wanaka by AAs top 100 must do's in NZ, it's called the outlet and in autumn is spectacular. You could make Wanaka with it's beautiful lake a base and visit lots of other neat places not far from there.
The drive from Christchurch airport thru to Wanaka alone is bound to require many photos been taken.
Visit www.lakewanaka.co.nz
2007-01-09 03:49:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ancient castle some one refered to is Lancarch's Castle and that's in Dunedin.
I'd suggest Rotorua because there is heaps to do there.
Or Wellington because then you can see the Beehive, the Zoo, etc.
There's plenty to do where ever you go.
2007-01-09 01:08:22 · answer #6 · answered by ★☆✿❀ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out Rotorua and Waitomo Caves and go Black Water Rafting. A fascinating way to see the glow worms.
2007-01-08 22:25:44 · answer #7 · answered by penelope b 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Throw Some Stones At The Sheep I Heard There Were Lots Of Them There.
2007-01-08 22:01:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
5 days? Come to Australia - it's far more interesting.
2007-01-09 06:48:54 · answer #9 · answered by TonyB 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stay in the hotel and have lots of bedtime fun!
2007-01-08 22:01:09 · answer #10 · answered by justfornets 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋