New Zealand's northern stars: Auckland, Devonport & Rotorua
Sharmila Melissa Yogalingam experiences the chill factor at Auckland's coolest attractions, discovers Devonport's R&R beaches and cafés and turns up the heat in exotic Rotorua.
The diverse topography of New Zealan's North Island ensures a unique travel experience, from the volcanic region of Rotorua, to cosmopolitan Auckland and the laidback beaches of Devonport.
WHY GO Although Auckland is a sprawling city - due to being New Zealand's most populated urban centre - its warm and friendly vibe makes it a great starting point for exploring the North Island.
TO DO As you're so close to Antarctica, a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World (Tel: 09 528 0603, www.kellytarltons.co.nz) is a must! Be entertained by the antics of the magnificent sub-Antarctic penguins and explore a frozen area emulating the South Pole. In the Underwater World section, expect to see plenty of baby sharks and stingrays and consider a cage-free shark dive or a snorkel and SCUBA safari. Whether you need to prep for an upcoming ski trip, or just want to throw a few snowballs with the kids, a visit to Snowplanet (Tel: 09 427 0044, www.snowplanet.co.nz) - the world's largest indoor snow resort - offers different gradients of slope and a ski lift to get you there.
Another worthwhile attraction is the Bees Online Honey Centre (Tel: 09 411 7953, www.beesonline.co.nz). Taste and purchase New Zealand's best honey produce - including its world-famous Manuka honey - and learn more about bees and honey through interactive exhibitions.
Don't leave Auckland without visiting Sky Tower (Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, www.skycityauckland.co.nz) where you'll find the world's tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Three observation decks offer access to magnificent views of the city while a revolving restaurant serves fine Kiwi produce.
STAY
$ Oaks Smartstay Apartments on Hobson (www.theoaksgroup.co.nz) is reasonably priced and in a good location.
$$ Hyatt Regency (www.auckland.regency.hyatt.com) is right in the heart of town.
$$$ SKYCITY Grand Hotel (www.skycityauckland.co.nz) is luxuriously appointed with entertainment options galore - restaurants, cafes, bars, a theatre, Sky Tower and 24-hour casinos.
CONTACT www.aucklandnz.com
WHY GO This beach resort town is just a 10-minute ferry ride or 20-minute drive from Auckland. Ferries depart the Quay Street terminal every half hour, at just NZ$10 for a roundtrip ticket.
TO DO Explore Devonport's cafés and delightful stores to soak up the charm of this quaint and historic beach town. A trip to the Devonport Visitor Centre (Victoria Road, Tel: 09 446 0677) will point you in the right direction.
Known for its stunning, white sandy beaches, Devonport's Cheltenham Beach is tidal - so ideal for wading - while Narrow Neck Beach has an attached playground and is a sure hit with kids.
For the best harbour views, head to volcanic Mount Victoria and explore the underground tunnels and chambers.
STAY Large hotels don't exist on Devonport, but you can stay in villas, apartments or bed and breakfast accommodation.
$ Devonport Motel (Tel: 09 445 1010, www.devonportmotel.co.nz) has cheap, quality accommodation.
$$ Devonport Clifftop Apartments (31 Stanley Point Road. Tel: 09 446 1130) offers sea views and long-term stays.
$$$ Hampton Beach House (Tel: 09 445 1358, www.hamptonbeachhouse.co.nz) is a historic and luxurious beachfront bed and breakfast with stunning sea and city views.
CONTACT www.devonport.co.nz
WHY GO A leisurely three-hour drive from Auckland, Rotorua, also known as "Volcano Land", is wholly exotic. As you enter the city you can't help but notice the strong sulfuric scent which permeates the entire town, announcing its unique geothermal attractions.
TO DO Go "tramping" - the Kiwi expression for hiking - in Waimangu Volcanic Valley (www.waimangu.com). Your journey of up to two hours will bring you to Frying Pan Lake - the world's largest hot water spring - and Inferno Crater, a water-filled crater with levels that change day-by-day.
Next, make your way to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland (Tel: 07 366 6333, www.geyserland.co.nz) and feast your eyes on Lady Knox Geyser - which erupts at around 10am each morning like clockwork. Make sure you get your tickets early, in order to catch this fascinating geyser on schedule. Volcanic elements also contribute to Champagne Pool, the country's largest bubbling pool, and Devil's Bath, a lake filled with luminous lime green water.
Nearby, Hell's Gate & Wai Ora Spa (Tel: 07 345 3151, www.hellsgate.co.nz) is a Maori-owned reserve of thermal valleys, sulfuric features, hot-water lakes, the largest whirlpool in the country and Rotorua's only mud volcano. Indulge in exclusive mud spa treatments including decadent baths and facials.
In Rotorua city itself, make time to visit Te Puia (Tel: 07 348 9047, www.tepuia.com) - a thermal reserve where the Pohutu Geyser stands. This geyser erupts 15 to 25 times every day - so your chance of a viewing is high. Te Puia also has mud pools and a Maori Village where you can experience Maori arts, culture and food, including a hangi where food is prepared in the ground using heated coals.
The Hidden Valley's Orakei Korako Geyserland Resort (Tel: 07 378 3131, www.orakeikorako.co.nz) has a multitude of hot springs, boiling mud pools, geysers, lakes and caves. This valley is only reachable by boat, which runs free of charge and doesn't stick to a schedule - allowing you to travel there anytime you want! From this resort, you can access the city of Taupo, just half an hour away. Visit the Volcanic Activity Centre (Tel: 07 374 8375, www.volcanoes.co.nz) to try the earthquake simulator and be absorbed by the interactive exhibits giving you an insider's view of an "active volcano".
$$ The Springs (Tel: 07 348 9922, www.thesprings.co.nz) is extremely comfortable and reasonably priced.
$$$ Treetops Lodge and Estate (Tel: 07 333 2066, www.treetops.co.nz) presents the ultimate in luxury and is set within a wilderness game reserve.
CONTACT www.rotoruanz.com
GETTING THERE Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) flies direct daily from Singapore to Auckland with a flight time of nine hours. Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.com) flies between Auckland and Rotorua daily, with a flight time of just 40 minutes. New Zealand's roads provide a fabulous driving experience. For the ultimate road trip, book a campervan or motor home! Try www.campertravel.co.nz, www.maui.co.nz, www.britz.com or www.tuicampers.co.nz.
WHEN TO GO For road travel and general sightseeing most people visit New Zealand from December to February. March to May is considerably cooler, while from June onwards is ski season in the South Island.
Posted Dec 2009
