SUGGESTED ITINERARIES FOR YOUR VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND

From time to time we have put together itineraries for friends of ours who are visiting New Zealand. Like most visitors to NZ they have arrived into Auckland and out of Christchurch or Auckland. All travelled by rental car.

These are basic itineraries; there are a number of other things to see and do en route, depending upon one's preferences. One can also see the country by flying between centres, bus (Intercity, Newmans, JJs for example), and for the younger backpackers the Magic Bus which allows a 'hop on hop off' experience.

AUCKLAND and BAY OF ISLANDS (See also)

Day 1
Arrive Auckland settle in. See the sites including the NZ National Maritime Museum, Kelly Tarltons, Skytower, Auckland Museum, Art Gallery, .

Day 2
Hauraki Gulf. Trip to Rangitoto Island (good walks) or all day trip to Tiri Tiri Matangi Island (walks and bird-life). Pick up car in evening.

Day 3
Head north, travel via State Highway 1. From the city cross the Harbour Bridge towards Whangarei. Turn off to left at foot of Brynderwyn Hills towards Matakohe, visit Kauri Museum, stay locally (there's a good B&B adjacent to the museums) or continue to Dargaville.

Day 4
Dargaville. Maritime Museum at Harding Park. Drive north to Kai-Iwi Lakes, Kaihu and Waipoua Forest. Visit Tane Mahuta (an impressive kauri tree). To Hokianga Harbour. Stay overnight in Omapere (Try the Copthorne Resort here, but book early through HotelBookings!)

Day 5
Hokianga - Travel from Omapere to Rawene and thence to KeriKeri via Kaikohe and Waimate North. Stay in Kerikeri overnight. There are a number of accommodation options.

Day 6
Kerikeri various activities and visit Paihia

Day 7
Paihia. Various activities including Russell

Day 8
Day trip (early start!) by coach to Cape Reinga

Day 9
Make a late start and drive to Whangarei, perhaps taking the coastal route through Russell and Whangaruru. Depending upon time available, visit the Town Wharf and Clapham Clock museum (recommended). Kiwi House at the Museum and Heritage Park. Then to Auckland (consider overnight in Whangarei or environs if using the coastal route)