itinerary check - North Island

We are getting excited about coming down to New Zealand in the end of July and into August. We only have 3 weeks but like to take our time and not jam too many things in, will be renting a camper van and are 2 grown-up types and one 8-yr-old. We tend toward outdoorsy activities over city activties. (we will have surfboards and wet suits with us) Not too worried about the fact that it will be winter - I'm a fan of off-season travel! I also have an inquiry about reading suggestions - see post below.
Just wanted to check on what you all think of our planned itinerary.

First 5-7 days - From Aukland and up around Northland: Bay of Islands, Russell, Waitangi, KeriKeri, KariKari, Cape Reinga, Kauri forests, and Ninety Mile Beach.

Next 5-7 days - Coromandel Peninsula: Hot Water Beach, Whangamata, Te Aroha -- other suggestions?

Next bit - Waikato area: Raglan, Waitomo - other suggestions?

On the way back to Aukland - planning a stop in Rotorua.
What do you think? Is this itinerary realistic with 3 weeks? Are there some places that we should not miss? I always look forward to your feedback- have planned many trips from your suggestions.
Thanks!

the places you want to visit, esp. northland and coromandel, are all really wonderful with lots of beaches and bush on offer, however it will be winter and there could be very heavy rain and strong cold wind at times which kind of spoils beachy activities.

with a kid to keep occupied while travelling, you might want to think about sticking to paihia, cape reinga, kauri forests but cut down on beaches and go where it is possible to swim like te aroha hot pools, (good choice) or combine beach and hot water with a detour to mt maunganui and the deliciously warm saltwater pools at the bottom of the mount.

rotorua's got an adventure playground on the lakefront and free boiling mud and steam at kairau park, with hotwater foot pool.
there's also good walks in the redwood forest and around the lakes or hire mountain bikes or horses!

if you have a few hours in auckland, the zoo and western springs park are worth visiting.

cool itinerary, hope you have fun:)

Agree with #1... you're planning to visit a lot of 'summer' places that are fantastic when it's warm but very different in winter. You could go skiing on Ruapehu (Whakapapa or Turoa) and afterwards soak in the hot pools. The fields are usually quiet during the week so long as it's not school holidays.

Perhaps stay in Taupo as well as Rotorua good mountain biking in the area too if you're into that.

You'll have to come back to do the South Island another time... quite a different experience.

Considering the time of year you have chosen to come to NZ, I think 3 weeks is ample time to see the regions you have mentioned. Bring warm clothes - polar fleeces, hats and gloves. On your way north of Auckland your 8 yr old will enjoy the Waiwera Hot Pools - has lots of water slides if they're game and lots of tepid to hot pools to soak in. Rotorua, of course, has lovely thermal pools to soak in on a cold day. There are lots of things to do in Rotorua to keep you busy. There are a few free things to do in Rotorua - like Kairau Park but most activities are pricey (as can be expected). In the coromandel a walk to Cathedral Cove is a must (from near Hahei). Mount Maunganui is worth a visit. The base walking track of Mt Maunganui is one of the most popular attractions and is about 3km in circumference. Takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk. As mentioned above the hot salt water pools are lovely. Of course, many things to do in Auckland - zoo, western springs (as mentioned above), Kelly Tarltons Antarctic Encounter and Underwater world, a drive out to Piha (black sand beach on west coast), Sky Tower, taking the ferry over to Devonport. I wish you the best of weather and a safe trip!

Thanks to the three of you! I have written/printed out your ideas - I hear the cautionary tone in your voices about the weather -- we will definitely come with our best fleece and wooly socks, but, I bet New Zealand is a good place to buy some good wool clothing? Sounds like strategically planning for places to soak in hot water springs is a good idea.

aimlach - I came to the South Island many years ago when visiting a guy from Invergargil I met while traveling in Africa(!)... it IS really stunning! Maybe next time we come down, we'll focus on the south - I was intrigued by Northland and the Coromandel as I was reading up, so thought we'd check it out.

Thanks again -

It's often a challenge to actually find warm enough clothing in the run-of-the-mill department stores such as kmart (like walmart) so if you do need to buy some winter woollies, head for the tourist stores for the woollen jerseys. Another shop that's got great winter gear is Kathmandu - with outlets in Auckland. Their winter sale may be on when you are here - that's where we buy our polar fleeces during their sales.

Hi Cool itinery - but I agree with the other posters..balance it with hot pools; play grounds and boat trips. Barry Brickells train in Coromandel township is very cool for kids of all ages. Depending what you think of gold mining - I believe the Martha Mine Company in Waihi run tours. If the weather is good (and it could be) you could get some great walking done - and Iadmire you if you surf!! Warm gear - Kathmandu sale(never pay full price). If you pick up any oppossum stuff you'll be delighted but it is pricey. Go sailing on an America's Cup Boat in Auckland Harbour ....hopefully we will have won the cup by then!

Graet to see you have taken time to see your choosen areas and not rushing!!!!!.Suggest that Waimangu Valley on state highway 5 between Taupo[another lovely place] and Rotorua for thermal activity[there is an optional boat ride on the lake at the bottom of the valley]...if you have the time,take the lesser known coastal road from Whakatane to Gisborne,returning highway 5 via Napier to Taupo. Stunning coastal scenery,between Whakatane and Gisborne,maori communities,and certainly off the usual tourist track.
Can be a surf on the east coast if right conditions.Use the Visitors centres in each town as you go.Good luck and enjoy!