In March I head for NZ on a 4 week tour from top to bottom. Unfortunately it's on 4 wheels rather than 2. I start in Auckland, the Coromandel, down via Napier and places inbetween to Wellington, then over to the South Island. I don't like large, anonymous hotels, preferring small places with character, so I've sorted most accommodation through AirBnB but I'm stuck with Wellington. So I'm asking for (sensible) suggestions on where to stay for 2 or 3 nights. Second question and far more important, what bike related activities, venues, meetings etc should I look out for during March? I've discovered the bike (and plane) museums in Blenheim, which are on my agenda, but what else is there?
Avoid Nicks place on Oriental Parade It’s location is ace, easy walk into wellie but damn, it was dirty, we’ve had lots of “quirky” accommodation in NZ over the years but this was the first one we walked away from. We went instead to one on Scorching Bay, Mrs YM is the Airbnb guru and if this is of interest to you I’ll find out the link. As for things to do if you get anywhere near Rotorua you have to check out http://driftkartz.co.nz/ it’ll get you wetting yourself. Also https://www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz/ is worth a day out. Te Papa museum in wellie is also a good day. There’s lots of interesting things to do and places to see, just depends on where you can feasibly travel to, remember, the only motorways are near the big cities and a single two lane road is considered a major highway so covering lots of miles takes much longer than at home.
Well Nick's place certainly looks like one to avoid. Can't see Scorching Bay on the map but I'd like to take a look at Mrs YM's Airbnb. I'm missing out Rotorua on this trip. I was there 25 years ago, so I'm taking a different route. Made a note of Southward car museum and the Te Papa museum is on the list. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1638...e=1&virality_entry_point=1&sharer_id=65466489 Smilinjack recently went to NZ and did a small motorcycle tour near to Queenstown but he’s not on here much these days. If you search his posts you may find it. https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/9392387/slideshow/644896650?adults=1&children=0&infants=0 This place was awesome, we had new year here in 2016. https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1670...e=1&virality_entry_point=1&sharer_id=65466489
@beerkat Auckland - Museum of Transport and Technology is a historic account with many interesting displays. Experience Motorcycles is Triumph and Motoguzzi dealer worth a walk around. Sky City casino has some of the best views in Auckland and a great restaurant at the top ( may need to book) The domain and War memorial museum are popular, and great panoramic views of Auckland from One Tree Hill and Mt Eden. https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil...where-to-find-the-best-views-around-auckland/
All of that is useful. Thanks. I've got 2 days in Auckland, 3 on the Coromandel Peninsula, 1 in Opotiki (near Whakatane) because I want to drive Highway 2 across to Napier via Gisborne. 2 nights in Napier and then down to Wellington (2 nights) and across to the S.Island. The rest is a bit vague at the moment but Abel Tasman NP is a must and Blenheim. Got several days in Ashburton (south of Christchurch) with relatives. Queenstown, short overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound (rather than Milford). Up west coast, Greymouth, across Arthur's Pass back to Christchurch (relatives again), then home. Any other suggestions gratefully received.
Don’t know if you could make it part of the way to Qeeenstown but the www.moerakiboulders.com are worth seeing on the east coast as is pancake rocks www.punakaiki.co.nz on the west coast
