New Zealand, what to do?

[vikingtraveller]

We are escaping part of the Norwegian winter by doing a 25 day cuise on HAL Oosterdam from Sydney to Auckland, starting Jan.26.2013. After the cruise we plan to spend 2 weeks on the North Island.

Our preliminary plan is to spend a few days in Auckland - then rent a car, and divide the rest of our time between the Bay of Islands area and (perhaps) Rotorua?

Does this seem like a good idea, or are there other places we should include (or substitute)?

Any suggestions will be most welcome.

 

Annie and Hans

Trondheim, Norway

[GradUT]

Any particular reason that you are choosing to spend all your time on the North Island? I've been to NZ 3 times and most of that time has been spend on the South Island. I think there's more to see and do there (and much more dramatic scenery).

 

If you haven't considered the South Island, I recommend you do some reading to see if it's something that would appeal to you. I certainly appeals to me.

[TLCOhio]

We are escaping part of the Norwegian winter by doing a 25 day cuise on HAL Oosterdam from Sydney to Auckland, starting Jan.26.2013. After the cruise we plan to spend 2 weeks on the North Island. Our preliminary plan is to spend a few days in Auckland - then rent a car, and divide the rest of our time between the Bay of Islands area and (perhaps) Rotorua? Does this seem like a good idea, or are there other places we should include (or substitute)? Any suggestions will be most welcome.

Annie and Hans. Trondheim, Norway

 

Hi, Annie and Hans!! We enjoyed visiting Trondheim in Norway two summer ago. Your town and its history/architecture were very interesting and enjoyable.

 

Agree with GradUT on the wise question for focusing on the North Island. Most consider the South Island to be much more varied, exciting, interesting, etc. There are some good options on the North Island, but many cruises visit there. Queenstown is considered super excellent, but cruise ships can't visit there.

 

Tell us more!! How much are you interested in countrysides vs. cities? Nature, wildlife, museums, food, wine, art, shopping, architecture, culture, etc.? How much of it in a leisurely style versus fast-paced? What's your travel style and personal interests? Which ports does your cruise visit in NZ? Then, with more detailed and specific information from you, we can make better, more specific suggestions on what best fits your needs and interests.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 81,808 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 104,312 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[Te Aroha]

A few links to places of interest in the North Island.

 

http://www.waitangi.net.nz/

 

http://www.aucklandnz.com/int

 

http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/Attractions/Skytower.html

 

http://www.waitomo.org.nz/

 

http://www.hobbitontours.com/

 

http://www.waiotapu.co.nz/

 

http://www.mtruapehu.com/

 

http://www.wellingtonnz.com/

 

This will give you some ideas I am sure, if there is something you are interested in other than what I have linked too, let me know. I will find more information for you. (Didn't know what your interests were, beach, country, snow, scenery etc).

[fairywren]

Any particular reason that you are choosing to spend all your time on the North Island? I've been to NZ 3 times and most of that time has been spend on the South Island. I think there's more to see and do there (and much more dramatic scenery).

 

If you haven't considered the South Island, I recommend you do some reading to see if it's something that would appeal to you. I certainly appeals to me.

 

Shoot me down if you like, but why would folk from Norway travel half way round the world to see mountains and fiords :confused:

 

If you are flying in to Sydney, spend a couple of days in and around the fantastic harbour and see some unique Aussie scenery.

[vikingtraveller]

Thank you very much for your replies. We thought about the South Island as well, but figured two weeks would be too short a time to cover any sizeable part of it. Driving distances are long, and Annie has a hip problem, that makes around 3-400 km our max driving range for one day. Also, we prefer staying in one place for a few nights, using it as a base for exploration.

 

The cruise takes us to Milford Sound, Fiordland N.P. as well as Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier and Tauranga before we end up in Auckland.

 

The North Island has what Norway does not: Tropical beaches, hot springs, Maoris - and (we hope) good warm summer weather.

In Norway we can have have four seasons in one day, and this summer has been one of the coldest and wettest on record. Trondheim is a beautiful city in sunshine - less so in rain. Glad you enjoyed it Terry! We need some sunshine during this winter. (Incidentally, we had almost the same Solstice cruise as yours this August - Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice, Dubrovnik, Valletta, Beautiful warm weather all around, the Med like a blue billiard table)

 

We are in our sixties - not into jumping off buildings or bridges - but more like the leisurely enjoyment of local culture, nature, wildlife, art as well as good food and wine. Cities? Yes, for a few days. We are spending some days in Sydney before the cruise, and will also stay in Auckland for a few days after.

Thanks for the links Te Aroha! I'll start searching...

 

Regards

Hans

[Northern Aurora]

We spent several weeks in New Zealand a number of years ago, and three weeks in Norway in 1988 (including one week in Trondheim where my husband was attending an international conference on permafrost). Actually, I think that Norway and New Zealand look incredibly different. Alaska and Norway look much more similar to each other than New Zealand to either locale.

 

While we spent most of our time on the south island, we did spend several days in Rotorua and its surrounds, and found it very interesting. My husband is a geologist, so found the volcano cones to be of great interest.

 

Interesting that Trondheim has been having a cold summer. Here in Fairbanks, Alaska we also are having a rather cool, rainy summer. Actually, we are into our fall now, and are still having heavy rains in some areas of the state.

[cjm66]

For the Bay of Islands make sure you include some water based activities - cruises, swimming with dolphins, paddling a Maori war canoe etc.

 

http://www.bayofislands.net/activities/

 

Since you will have a car this site could help with your planning.

 

http://www.bay-of-islands-nz.com/itineraries.shtml

 

NZ is well served by a network of Tourist I sites with lots of information on line and they are backed up by staff who will respond to emailed queries and assist with bookings. http://www.i-site.org.nz/

 

I envy you your trip - we are hoping to do a land tour of the Bay of Islands - and wish you fair weather. Colleen

[Te Aroha]

Some more links for you now I have an idea what you are interested in :)

 

http://www.newzealand.com/int/cape-reinga/

 

http://www.dolphincruises.co.nz/

 

http://www.newzealand.com/int/article/waipoua-kauri-forest/

 

http://waiheke.aucklandnz.com/

 

http://www.thecoromandel.com/

 

http://www.rotorua.nz.com/orakei-korako.aspx

 

http://www.taranaki.info/visit/content.php/page/mt-taranaki-and-egmont-national-park

 

http://www.napiercity.co.nz/

 

http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/

 

http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/pages/default.aspx

 

If I think of any more I will post them for you New Zealand is a land of many wonders.

 

 

Links are from top of the North Island to Wellington at the bottom of the Island. Enjoy your visit here :)

[TLCOhio]

I think that Norway and New Zealand look incredibly different. Alaska and Norway look much more similar to each other than New Zealand to either locale. While we spent most of our time on the south island, we did spend several days in Rotorua and its surrounds, and found it very interesting.

 

Great, interesting insights on the comparisons for Norway, Alaska and New Zealand. Have not, yet, been to Alaska. Did all along the Norway coast up to the North Cape two summer ago as detailed below on my live/blog.

 

Looking forward to our Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Celebrity Solstice sailing, departing Sydney, doing 14 days on this nice ship, finishing in Auckland. Plus, doing some pre-cruise options for Kangaroo Island near Adelaide and then the Great Barrier Reef before departing from Sidney’s scenic harbor. And, probably post-cruise in Queenstown and stopping in Tahiti on the way home to break up that long, long flight back. We have a nice and active roll call going at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1614754

Welcome to any who want to join us for this trip and/or travel along via the web as we get prepared for that "adventure".

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 104,522 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 81,950 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Pearl64]

Thank you so much for posting these links, Te Aroha. We are flying in from the US and after spending one night in Auckland are heading to Russell for three nights before our cruise. Given the 3.5 hour travel time from Auckland we will then have appromixately 2.5 days to explore.i would like to see 90 mile beach. From my research one would need to take a tour in order to be on the beach as rental cars are not permitted. Depending on weather we might be interested in a short boat excursion. Do you have suggestions as to prioritize all these offerings? We are using our time in the Bay of Islands to deal with jet lag and to see the area north of Auckland. Our hostess at our accommodation suggests that we wait to book so we know what the weather will be and can then plan our options.

 

Also to vikingtraveller, we did a week in Norway after our Baltic cruise and had a fantastic week. We only got as far north as Gereinger and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the fjords. We met someone who suggested we visit NZ as the fjords they are fantastic.

 

We are so looking forward to visiting NZ. We are also getting to Queenstown with the ship. We should get a good view of life in NZ.

 

Pearl

[vikingtraveller]

Thanks again for all comments - and the great links.

I see that our problem will be one of choice, within our time span. So many great possibilities, so little time.

 

Interesting to see the comments about Alaska/Norway/New Zealand. We've only seen the mountains and fiords of New Zealand on TV (and the Lord of the Rings movies, of course). The same goes for Alaska - TV movies of beautiful scenery, and bears catching salmon. We just might have to go and see it all in real life - to make our own comparisons.

 

Regards

Hans

[TLCOhio]

We thought about the South Island as well, but figured two weeks would be too short a time to cover any sizeable part of it. Driving distances are long, and Annie has a hip problem, that makes around 3-400 km our max driving range for one day. Also, we prefer staying in one place for a few nights, using it as a base for exploration. The cruise takes us to Milford Sound, Fiordland N.P. as well as Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier and Tauranga before we end up in Auckland. The North Island has what Norway does not: Tropical beaches, hot springs, Maoris - and (we hope) good warm summer weather. In Norway we can have have four seasons in one day, and this summer has been one of the coldest and wettest on record. Trondheim is a beautiful city in sunshine - less so in rain. Glad you enjoyed it Terry! We need some sunshine during this winter. (Incidentally, we had almost the same Solstice cruise as yours this August - Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice, Dubrovnik, Valletta, Beautiful warm weather all around, the Med like a blue billiard table) We are in our sixties - not into jumping off buildings or bridges - but more like the leisurely enjoyment of local culture, nature, wildlife, art as well as good food and wine. Cities? Yes, for a few days. We are spending some days in Sydney before the cruise, and will also stay in Auckland for a few days after. Thanks for the links Te Aroha! I'll start searching... Regards, Hans

 

Appreciate, Hans, the added details and background. Very helpful!! You could also consider flying back and stopping in some place such as Tahiti or Hawaii, both for the sunshine and offering what Norway doesn't often have. That option could also help break up the long, long flights.

 

Keep these good questions rolling along!! Lots of great ideas and people are here on these boards and they are happy to help. Don't be shy!! The only "dumb" question is the one you don't ask. This researching and planning will be very helpful for when you do your actual trip and get that super experience.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 104,522 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[Te Aroha]

Thank you so much for posting these links, Te Aroha. We are flying in from the US and after spending one night in Auckland are heading to Russell for three nights before our cruise. Given the 3.5 hour travel time from Auckland we will then have appromixately 2.5 days to explore.i would like to see 90 mile beach. From my research one would need to take a tour in order to be on the beach as rental cars are not permitted. Depending on weather we might be interested in a short boat excursion. Do you have suggestions as to prioritize all these offerings? We are using our time in the Bay of Islands to deal with jet lag and to see the area north of Auckland. Our hostess at our accommodation suggests that we wait to book so we know what the weather will be and can then plan our options.

 

Also to vikingtraveller, we did a week in Norway after our Baltic cruise and had a fantastic week. We only got as far north as Gereinger and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the fjords. We met someone who suggested we visit NZ as the fjords they are fantastic.

 

We are so looking forward to visiting NZ. We are also getting to Queenstown with the ship. We should get a good view of life in NZ.

 

Pearl

 

It can be difficult to advise you on this, when are you coming to New Zealand? If it is in our summer, it would be more reliable for the weather. Jet lag can be very hard on some people, so that also can be a factor to be considered.

[kate59]

Some more links for you now I have an idea what you are interested in :):)

 

I will thank you for the links also - we are going to be cruising around NZ in December - I now know where your username comes from! After being on the Sun Princess with you last year, we have decided to keep cruising.:p

[Te Aroha]

Hi kate :)

 

Good to see you are still cruising, what ship are you coming in on and what day are you in Tauranga? If we are not working I am sure we can give you a good day out :)

[houtbay]

Thank you so much for posting these links, Te Aroha. We are flying in from the US and after spending one night in Auckland are heading to Russell for three nights before our cruise. Given the 3.5 hour travel time from Auckland we will then have appromixately 2.5 days to explore.i would like to see 90 mile beach. From my research one would need to take a tour in order to be on the beach as rental cars are not permitted. Depending on weather we might be interested in a short boat excursion. Do you have suggestions as to prioritize all these offerings? We are using our time in the Bay of Islands to deal with jet lag and to see the area north of Auckland. Our hostess at our accommodation suggests that we wait to book so we know what the weather will be and can then plan our options.

 

Also to vikingtraveller, we did a week in Norway after our Baltic cruise and had a fantastic week. We only got as far north as Gereinger and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the fjords. We met someone who suggested we visit NZ as the fjords they are fantastic.

 

We are so looking forward to visiting NZ. We are also getting to Queenstown with the ship. We should get a good view of life in NZ.

 

Pearl

We Spent a week in the Russell area earlier this year and found it was so easy to book tours to the Far North. Cape Reinga is spectacular.For tours out of Kaitaia try sandsafaris or harrisons but best to book after arrival. Try to visit the Kauri forests

[Pearl64]

Te Aroha,

We will be in NZ the last week of January. I think it may also be Anniversary weekend in Auckland. The weather should be warm compared to back home. So any priorities we should see in our short 2.5 days north of Auckland.

 

Thank you houtbay for your suggestions. I will have to investigate further.

 

We are starting to get excited about this trip.

 

Pearl

[Te Aroha]

Last week of January is the best of our summer weather, please wear sunscreen our sun is very harsh and you will burn easily even if you are used to lots of sun :)

 

I think the Hole in the Rock cruise is one of the best and relaxing things to do.

It would not be too hard even if you are suffering from jet lag :) Cannot be sure if you would be better to book this in advance, because, when you are here, it is school holidays and I would expect it to be very busy at all attractions.

 

http://www.explorenz.co.nz/Dolphin-Discoveries/Discover-the-Bay-Hole-in-the-Rock.html?gclid=CPGohajI1bICFcdbpQodkE0AkA

 

A visit to the Treaty House a major part of our history.

 

http://www.waitangi.net.nz/

 

That's just a couple of extra thoughts for you to consider a few of my other links are in Northland.

 

Enjoy your visit to New Zealand :)

[Desert Cruizers]

With our first trip to Australia coming up in a little over a year, we are first doing a 13 day NZ from Sysney, including the ports of Dunedin, Ackland, Bay of Islands, Tauranga,Wellington in no particular order. We then have 9 days to sight see in and around Sydney before going out on our Transpacific cruise. I thought it would be best to use Sydney as our base and see Sydney then take in some sights within a day or two out. I am still in the planning phase of what we will do outside Sydney but do have the Blue Mountains all Inclusive Tour on my list. We are more into seeing the countryside and places over wine tours.

[kate59]

If you have a hire car you could take a drive down to Wollongong via the Royal National Park and the Sea cliff bridge.http://seacliffbridge.com/ - some beautiful scenery and nice picnic places on the way. We have some great beaches.

 

There are some nice places even further sound but probably too far away.

[cjm66]

With our first trip to Australia coming up in a little over a year, we are first doing a 13 day NZ from Sysney, including the ports of Dunedin, Ackland, Bay of Islands, Tauranga,Wellington in no particular order. We then have 9 days to sight see in and around Sydney before going out on our Transpacific cruise. I thought it would be best to use Sydney as our base and see Sydney then take in some sights within a day or two out. I am still in the planning phase of what we will do outside Sydney but do have the Blue Mountains all Inclusive Tour on my list. We are more into seeing the countryside and places over wine tours.

 

I suggest you start a new thread along the lines of " 9 days in Sydney between cruises." Add a few comments about your interests , where you are going on the trans pacific and ask for ideas based on when you are in Sydney. I would suggest an O/N in the Blue Mountains and accommodation with a view across the valleys.

[Desert Cruizers]

Thank you very much for your suggestions. Kate, I will be talking to our daughter regarding the possibility of renting a car, this may give us more flexibility and will look at going to Wollongong, Natl Park, hadn't run across that in my searches. Thank you for letting me know about that.:). We are taking our daughter on her first cruise and she works with Australian animals here in the states, traveling around and lecturing, so she is especially looking forward to the trip.

[gaechann]

I've used both Viator & Tripadvisor to book tours for all the places that we are cruising to both in Australia & New Zealand.

 

Bon voyage everyone!:D

 

Gae

[islandwoman]

I've used both Viator & Tripadvisor to book tours for all the places that we are cruising to both in Australia & New Zealand.

 

Bon voyage everyone!:D

 

Gae

How did you like Viator? We're thinking of using them to book a Christchurch to Wanaka tour/transfer. There's no way to know ahead of time which tour operator they're selling. That makes me a little nervous, as we cannot check reviews.