Outside of Auckland, North Island
I flew over to Auckland from San Francisco on Air New Zealand for only $650 round trip, and both the flights were fantastic. The time just flew by even though it was 14 hours each way.
I got even better value by purchasing an air pass that allowed me to travel to other cities in a circle, all for only $100 extra.
Never bother to take a taxi from the airport, when the shuttle buses are so good and inexpensive by comparison. The tourist board people are friendly and helpful everywhere you go. In fact, it is the best place to find out what’s on and make bookings in advance.
Rotorua
After a week in magnificent Auckland and Paihia/Russell/the Bay of Islands, I headed for the “Great South Sea Spa” of Rotorua, made famous in Victorian times for its bubbling hot springs, thought to be good for the health.
George Bernard Shaw visited here, amongst others, and named some of the pools at Hell’s Gate volcanic area after friends and family. It is an awesome, vast park like a lunar landscape, and there you can soak your feet in the absolutely wonderful mud for free, and also learn how to do a traditional Maori carving.
The airport code for this quaint Victorian town now booming is ROT, and you can tell from the smell as soon as you arrive at the adorable little airport. The sulphurous odor is not to everyone’s liking, it is true, but you stop noticing it after a time, as you throw yourself into all this region has to offer.
I had the most fabulous 4 days in Rotorua, and have to admit I was sad to leave, and thought Welllington was a huge letdown compared to everything I had done the previous week.