Travel Answers

can someone recommend a a good basic place to stay that provides transport to support the walking of the Tongariro Crossing.

Travelling December this year and will arrive in Rotorua at 1.00/2.00pm maybe earlier if we need to get there to catch a tour. Departing next day in the morning for the East Cape. Maybe go to Hells Gate in the morning when we leave. What suggestions of things to do in the afternoon and evening? Are there any afternoon tours etc? Also do you know of any accommodation that has undercover parking for motorbikes and air conditioning
Thanks

hi there, just wana know someone could tell me what to do in auckland airport im stuck there for 12hrs for my next flight to hongkong.

Can I leave my luggage at bus dtation for 2 hours?

Hi Mates! i'm going to NZ in a few mouths and i'd like to know about opportunity of jobs? someone can help me? thank you

Hi will be in Auckland for 3 full days probably staying at Hilton on The Quay for the first night 25/4 arriving late and was thinking aboout the following.....
26th - Spend the day Auckland - sightseeing possible ferry ride
27th - Hire a car and drive to Lake Taupo taking in some sights on the way (?) Stay over night Lake Taupo - Hilton or other suggestions welcome - Drive time from Auckland to Lake Taupo is it 4 hours or less..what are the roads like
28th - Drive back to Auckland for late afternoon drop off of car - what to see on the way ? Overnight Hilton
29th - Have the morning to see some more of Auckland before we depart at 3.00pm for Melbourne
I would really welcome some ideas, this is a quick trip due to some cheap fares but am keen to see some lovely scenery and we will come back again. Had also thought about driving North of Auckland and staying overnight but not sure of what to see or where to go..and need to ensure that hire car can cope.
Lake Taupo for some reason sounds lovely and I think it is the Lake featured in the series Top of the Lake

Look forward to hearing from you and thanks

What is quickest route from Tauranga to Rotorua Airport . State Highway 33 or Highway 36 ( Pyes Pa Rd)

Dear All,

I want to visit this wonderful place, and since I am spending the night at Taupo, does anyone know how to get there from Taupo because I am not driving? Or do you suggest I get there from Rotorua instead? I am not planning to stay overnight at Rotorua at the moment but if it is more accessible (other than from driving myself) I will make a night stay at Rotorua.
Do you all suggest if I visit the Craters of the Moon Geothermal Park too? or either? Given the recent weather conditions where can i expect more Geothermal activities? I read that there wasn't much at the Craters of the Moon as it hasn't been raining at the time when the reviewer visited, therefore not enough water for all that heating up and bubbling. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thank you for helping me here.
Kelly :)

Hello All,

I will be visiting north NZ and i will reach the National Park around 30th March or 1st April. Does anyone know if it is more likely or less likely the weather be suitable for the walk around these dates? Will greatly appreciate cos I am slightly short of time, and I'm thinking to allocate the walk one more day in case the weather is not appropriate. I will be very disappointed if I don't get to do the walk....

Thank you!
Kelly :)

If I only spend a few days in auckland, do I need to hire a car?

I plan to visit the East Cape lighthouse, has anyone been there? How steep is the walk up. Lots of steps I believe, any more info would be appreciated, thanks.

We're staying at the Great Posonby ArtHotel our first two nights in New Zealand. Would love a few tips for nearby restaurants. Especially locally-owned, low-key spots where we can ease into the NZ experience. Extra points if they have seasonal menus and use local ingredients! Thanks in advance!

We will be visiting Rotorua coming from Auckland, and heading towards Lake Taupo and Turangi. I am looking for accommodations now, and wondering if there is a particular area where sulphur fumes are strongest, and which to avoid if one won't be able to tolerate the smell. Would Lake Road area be better off?

Who can recommend a tour for whales / dolphins observe (without swimming with dolphins) on the north island in March? The best thanks already...

I am arriving from Auckland into the Wellington Airport at 2:40 in the afternoon and want to go to the Te Papa Museum that closes at 6 pm. Is it feasible to go directly to the Te Papa Museum and have them hold our luggage? Would it be better to go to the Wellington Rydges hotel first? Would a taxi be the best way or is there a bus from the airport that would go near the museum? Karen Kohn

I'm planning a (relatively) whirlwind tour of Australia and New Zealand. 14 days on the ground (17 days total, including flights). We're a young, active couple in our twenties and looking to see as many natural wonders as possible. (Less concerned with seeing the cities.) We're flying into Auckland and want to head straight to the Taupo/Tongariro area for probably 3 days (1 day to get over jetlag and 2 days to see the sites). First off, if I can find a cheap flight, is it better to fly to Taupo or take a bus to the area? I'm seeing flights for NZ$89 right now, which seems not that much more than the buses, and the buses require connections. Second, if we do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, is one day enough to see all of the highlights in the park, with a second day in Taupo proper seeing the falls and other nearby attractions? Or, are we better off skipping Taupo proper and just spending two full days in the park (plus a day perhaps in Taupo at the beginning to get over jetlag). Finally, is it alright to stay in Taupo for all of this, or worth getting a hotel down closer to Tongariro? I have a ton of Hilton points from business travel, so I could get as many free nights as necessary at the Hilton in Lake Taupo. Worth paying out of pocket to stay in/near the park?

Hi, We are traveling with 2 adults, a 3.5 year old and a 1.5 year old to New Zealand. We will rent a vehicle for 17 days to explore the North Island from Feb 14 until Mar 2. After that we will spend 4 weeks in a camper in Australia. My question for NZ is: car or camper? I am leaning towards a camper for these reasons: - nice outdoor experience - every night the same bed for the kids - all equipment to be self contained available I read a lot of message here from people who recommend car/motels. In Feb/Mar, can we still sit outside in the evening? I expect good whether, but just not sure how much cooler it will be in the evening. Then, will there be enough accomodation (motels, cabins) available or would be need to prebook? Last but not least: Is a car + motels really THAT much cheaper or is it around the same price? Looking forward to your response!

Hey VT members, Im traveling to wellington for a day before i head down to the South Island. I was wondering if any of you would like to have me for one nights stay in return for information about the local area, Im happy to cook (try) I've got my own sleeping bag, and don't mind being on a sofa. I know there is the Couch Surfing website, but i thought i would try here first. Im Looking to be in Wellington next week , I haven't got an exact date as yet. Thanks Emma

What is a popular restaurant review site for the Auckland area to find a place to eat? I seldom have lamb for dinner but where is a good place to have lamb in the central area of Auckland?

How many people travel through tirau every day, and how many people stop in tirau everyday?

I am 65 and will be holidaying with my wife in a campervan over Christmas. Can anybody suggest a great place to camp in the Wellington region, to enjoy the New Zealand festives, possibly on a beach but we are equally open to other sugestions? We move on to South Island on 28 Dec and would appreciate a similar suggestion for New Year?

I was wanting to know if any one has ran up the mount for training if so what is it like and are you allowed to use the track anytime.

Hi, me and my partner will be in NZ for about 3 days. We are in Wellington before then and would like to get any suggestions on how far we can go from Wellington that's worth to see, coming back to Melbourne (from Wellington) 3 days later. We know it's not much time, but would like to make the best out of our little time. Thanks :)

Which of the three is the best attraction - Te Puia, Waiotapu or Waikite? Or are they all too different?

Our trip to New Zealand will originate in Huntsville, AL (HSV). We'll take one of the US airlines from HSV to LAX to connect with ANZ onward to AKL. US airlines don't use LAX Terminal Two -- ANZ's terminal -- so a terminal change is unavoidable. Could someone please advise us if we can check our baggage through from HSV to AKL, thereby avoiding having to claim it in LAX and endure TSA's Full Monty again at LAX? Thanks, Fritz

1. I've looked at the " international arrivals" schedule for Auckland and it seems that there are quite a few big planes landing between 0500 and 0600. How does NZ customs and immigration handle such a big surge? 2. I've looked at the local hotel web sites and it appears that their check-in times are all in the mid afternoon. What's a tired visitor arriving on a 12-hour duration flight at 0530 supposed to do to in the interim?

Hi, We are a group of 7 people, planning to visit national park this weekend. Will reach national park on saturday morning(around 10). Just want to know which things need to be carried for this trip.??Please advice.. Thanks, Baljit

Ok i get to Auckland in October, i have found some cheapish hostels that arent in the centre as i like the quiet e.g. http://www.lantanalodge.co.nz (60 St Georges Bay Rd Parnell, Auckland 1052) Not sure what around the area??!! - However i haven't got a clue what is the must see's in the area. Im going to try working as soon as i can until after xmas, when i have worked enough ill be able to go back to places ive missed but in the week or two so i have spare i would like to get as much in as possible. Any suggestions where to start?

Hi, my family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids of 8 and 9 are planning to visit the North Island Of NZ. And we hope to be able to do the Tongariro Crossing. I have heard from my friends good things and we are keen to do it in December. We have started doing walks regularly ranging from 10 km - 13 km recently. WE also cycle regularly distances of 32 km and so on. i am wondering if these preparations are sufficient? What is your advice with regards to safety for my kids? Is it ok for them to do the walk?

Hi we are wondering which are good recommended backpackers in Auckland, to stay in while we sort out work and accommodation. Hoping for something central to everything with a private twin room. Cost is not the main concern. Thanks!