North Island 8-day Itinerary | New Zealand - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 00:04:15 +0000

Hi there! I'm flying into Auckland for a solo 8-day trip in July. I'm trying to decide if I'm giving myself enough time in each of these places. I'd love any guidance!

July 3 -- Arrive in Auckland
July 4 -- Auckland / Matamata (Hobbiton)
July 5-6 -- Taupo
July 6-7 -- Napier
July 7-10 -- Wellington
July 9 -- Drop rental car and fly from Wellington to Auckland
July 11 -- Depart NZ

I don't want to add any to this list, but I'm wondering if I should take out Napier. I really want to see wine country but I won't be too sad if I have to cut it out to allow time for the other cities on my list.

Thank you!

ONLINE

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 01:01:40 +0000

Yes ... in such short trip I would drop Napier / Hastings. It has a well-preserved Art Deco history, plus some attractive wineries.

I think the geothermal area from Rotorua to Taupo (plus Lake Taupo and the scenic volcanic region of Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings films) / Tongariro / Ruapehu) are far more iconic and unique, and I would focus just on those.

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ONLINE

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:02:39 +0000

We followed this route last year as part of a larger 2-island trip minus Hobbiton. I wholeheartedly agree with Ian's suggestions. Napier is pleasant enough but one doesn't get much of a "wine country" feel on the main highways. Your time is better spent in and around Rotorua--a center for Maori culture, beautiful scenery, and hot springs dotting the countryside. Do stop at Huka Falls on your way to Taupo.

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ONLINE

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 05:04:35 +0000

Your dates are confusing, the way you switch from days to "nights" - also you sya you're in Wellington from 7th to 10th, but then you say that you are flying to AKL on the 9th!!! What time does your flight leave AKL on the 11th?
AKL is quite a long way from Akld city so you need to rationalise your travel - if your flight is late on the 11th, fly WLG-AKL-home; If early, fly AKL on the 10th lateish & stay near the airport ON.
Either way, take some time for Akld City on arrival.
Rotorua is a better tourist destination than Napier, esp given that you only allotted one day so no time for a winery tour.

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Wed, 19 Apr 2017 01:01:22 +0000

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