New Zealand 2026 - the journey Day 1 - Auckland airport to Whangarei The fight that was supposed to take 6h45mins turned out to be 5h 45mins. This is after we took off half hour late and landed half hour early. Bloody long walks in the terminal building. In Perth, the checks are checked again - passport control and biosecurity then again in NZ.
Picked up our car at 5am and spent some time trying to find out how it works eventually leaving the airport and navigating our way north. I think the rest of NZs were out as well, the roads were chockers. Stopped off at Orewa and had cup of tea while watching the sun come up. from there proceded to Warkworth then on to Whangarei. I rang the owners from Warkworth and managed to get them to let us in at 11am - they were very accommodating. Went into the town centre and had lunch at an Israeli cafe. Food was great and the service great. From there we went shopping for supplies and Woolies. Day 2 Whangarei Visited the Whangarei water fall. Quite spectacular. There is a walk trail around the water fall. Steep in places but we all managed without incident. Spent some time at the base of the falls as it was peaceful, cool and just enjoyable to sit there and look at the falls. After that we ended up at The Basin for lunch (fush & chups). The basin is the wharf area in town. Interesting place. After lunch took a 45 min drive to ocean beach at the Whangarei Heads. Old volcanic mountains and a whiteish sand on the Pacific Ocean. All in all and great start to our trip - seen lots already.
Day 3 Whangarei to Paihai Left accommodation, did some necessary shopping in Whangarei first then drove the hour and a bit to Paihai. Decided on lunch at a cafe located over the water. Checked boat tickets and then off to accommodation. Quite good, 2 bed each with ensuite. Did food shopping then a walk on the beach. Shortly we will have cheese and biscuits and WINE.
Day 4 Paihai Up early and down to the harbour for our boat cruise. Unfortunately, it rained some of the time. We called into an island for morning tea/coffee and then Ronnie and I climbed up one of the hills (mountain) to get some good shots. Nearly didn't make it as it was extremely steep and wet and slippery from the rain. Back to Paihai only we stopped off at Russell - very old town - and had lunch at the Duke of Malbourgh - very old pup and the first to get liqueur licence in NZ. Looked around and caught water taxi back to Paihai.
Day 5 Paihai Went to the Waitangi treating grounds wher the treaty between the Brits and Maoris was signed. Little Maori cultural show. Check out their museum which depicts the signing of the treaty.
Day 6 Paihai to Auckland Leasurely get up and took off for Auckland - just over 3.5 hour drive - Went via Orewa as they have a selection of cafes on the beach front as we couldn't get in to accommodation in Auckland until 3 and Orewa is only 35 mins drive away. Great food - satay chicken salad. Continued on to Auckland and survived the spargetti junctions without getting lost. Pretty knackered when we got here, so went across the road to Woolies for supplies and had toast and vegemite for dinner.
Day 7 Auckland Spent most of the day walking around the city - much bigger than Perth and more vibrant. We are staying in what is known as the Viaduct area. Basically we are next to the marina. Litterally millions of dollars worth of boats here. Some look like small ships. Boats up to 30metres in length. Walking around the city we managed to get a coffee and jam and cream donut. Had a look at the Maritime Museum. Back to the apartment by about 3, made a chicken and salad lunch. Bickies and cheese and wine a bit later.
Day 8 Auckland Took a Hop on hop off bus ride around the city. Many varied types of houses some old and shabby, others reasonable. Hopped off at Sea Life. Very interesting - many types of fish and penguins. The whole complex is under the road around the ocean. Worth seeing. Ended up at Italian restaurant for lunch (late - 3pm). Back to the apartment - pretty tired.
Day 8 Auckland Took the ferry across to Devonport for a quick look and morning tea. Back to the apartment for a freshen up and then back to harbour for a cruise around the harbour. Reasonably interesting if you were lucky enough to get an outside seat.
Day 9 Auckland - Rotorua A 3 1/2 hour drive, took a detour through Hamilton - very busy town so kept going. Arrived Rotorua around 2pm. Booked in and unpacked. Went shopping and had fish and chips for dinner. Then down to the lake for 1/2 walk around the gardens.
Day 10 Rotorua Hobiton, Waitomo caves
Day 11 Rotorua Te Puie, Maori Experience and dinner
Day 12 Rotorua to Napier Called in Taupo, viewed rapids, lunch in Taupo
Day 13 Napier Viewed town, rest day, dinner at ??
Day 14 Napier to Wellington
Day 15 Wellington Cable train to top mountain, morning tea Walked around town and down to harbour - lunch at Rosies Cantina More looking around
Day 16 Wellington Weta workshop, back to town
Day 17 Wellington to Blenheim On ferry to Picton - lunch (soup) in Picton Carried on to Blenheim
Day 18 Blenheim Visit Second world war aircraft exhibition Lunch - long walk along the river
Day 19 Blenheim to Christchurch Stopped to view seals etc along way, morning tea
Day 20 Christchurch Tram ride through town Botanical gardens
Day 21 Christchurch Gondola ride to top of mountain back to town for lunch - Irish restaurant
Day 22 Christchurch Trip to Akaroa visit to Nelson's waterfall - bush track
Day 23 Christchurch to Dunedin Visit Meoraki Boulders on way
Day 24 Dunedin Train trip up Tareri Gorge
0 comments
No Comments have been Posted.
Rating is available to Members only. Please Login to vote.
No Comments have been Posted.