Friday, 1 September 2006
5-day drive from Auckland to Wellington (east coast)
Five Day Auckland Coromandel White Island Thermals Wellington
General
Many people drive Auckland Wellington in a day or two, perhaps with an overnight stay in Taupo. While quite possible, this is a suggested alternative which samples the best of the North Island
Day 1 Coromandel Peninsula
Depending on when you arrive in Auckland, this can be flexible. But most people arrive early to mid afternoon.
Drive south from Auckland on Highway 1 passing over the Bombay hills until you reach the turnoff to Thames, Highway 2/25
(If early enough drive around the peninsula visiting Coromandel, Whitianga, and Tairua…need 3-4 hrs minimum)
Otherwise leave Thames on 25A and cross the peninsula following the signs to Pauanui.
This is a weekend resort for Aucklanders with good facilities and a wonderful place to stay called Puka Lodge.
Day 2 Coromandel to Whakatane
If time was tight on day 1 use the morning to explore the Cooks Bay, Hahei, Hot water Beach area
Definitely worth either the walk in, or the boat ride from Hahei, is Cathedral Cove, a remote beach with enormous walk through cave, waterfalls etc. Allow 2 hours round trip from carpark.
The hot water beach is where thermal springs emerge on the Beach and heat the sand and salt water allowing a fun hot bath or paddle. Great to watch everyone having fun.
Drive to Whakatane, a pleasant coastal road in the afternoon/evening. You travel via Mt Manganui and the Restaurant on the marina offers convenient parking, nice locale and good food.
The Indian restaurant at The Heads in Whakatane serves really great Indian food, in a scenic setting. This is about 5 mins out of town but is worth the drive.
Day 3 Optional Tour White island Volcano
NZ’s most active volcano is White Island 20 Km off the coast from Whakatane. Regular day boat trips take larger groups but worth considering is a Helicopter tour which is more scenic, personal, and faster. Allow 3 hours
In the afternoon drive across to Rotorua via H34/30 via scenic lakes.
Many thermal attractions in Rotorua of course.
If you stay in Rotorua consider a Maori concert/feast on one of the Maori marae (village) which your hotel/motel can arrange.
Many motels have private hot springs attached to rooms which is a good experience
Day 4 Rotorua/Taupo area
Our personal favourite thermal area near Rotorua is Waimangu Valley.
Huge valley, site of Mt Tarawera eruption at turn of 20th century.
Walk down to the resultant lake, see massive geological fault line, overlook hot lakes, walk through thermal areas. Allow 2.5 hours here
Proceed towards Taupo along H5
Nearer Taupo is Huka Falls area, essential viewing spot for dramatic falls. The floodgates below the falls (short drive away) are special, and are opened regularly filling the valley with water. Like a Hollywood spectacular!
Many good Hotels/motels in Taupo but a really special place is Peppers Resort on the Lakefront. (Proceed through Taupo about 3 Km along the Lake towards Wellington) Good rooms, high standards, good food, quiet, private “grotto” spa on request.
Day 5 Taupo to Wellington
Along the lake and down “the desert road” (Military Museum at Waiouru is excellent) or via Napier, a longer but more scenic route. Allow 4-5 hours minimum as it is 370 km via desert road.
