4 Days to Spend in NZ after Business Trip to Auckland. What to Do on a Budget?

LgosuOaf on 28/10/2015 - 11:20

Hi everybody
Been reading forums for ages and finally decided to post myself.

I am going on a business trip to Auckland, NZ in November and decided to extend for a few days to do a little sight seeing.

I have 4 days Thursday - Sunday where I can do a few things. I was thinking a road trip down to Wellington and back up to Auckland in time to catch my flight home. Was just wondering if anybody had any suggestions for things to do and places to see on a budget. I know that if anybody knows budget travel, you guys do!

Love LOTR and intend to stop at a few filming locations, but I know NZ has a lot more to offer as well.

Thanks in advance :D

Travel

Comments

  • Smulder on 28/10/2015 - 12:13

    Jealous! I love New Zealand :)

    It is quite a long drive from Auckland to Wellington (8 or 9 hours), and while the scenery is amazing, it will take up 2 of your 4 days just driving.

    Given your time frame, I would recommend only going as far south as Rotorua / Taupo (3 hours drive). There is so much to do in and around Rotorua and Taupo that you can easily fill in a few days. Plus you will get to experience both the culture of NZ as well as tons of the North Island scenery.

    Unless you have always wanted to see Wellington itself, it probably isn't worth the extra 5 hours drive from Rotorua.

    Personally I prefer the South Island of NZ, but for 4 days it is probably too much effort.

    • Smulder on 28/10/2015 - 12:19

      Activities around Rotorua/Taupo:

      Free/Minimum Charge

      • Redwoods
      • Huka Falls
      • Lake Taupo / Lake Rotorua walks
      • Craters of the Moon Geothermal Area

      $$

      • Rotorua Duck Tour
      • Te Puia
      • Skyline
      • Paradise Springs (pat a lion!)
      • Waimangu Volcanic Valley

      etc etc etc

  • [Deactivated] on 28/10/2015 - 12:19
    +1

    Doing a road trip from Auckland to Welly and back in 4 days may not give you much time to stop and enjoy the scenery as roads in NZ are quite different from AU roads. They are mostly two lanes and relatively windy.

    Few years ago we did a 7-day road trip from Auckland to Whitianga, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo then back to Auckland and found that we could have spent more time visiting more places.

    Whitianga: the coastal road is beautiful. We stayed at hot water beach (it's pretty cool!)

    Tauranga: the town is peaceful in general. Mt Maunganui is more bustling. The walk to the top of the mountain is highly recommended. The view is amazing.

    Rotorua: definitely a must when you visit the North Island, tickets to tourist attractions aren't pricey.

    That's all I can remember for now.

  • cypher67 on 28/10/2015 - 13:36

    TripAdvisor

  • inherentchoice on 28/10/2015 - 13:50

    If you like a bit of adventure, my favourite things on the North Island were:

    Not really budget things but IMO it was money well spent. These things are around Rotorua in case you decide not to go all the way to Wellington.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join