North Island NZ

[Ted]

The wife and I are touring New Zealand over Xmas. Can somebody fill me in on the must do's on the North Island. We have a motor home for ten days. Are prepared to drive 500 klms a day just as we did on the South Island two years ago. As we are in our 50's exclude blue light discos, raves, art galleries and botanic gardens etc. Like to see and learn Mairo culture, heritage and scenery.

Besides Bill said that if I didn't return his Parts book pronto he would sick the Guvnor onto me

Cheers

[suzuki59]

Ted
Heres where I reckon you should go-

Bay of Islands (3 hours drive North of Auckland) -Stay In Russell then visit Cape Reinga at  top of the North Island.

Drive south of Auckland down the East coast via Tauranga to Mount Maunganui but avoid the Mount at  New Years (its full of boy racers and teenagers  ie like the Goldy on schoolies).

After that drive through to Rotorua (Rotovegas) lots of bubbling mud etc and cultural shows to showcase our indigenous inhabitants (ie the Black Poms tribal brothers  )

Then take a leisurely drive to Taupo with its nice Lake and scenery.But beware the dodgy Tow truck operators 

South of Taupo you can head to the East coats and the Hawkes Bay which has a great amount of wineries etc.

Then finish in Wellington via the Wairarapa-go to Martinborough for more food and wine, or if you need to get back to Auckland, drive back up the West Coast via New Plymouth.

I am sure the other Kiwis will offer some more detail on the above.

If you have any issues when in the Auckland area feel free to contact me,I will be around and always available to help a VMX comrade.(+6421663430 Mobile)

Cheers
Craig

[Ted]

Thanks Craig. If I hear some more spots I will put a bit of a map together

[mick25]

As craig said go to the bay of islands then up to the top of NZ  to cape reinga light house ,
but on the way up to the top of the world you could take your bus up the ninety mile beach to the top.
 the sand up there is like concrete you can drive two wheel drive cars on it tourist buses go up there .

you will have to hose under the hire bus to get rid of the sand the hire mob don't like you driving on the beach
aswell you could drive down from the top of NZ down the west coast  and go through opononi
my home town .
 and then down through the waipu forest , theres one big bloody tree there to see  a must stop .
then keep heading south to Auckland , watch out for the maori folk up north teddy

[TM BILL]

Ted PM me your dates , there are a number of cool bike events over Xmas 

Wanganui street races

Whakatane Summercross

Taupo speedcross

All at great holiday venues with lots to do besides bikes 

[luigi37]

all things petrol should include Western Springs speedway for one of their summer midget car series.
also Waiheke island ( day trip via ferry from downtown Auckland ).

[maxvmx]

Ted,
Great time assured, spent 14 years in Whangarei - time of my life. Savour the scenery, it's gob smacking.

[bazza]

Craigs itinery good,but add western springs speedway(if want motorsport) and trip to waiheke island? Im in auckland if need anything

[Cooch 04]

You should head down through Rotorua then down to Whakatane as you will go through the lakes Rotoiti Rotoehu and Rotoma a very picturesque drive.Whakatane Summercross is one of the biggest 2 day meetings in the country I think its on the 29-30 Dec T M Bill can confirm an while you are there take a trip out to White Island and walk an active volcano.Shit I am missing home a bit. I will be at Summercross see you there.   Cooch