quote:

I have been to NZ numerous times. My husband is actually from there and so I asked hom what he thought. We both agreed that if you can get to Rotorua which is about 3hours south of Auckland by car it would be worth your travel. First of all one of the most NZ things you can experience is a NZ Maori hangi. We saw the Tamaki Maori Village. It is kind of like a luau. It is a dinner show that explains the Maori culture through the ceremonial and warrior dancing. A hangi is a feast that is cooked in the ground under hot rocks. You will experience some of the best NZ seafood. THe only thing is that it can be pricey, but very worth it. Atleast research on the net. Try to see if you can get a deal with your group. Also, there is the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. It is volcanic activity. It is very cool. You will see 1.8km of hot pools and lava, sulfur pools, and natural geysers. Have fun with the Kiwis. Go All Blacks!!

I second that! Rotorua was awesome (you just have to get used to the smell). You get a lot of the Maori cultural background. Rotorua is also home of the largest hot spring in NZ. Definitely worth the drive. For any of you TJ's who are into culture it is definitely a must do. And the dinner show is amazing also. I would say it's definitely worth looking into.

gabe, you think that climbing the sydney bridge was scary... try jumping off. read this:

The ultimate adrenalin adventure for those who love to test themselves!. AJ Hackett jumped from the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1986 with a giant latex rubber band tied to his legs. Ever since New Zealand has been recognised as the birthplace of Bungy. Now it’s possible for anyone to repeat the feat. This state of the art personal challenge experience is situated directly under the bridge at Pier 2. The operation uses the very latest in adventure technology with a purpose built jump pod and retrieval system.

Your adventure begins at our base at Westhaven Reserve, where you will be fitted with a full body harness and complete a safety briefing before transferring to the bridge. Access to the jump pod is via an exhilarating 10-minute walk with the harbour beneath your feet and the traffic roaring overhead.

A final briefing and safety check then its time to jump! Smile, look at the cameras, take a good look around at the beautiful Waitemata Harbour and 5-4-3-2-1- BUNGY!…. Yahoo – you have achieved the personal challenge of Bungy!

Here's a great way to see around AKL for a small amount of money. At the bottom of Queen Street down on the Quay there is a double decker bus tour - last time I took it was a few years back and it was about $10NZD. The bus takes an hour to do a circle around the main CBD, at each stop you can get off and do some sightseeing and the bus will be back there in an hour so you can go on to the next thing. Some of the places it stops are: Kelly Tarltons, Victoria Park Market, Auckland Museum, Parnell Shops, I know there's more but it's been a while. Also, I remember as a kid going over to Rangitoto Island and climbing to the top - it's amazing - the island is perfectly round - nothing like it looks from the city. Another thing to do for some WWII history is to take the ferry over to Devenport and climb around the gun implacements, I used to love that as a kid. The beaches are great freebies too.

Hi guys!
For a nice walk right in the city, check out the big park called the Auckland Domain. Also try the ferry to Rangitoto Island for more hiking. If it's very windy outside, the Sky Tower is trippy...you can not only feel it swaying but see the horizon bobbing up and down if you sit still.
I agree with previous posts that Rotorua is worth the drive for both culture and natural wonders. Renee, you'd love this: Check out a hangi/concert at Mitai (much more intimate than the Tamaki one). Also, there is a very special place near there called Kerosene Creek where you can swim in a hot thermal waterfall without paying a cent...it's totally au naturel and you can be too if you want. Ask around in Rotorua and get directions to it.
One thing I wouldn't recommend is Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World aquarium. Guidebooks talk it up, but I found it to be really small, overrun with little kids, and not worth the steep admission. And compared to the amazing sea life I encountered in the wild thruout NZ, it was sorely disappointing.

quote:

Originally posted by suzinnyc:
I second the trip to Waitomo. There are all kinds of adrenaline adventures. I would highly recommend doing "Haggas Honking Holes" (//www.waitomo.co.nz/haggas.html), which has been described as Indiana Jones crossed with being flushed down the loo. I did it in '01 and it remains one of the most exciting things I've ever done. You rappel down through waterfalls in underground caves, and climb over/under stalagmites and stalactites (sp?). A little expensive, but you'll never forget it. Other options are the blackwater rafting (inner tube rafting in these underground glow worm caves), or doing the Lost World Abseil (www.waitomo.co.nz/lostworld.html), which they did on Amazing Race. It's a straight rappel down and then a ladder climb out.

I have to agree... make sure you do Waitoma.. it's definately alot of fun... also there the Penisula... the most beautiful scenarymountain s with lush tropical foilage to your right and the bluest Pacific water yuo ever will see to your left.. look for a little place called HOT WATER BEACH...Its on a hot spring so you actually can make your own hot tubs take a shovel.. little work but a great soak when you are done....In Auckland... try BURGER FUEL... but watch out they use beets for their burgers..different...there are so many beautiful places to see there its hard to pinpoint just a few .Roturua is a cool place full of bikers and backpackers.. lots of thermal hotspots there..try the bobsled course...pretty cool...could go on and on... place is amazing...best trips i ever took...

Hey ya'll! I was just in New Zealand, and it's one of the best places I've ever been! You should really check out the Rugby scene. You probably couldn't afford a game, but go to a sports bar or something. It's a great sport and completley addictive! You could go to a community and learn like I did, most of the locals are up for teaching. I would definitely try to go to Rotorua and see the hot springs. Alos you can learn about the Maori Culture there. I also went Luging in Rotorua, but the luging was much better in Queensland! New Zealand is such an awesome place! Ya'll are in for a treat!

hey guys

I just spent a semester in New Zealand, I was in the Waikato region. I definitely suggest that while you are in Auckland to travel north to the Bay of Islands. It is beautiful there. Then head farther north to the sand dunes and go duneboarding and then see Cape Reinga. That is how I spent my 22nd birthday and it was the best birthday. South of Auckland, I suggest zorbing in Rotorua, its quick but a lot of fun, go to the Agrodome, next door to zorbing, to see the agriculture side of New Zealand which is their life. To get around, on weekends, rent a car, you can get good cars for real cheap on weekends (Friday - Monday)

I also really enjoyed my time on the Coromandel peninsula, east of Auckland. It is absolutely beautiful there, there is some really good hiking, gorgeous coastlines, and Hot Water Beach.

When finding a hostel down there, there are lots of them with different deals. I stayed at one where you were able to get a sea kayak for free as part of your night's stay. Others offer meals for free with your stay as well.

As mentioned in other posts, Hell's Pizza is wicked good and has a fun theme to it.

I could go on for hours about New Zealand, so if you have more questions, email me at avanvught@gmail.com

About the only thing I can realllly recommend in Auckland is One Tree Hill. I know many people have mentioned caving in Waitomo or visiting Rotorua and I have to agree - and for the brave - whitewater raft in Rotorua over a Grade 5 waterfall (7 m?)- I believe it's the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere - how can you pass this up??

I'm surprised no one has mentioned hitch-hiking in NZ yet.

Now, I know what you are thinking... hitch-hiking is a bad idea. And that is totally true around the big cities like Auckland and Welly. But other than that, hitch-hiking is really safe and socially acceptable in NZ.

It might be somewhat difficult with 5 people, but it is the surest way to find the best kept secrets around the country. A friend and I, two single 20-something girls, caught rides all the way from Queenstown to Dunedin (4 hrs away). We met the most amazing people and got invited into one couple's house for dinner on their sheep farm.

As always, use your best judgement and be careful, but enjoy the benefits of FREE TRAVEL!

I just watched the Perth episode where Gabe, Renee and Tiffany go to a winery. Try and check out the Steinlager brewery which is just outside Auckland in Newmarket.

Gabe, you know what I'm talking about here living in FoCo. See if you can take a tour, and, more importantly, get some samples like you can at New Belgium or O'Dell's. I know I've been hyping Steinlager since before you left, but the brewery is in a suburb of Auckland, and the beer has won numerous international competitions.

That's it from me. Keep up the good work!

Jonny

TJs,

I just read that you can visit the remains of sets of The Last Samurai and Lord of the Rings. It looks like the remains of the hobbit town is in Matamata in the North Island. I am not sure if you will be anywhere near that area. Boy, it sure would be cool to see any remaining sets and then go back and watch the movies and know you stood at a certain spot! From what I have seen, there are tours online adverstising visits to these spots so I don't know if you just want to do an extensive internet search to try to find your own ways there or ask about once in NZ. Anyhow, there is my suggestion for a visit. Cheers.

Hey Guys..

Another thing you can do is jump from the sky tower!!!Dont know how much it cost, but I heard its a lot of fun....they actually send you down a zip line to the bottom!! Josh, dont worry about what people are saying about you on the blogs...Who cares?!!! You should focus on the great adventure that your partaking in..Rock on..Another cool city to visit on the north island is Palmerston north...Its a college town....Massey University is located in Palmerston North. College town equals cheap places to eat and drink...I know this might sound weird but the best pizza I ever had was in Palmerston North....yum..the place is called Pompeii...you should check it out.Also, I have friends who live in Palmerston North, So if you need a FREE place to stay, let me know, Im sure they wont mind a nice boy from Fort Collins staying in their home...Go Rams!!

Paihia (north of Auckland) has awesome bars! Plus it is a beautiful small town. Visit the Auckland Museum, have a beer in Vulcan Lane, enjoy Cornwell Park, or take a sail on America's Cup Yacht and have lunch at Viaduct Harbour!

hey im new at this, but i just wanted to say that i will be wathcin the New Zealand episodes even more closely than the others because they are very important to me. i am gettin ready for my college adventure and i want to go to college in New Zealand and i am lookin forward to watchin u explore there, hopefully my new home soon.
-Levi

Gabe

If you guys make it to an Auckland market keep your eye out for some Kiwi-Habanero Hot Sauce. The Fruit combines really well with the chile.

Also Try a bottle of L&P soda, Lemon & Paeroa
It's world famous in New Zeland

Hi Guys,
I went to new zealand a couple of years ago and jumped off the sky tower when i went to auckland... It is a 630 ft. jump that lasts about 16 seconds. it is completely incredible, but it is a little expensive. after the jump, you land on a little bullseye near a street corner(on your feet). If you're looking for a thrill, this is a must!!

Take a walk downtown near the Sky Tower and check out the amazing tilework on the sidewalks and the little parks tucked away in interesting places.

Go to Waitomo - our (early-20's) daughter really enjoyed the relatively affordable and hours-long Rap Raft 'n Rock trip Rap Raft 'n' Rock .

Renee, especially, DEFINITELY take a trip to Rotorua if only for the Maori Cultural Center. A "don't-miss" is the wood-carving school, where they're teaching young men the art of carving their totems so the craft won't be lost. It's quite amazing. Also find a Maori concert/feast (not necessarily in Rotorua) that will work for your budget. (A great intro to Maori culture is the movie "Whale Rider", a gentle but profound story set in a tiny but real village on the North Island, which used the actual villagers as extras in the movie.) JG, there's a hostel in Rotorua that has its own climbing wall!

If you all can afford it (or wangle a discount), a tour of Hobbiton in Matamata (not far from Hamilton) is absolutely a hoot! You can take each others' pictures in Bilbo's actual doorway, and get a shot of the Party Tree from inside, with his doorway framing the tree.

Hope you guys have a fabulous time in NZ! It's one of the most beautiful, pristine places on the planet.

There is a "coast to coast" walk you can do in Auckland. It is a great way to see Auckland, is cheap and only takes a few hours. You can get a map from one of the visitors information centres, of which there is one on Queen Street which is in the centre of town. Also, if your so inclined, the Museum is a great place to stop and see some of New Zealands history.

Hi, Crew!! I'm lovin' the show and am anxious to watch all about your time in New Zealand! I visited there last September...

My boyfriend is from Auckland and is currently living there - I asked him if he'd be willing to show you guys around and he's totally up for it!!! E-mail me at mons414@msn.com for his contact information. You'd get a seriously great tour from a local.

Now, if you guys catch up with my boyfriend, he'll probably tell you and might even take you to a few of these places that I fell in love with while around Auckland...sorry if these are repeats from other posts, I just can't help myself...

Shakespear Park just north of Auckland -- LOTS of sheep, amazing views. It's not hugely exciting, but there's plenty of trails to walk.

Go to One Tree Hill - it's the perfect view of the city.

DON'T go to the Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium. My boyfriend and I thought it was run down and definitely not worth the money.

Posonby Road has tons of cafes - probably a great place to chat with locals.

The Loaded Hog at the Viaduct is a great hangout for nightlife, but if you want a locals scene - go to Takapuna. One Red Dog is a great place for pizza and beer. Also visit BurgerFuel in Takapuna - try a Kiwi style burger with kumara fries. (This is a potential donated meal if you guys get a chance to hang out with my boyfriend.)

A MUST EAT IN NEW ZEALAND: PAVLOVA - it's a unique to NZ and Australia dessert that you just can't miss.

My boyfriend and I also agree a great experience would be to catch a game of touch rugby with some of the locals or if you guys can afford a Rugby League game, you'll have heaps of fun.

Try renting a car if at all possible - it may be the easiest way to get around.

Best in your travels, and we hope to hear from you!

~Mons
Las Vegas

North Island Rundown...
Paihia/Bay of Islands:
-Speed boat tour of area is very cool, take you into caves and whatnot
- Hike around, check out various Pas (Maori temples) and other various
Maori ruins
Auckland:
- Known for sailing, I suggest trying it or taking a fishing trip
- Sky Tower (go to the observation deck around sundown, very awesome view, if you want to you can jump off it, which is the recurring theme
in NZ --- jumping off things)
- The Zoo sucks, don't go, the Museums are OK, if you have time check the one in Parnell
- Waiheke Island - short ferry ride from Auckland harbour (great wineries, can hike from one to another)
- Black sand beaches (about 45 minutes or so outside the city) - look into it, forgot exactly how to get there - wander and explore
(basically what we did)
- Nightlife - Waterfront, Queen Street, or Parnell (try Speights Old Dark - awesome)

Taupo/Rotorua
- Tongariro Crossing -- if you enjoy hiking this one's for you (I don't, yet still enjoyed it), lasts all day, start at about 6 AM and
its 17 km long - I suggess wearing layers, I wore shorts like an idiot, couldnt feel the ankles after a while
- Highlight, the mineral pools at the top, incredible bluish green color
- Skydiving - crazy view
-Rotorua
Zorbing -- very ridiculous, very fun (get into a big orb and roll down a hill - go with the water, not the dry version)
Thermal Geysers and boiling mud - hotsprings very cool
- Waitomo Glow Worm Caves - not exactly in Taupo, more towards the west coast, but cool if you have the time

If you guys can, rent a car... its the best way to get around the North Island.