We will be leaving the Voyager in Auckland, we want to stay about a week, does anyone have any suggestions where we should stay???? Arriving Jan.24th 2005 and leaving Feb. 1,2005 :)

Oh my, I forgot the D on Auckland....sorry :rolleyes:

Are you going to stay a full week in Auckland or venture out.I am from N.Z. so can give you lots of advice if you tell me your basic goals. What a pricey hotel, mid price, etc. Give me an idea and I will shoot back hotel names and suggestions of what to see.

Sandra....how lucky for you. New Zealand is so beautiful. I fell in love with the countryside when I saw the first Lord of the Rings film. I'm sure Ngaire can give you some great advice.

We were in Auckland for only one day during a cruise, but I took a wonderful tour on a DC3 to Rotorua. The flight was incredible and the Rotorua area fascinating. If you have a chance, you might enjoy doing this.

More information here.

Ah Margo, how did you enjoy the intoxicating aroma of Rotorua? The countryside between Auckland and Rotorua is truly remarkable. It is usually so green and with little white dots (dinner) everywhere. I am sure it was beautiful from a low flying scenic plane. I did not even know they had that flight available that is a great idea plus neat to fly on a DC3.

Looking at your picture makes me yearn to go back. I went every year for 20 years to visit my parents and I have not been back for about two years since my last parent passed away. Maybe in 2005. Had lots of fun dinners at the top of that sky tower.

The 2005 world cruise is going to the Bay of Islands and Picton which have been missed before. These are two of my favorite areas along with Queenstown which is available as a side trip from the ship. So in my opinion the next world cruise is doing N.Z. a lot better than they have in the past.

They had one season of the Song of Flower that did N.Z around and around for a couple of months and did an excellent job of hitting the high spots (except for the Bay of Islands). Unfortunately it did not sell as well as I would have thought so we probably wont see anything like that again. Meanwhile the 2005 NZ segment of the world cruise is unbookable right now as it is very full and has to be booked in combination with other segments. Go figure.

Oh Ngaire....yes, the aroma of Rotarua is unforgettable! We visited the Native Thermal Area, the Bath House and the Rotarua Museum.

The flightseeing was beautiful but the best part of the day was a wonderful lunch in the home of a local innkeeper. Just a picture perfect day. We found the hospitality of the NZ citizens to be very warm. Obivously you've brought that heritage with you to Dallas!

We really have no idea of what to do,or where to stay, we are planning on staying a week. Thought we would rent a car, I'm a little concerned about hubby driving on the left, but when we were in Australia he didn't have too much of a problem..A nice Hotel,probably in Auckland, and we could use that as our base, I am assuming we can book some tours thru the hotel?? Any help would be much appreciated, because we don't have a clue, I have be online looking, but you know how some of that can be deceiving......
Thanks again for any help. :) :) :)

Hi Sandra--we were in Auckland last Feb. at the end of our post-Voyager trip to AUS and NZ. Auckland was our final stop after many weeks of travelling so we were looking for some r and r and found it at the Giverny B and B on Waiheke Island, only about 30 minutes by fast ferry from Auckland. Even if you don't stay on Waiheke, I highly recommend visiting even for a day--a combination of lovely beaches, wineries, a couple of fabulous restaurants. The Giverny sits on a hill overlooking the sea. Hosts are very congenial and we ended up staying an extra day before going back to Auckland. In Auckland we stayed at the Hilton--pricey, but a great location,literally on the water with ships docking right in front of your balcony. Unfortunately, there was a very bad storm going on and we were stuck in our room for one of the days there. We didn't have a car and did take the sightseeing bus around town. Wonderful restaurants and a couple of interesting neighborhoods, but I would spend more time outside the city if I were to return. Especially to Devonport--just a 10 min. ferry ride away--this area has a lot of character with its interesting architecture, and scenic views. You might even consider staying there instead of in downtown AKL--if you want to be out of the crowds.
Hope you have a fabulous trip--I wish I could do it all over again!

Susan

If you have a week you do have options.

My favorite hotel in Auckland is the Stamford Plaza. Older hotel just up from the waterfront but nice rooms and a great atomosphere - very classy. The Hilton is the newest right on the waterfront but it is pricey. These two hotels are only about 15 minutes walk from each other the STamford does NOT have sea views though. For an even less expensive option look at Ridges, just around the corner and up a block - cheaper construction but new and the BEST omelettes I have ever eaten.

Waiheke Island is a lovely day trip or overnight as SusanB did. There are many little islands you can reach by Ferry. Going on the Ferry to Devonport is also a nice outing. In Devenport in the restaurant at the top of the terminal building there is a ladies restroom. Worth a visit and the food is good too. There is a picture window in the ladies restroom across the harbor to the town. It is a "room with a remarkable view". Auckland is really a beautiful harbor.

The Northshore beaches of Takapuna, Browns Bay are delightful. You take the East Coast bay road and one little hamlet leads to another all with their beaches and little shopping centers. It is very quaint. Also heading the other direction is Mission Bay road around the beaches. Small townships and wonderful outdoor restaurants. Kelly Tarltons aquarium is here and it was the first of its kind with a moving walkway in a glass tunnel with the fish all around you.
Plus you can go up into the hills and look over the harbor to Devonport. Driving is not too difficult once you get out of the city proper.

Lots to do in Auckland BUT if you have the time and money I would rent a car. I would drive to HUKA lodge and spend a night there. EXPENSIVE but truly one of the outstanding properties anywhere in the world. I have to admit I have never stayed there but I am bound and determined to rectify that. The food is fabulous. Ask Sherrie she stayed there. "Sherrie kick in here". Then go on down to Rotorua and Taupo. Rotorua is the home of the Maori people, go to a Maori concert. Visit Whakawherawhera - the Thermal activity area. Fascinating - it stinks but you get used to it. Stay at the Sheraton but go to the Maori concert at the hotel connected to Whaka - who knows what it is called now. This is where the best concert party is the one at the Sheraton is not as good. Then also go to Fairy Springs and to the Agradome for a lesson on sheep. These things are touristy but wonderful to visit.

Lake Taupo is a gorgeous lake, tons of trout and beautiful scenery.

The drive from Auckland to these areas is only about 3 - 4 hours. The drive itself is gorgeous.

The other option is more ambitious but the VERY best N.Z has to offer is the Queenstown area. This would mean flying to Queenstown that is a day. Then you would spend about three days down there and visit Te Anau and Milford sound. Here driving is REALLY easy. You are in the country really. Beautiful area. You can pick up a rent car at the airport. So you lose two days travelling but Queenstown area is spectacular. SO MUCH TO DO there.

I could write a full essay on all of this. If you decide on just Auckland dont stress. Just go and make all your sightseeing plans once you get there it is very easy to do and tons of options.

Any specific questions just post and I will try to answer for you.

Sandra,

After our 2002 Navigator cruise from Australia to New Zealand, we stayed for 2 nights at the Carlton in Auckland as part of the Radisson package. It was a nice hotel, but the service was a bit lacking after the incredible service of the Navigator. My husband and I thought it was just us at first, but then some other long time Radisson cruisers who also stayed there said that they felt it was not up to par with Radisson's normal hotel selections. We did see the outside of the Stamford Plaza many times on our outings in Auckland and it did seem like a great place. The Hilton was not one of Radisson's options at that time. It may not have been open yet.

We really enjoyed Auckland. Way too much to see for just the two days we were there. We took one of the post cruise excursions that took us to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club. The America's cup was currently held by New Zealand and was on display. We also got to see all the yachts practicing for the America's Cup elimations that was held in Auckland a week or so later. Lots of fun.

The 2nd day we had the hotel arrange a driver to take us all around Auckland for our own private tour. That was a great way to see as much as possible in a short time.

Other than that, we walked all over the downtown area. Many things were within walking distance of the Carlton and also the Stamford Plaza.

Have a wonderful time. Will be looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back.

Cyndi

I also think the Carlton is too far "up the hill" and out of the main drag of Queen street and the waterfront. I prefer the lower end of town, less hilly and more to see and do. Sky Tower and down to the waterfront are my favorite options. That is another possibility IF you like to gamble. The Sky Tower has a casino and a hotel. Rooms are nice.

I just want to thank everyone for all the help, now we just have to decide where to start from here. Thank you so much Ngaire, being from there really helps. We live in a state that has several National Parks, yet, we have only been to one of them. We're too busy traveling to other parts of the world, I keep saying that someday I am going to take a trip right here in our own state, but so far there is sooooo much else I want to see. Besides we can't get on a cruise ship anywhere around here.
Thanks again to all ;) ;)

Sandra,
We stayed at the Stamford Plaza last year. We booked on the Am Ex Plat program. Our flight arrived at 5 am and our room was ready when we arrived about 7am. We were upgraded to a huge suite which covered one side of the building.
It is convenient to the waterfront. We loved it.

Enjoy!
Pat