We are arriving on Monday and would appreciate some help with our tentative itinerary! We visited South island 4 years ago so do not need to see glow worms, caves, museums, or cultural shows as we did all that before. We are two fit adults + 2 active children age 10 and 12. We are interested in walking, sailing, scuba, jet boating, (maybe skydiving ) and of course eating/drinking!
We have 15 nights, rented a people mover and have not yet booked any accommodation (except 1st night). Don’t really want to spend more than 3 hours driving at a time.
Arrive Auckland 17.30 – drive to Orewa – 1 night
Orewa to Russell – stay 2 nights – sailing, see dolphins
Russell to Murawai – 1 night - see scenery along the way, husband wants to walk to gannet colony
Murawai to Taupo – 3 nights - fishing, hot springs, white water rafting, walking
Taupo – Rotorura (should we go and stay 1 night???) see geysers
Rotorura – Bay of Plenty – 1 night – walking, beach
Bay of Plenty – Coromandel - 3 nights – need suggestion for which town please. Want to go sailing, scuba diving/snorkelling, walking
Coromandel – Auckland airport overnight (very early departure)
I have not allocated 2 nights as we may decide to stay longer in one of the destinations.
Questions:
Which is better Taupo or Rotorura for the types of activities we are looking for? We read that Taupo was a little less commercial.
Which bay is best to see dophins this time of year?
Do not need to see Auckland but are we missing out?
I want to go to the East Coast, do we have time?
Is it cold weather? We will bring long sleeves, fleeces, waterproofs and boots. But what about gloves, scarves, coats?
Thank you to all who comment. Appreciate it !!