Auckland
 The
gateway to the North Island, enjoys a sunny climate and an eviable reputation
for food, wine and shopping. Apart from exploring the city itself, there are several
harbour cruises, or you could take any number of ferries across the harbour to
perhaps Devonport or out into the Hauraki Gulf to visit Waiheke Island amongst
many. You can either buy a roundtrip ferry ticket or join one of Fullers all-inclusive
tours.
If you wish to stay in the city itself within reach of Viaduct Basin we recommend
either the Heritage Hotel, or Sebel Suites (pictured, above left) which has suites
overlooking Waitemata Harbour. For some of the finest seafood in Auckland try
the Harbourside Seafood Bar & Grill or Union Fish Co Restaurant. For a fine dining
experience we suggest Five City Road Restaurant housed in a restored turn of the
century building, or perhaps Bowmans in the suburb of Mt Eden. A popular lunch
venue is the Esplanade Hotel across the harbour in Devonport.
However for those travellers prefering something different or beginning a Self-Drive
Tour there are some superb luxury guest houses in the suburbs yet only minutes
from the city centre ! Over in Devonport we can offer The Peace & Plenty Inn or
Devonport Villa Inn, in Parnell we suggest either Amersham House or Birdwood House,
and over in Remuera we recommend Aachen House Boutique Hotel or the Devereux Boutique
Hotel.
Northland & The Bay of Islands
An easy 3 hour drive north from Auckland
features forests and beaches. We suggest overnight in Ounuwhao Guesthouse near
Russell or perhaps the luxurious Kimberley Lodge. En-route to Russell an excellent
place to stop for lunch is the Quayside Town Basin in historic Whangarei. From
Russell you can join a Bay of Islands Cruise and dine in one of many cafes & licensed
restaurants.
Overland to
Wellington
Heading south from Auckland one can deviate into the Coromandel Peninsula passing
through the historic town of Thames, or  proceed directly through Hamilton to Waitomo
Caves before arriving into Rotorua. We suggest staying at the historical Princes
Gate Hotel, the Dynasty Heritage, Trout Lodge or the luxurious Kawaha Point Lodge
overlooking Lake Rotorua.
Whilst there
is ample opportunity to explore the wine regions of Martinborough and Marlborough
furth er south, those travellers who have a genuine interest in wine may first
wish to proceed east from Rotorua over to the Gisborne & Hawkes Bay Region. In
Gisborne is the Acton Estate (pictured, left), a restored Edwardian Mansion from
where there are organised tours of the wine trails or perhaps hike up Mt Hikurangi.
Further south are the twin cities of Napier / Hastings where you will find abundant
food & wine trails.
We recommend staying at either Hawthorne Country House or the luxurious Mangapapa
Lodge, and for lunch try Anatole's Cafe in the historic County Hotel in Napier.
Due south of Rotorua is Lake Taupo and the lakeside resort of Taupo itself. As
well as enjoying golf and numerous lakeside activities, there is also the opportunity
to drive the volcanic loop around the World Heritage Tongariro National Park,
or perhaps take a chairlift or scenic flight around the live volcanoes. In addition
to perhaps staying at the Lanecove Hotel, there are several Guest Houses, the
luxurious Lake Taupo Lodge, or even the exclusive Huka Lodge which we can include
in your Individual itinerary.
Over on the west coast is the city of New Plymouth overshowed by Mt Taranaki standing
almost symmetrical in the Egmont National Park.
From Taupo a drive down State Highway 1 will take you past Waiouru, through Bulls,
Foxton and Porirua into Wellington the capital city of New Zealand.
Wellington
The capital of New Zealand is the undisputed
centre of arts, culture and heritage. It is also the shopping, fashion and restaurant
capital having blossomed into a lifestyle city. Not only is the waterfront a vibrant
place to be but it is also home to Te Papa, New Zealand's world renowned museum.
Suggested downtown accommodation could be perhaps the City Life Wellington or
the Duxton Hotel both of which offer suites as well as deluxe rooms. Favourite
spots for dining out are at Oriental Bay where you will find the Quayside Restaurant
& Bar, Raffaele's and Cafe Menton, or over at Courtenay Place where you will quite
literally be spoiled for choice.
Just outside Wellington is the Wairarapa Wine Region where around the Martinborough
Wine Village you will find some 20 boutique wineries offering sampling and excellent
food. For accommodation in this area we suggest either the Martinborough Hotel
located on the Square, or perhaps the exclusive Wharekauhau Country Estate in
Wairarapa. Visit historic Greytown and the Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.
Take the Tranz Rail Inter Island Ferry to the South Island.
Images courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Home | Back |
