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Beautiful Holiday Locations in the North Island
Posted by Vanessa45
Beautiful Holiday Locations in the North Island January 09, 2018 09:58PM |
Registered: 7 years ago Posts: 804 |
Im LOVING the school holidays!!!!
Being a teacher with 2 busy boys we have been out and about LOTS these holidays.
We have been to...
Napier - Awesome for the kids and adults. The Top 10 Kennedy Park accommodation was fabulous and there was lots to do for our short stay. The aquarium, bayskate skate park, waterfront walk, shops/galleries, Bluff Hill, the waterfront area for dinner, splash planet...
Taipa - 4 hours north of Auckland (near Coopers Beach) at a friends LUXURY bach. Swimming, king tide wharf jumping, Matai Bay, Beach combing and BBQs
Russell Bay of Islands - This place is BEAUTIFUL even in our recent storm - its my favourite holiday destination at the moment. We went on a whim and managed to get a couple of night accommodation at the Top 10 - sharing ONE BUNK ROOM!!!! Other than the sleeping situation we had a blast. Dinner at the Duke was perfect, wharf jumping, swimming to the pontoon, fishing off the wharf, Long beach in the storm, Flagstaff hill, a ferry ride and even visited the printing museum at the end of the waterfront that was really interesting.
Where have you been? Any hidden and amazing places I need to discover?
Vanessa
Being a teacher with 2 busy boys we have been out and about LOTS these holidays.
We have been to...
Napier - Awesome for the kids and adults. The Top 10 Kennedy Park accommodation was fabulous and there was lots to do for our short stay. The aquarium, bayskate skate park, waterfront walk, shops/galleries, Bluff Hill, the waterfront area for dinner, splash planet...
Taipa - 4 hours north of Auckland (near Coopers Beach) at a friends LUXURY bach. Swimming, king tide wharf jumping, Matai Bay, Beach combing and BBQs
Russell Bay of Islands - This place is BEAUTIFUL even in our recent storm - its my favourite holiday destination at the moment. We went on a whim and managed to get a couple of night accommodation at the Top 10 - sharing ONE BUNK ROOM!!!! Other than the sleeping situation we had a blast. Dinner at the Duke was perfect, wharf jumping, swimming to the pontoon, fishing off the wharf, Long beach in the storm, Flagstaff hill, a ferry ride and even visited the printing museum at the end of the waterfront that was really interesting.
Where have you been? Any hidden and amazing places I need to discover?
Vanessa
Re: Beautiful Holiday Locations in the North Island January 09, 2018 10:57PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 5,388 |
If I told you, I would have to kill you........... I don't want thousands of people at our favourite spots! Just kidding of course
I think all of our beaches are stunnng, apart from the mass populated ones. But three spots which are closer to home here in Hamilton for me, but I think are definitely worth a trip to for a day trip are:
At Waitomo Caves road, if you carry on past the Waitomo Caves, there are the Marakopa Falls (labelled the most beautiful in NZ), and also on the same road The Mangapohue Natural Bridge - both an easy walk to get to. Also on the road from Hamilton to Raglan is a turn off to Bridal Veil Falls. There is a walkway down to the bottom. All are stunning and in natural bush settings.
Then on the back road from Ngaruawahia to Huntly, which is Hakarimata Road. Closer to the Huntly end (everyone frequents the Ngaruawahia access end), there is a small dead end road before the small one way bridge (name escapes me), but there is a bush walkway (lots and lots and lots of steps), but worth it. Not only do you get the most amazing views all the way out to Cambridge and the surrounding countryside, but there are Kauri trees, which were only discovered in the late 1980s. No one had any idea the kauri's were there, until council workers made a foray into the deep bush for some reason (leave that one to the imagination). So they have now fenced them off and there is access. Not as big as Tane Mahuta, but definitely big.
But I think in NZ no matter where you go, everywhere is just beautiful and accessible, and I think we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country
I think all of our beaches are stunnng, apart from the mass populated ones. But three spots which are closer to home here in Hamilton for me, but I think are definitely worth a trip to for a day trip are:
At Waitomo Caves road, if you carry on past the Waitomo Caves, there are the Marakopa Falls (labelled the most beautiful in NZ), and also on the same road The Mangapohue Natural Bridge - both an easy walk to get to. Also on the road from Hamilton to Raglan is a turn off to Bridal Veil Falls. There is a walkway down to the bottom. All are stunning and in natural bush settings.
Then on the back road from Ngaruawahia to Huntly, which is Hakarimata Road. Closer to the Huntly end (everyone frequents the Ngaruawahia access end), there is a small dead end road before the small one way bridge (name escapes me), but there is a bush walkway (lots and lots and lots of steps), but worth it. Not only do you get the most amazing views all the way out to Cambridge and the surrounding countryside, but there are Kauri trees, which were only discovered in the late 1980s. No one had any idea the kauri's were there, until council workers made a foray into the deep bush for some reason (leave that one to the imagination). So they have now fenced them off and there is access. Not as big as Tane Mahuta, but definitely big.
But I think in NZ no matter where you go, everywhere is just beautiful and accessible, and I think we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country
Re: Beautiful Holiday Locations in the North Island January 09, 2018 11:02PM |
Admin Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 7,844 |
The Coromandel Peninsula! There's so much to see and do, some of it free such as Hot Water Beach. 2 hours either side of high tide, dig yourself a hole in the sand and bask in the hot water (bring your own spade or hire one from the shop). There's a Top Ten Holiday Park in Hahei, just a few k's down the road. [www.thecoromandel.com]
On the 309 Road, Coromandel side, there's The WaterWorks. A do-not-miss experience for adults and kids alike. Full of hands-on water toys to delight everyone, a swimming hole, free use of barbeques or purchase food at the cafe. It's a wonderland playground with unique 'toys'. You have to see it, it's impossible to describe. [thewaterworks.co.nz]
Coromandel town (well, just north of the township): Driving Creek Railway. Another cannot miss it attraction. A miniature railway with a beautiful story about a man who had a dream - Barry Brickell, the famous Coromandel potter. The train ride is about an hour and it winds round and round, over bridges, trestles, loops, and takes you to the top of a hill with magnificient views, or as Barry himself put it, EyeFull Tower. [www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz]
And we haven't even got to Whitianga yet. Come to the Coromandel and explore. You could do a day trip starting at Driving Creek railway in the morning.. Take a packed lunch or barbeque food and drive to The Waterworks for lunch and playtime. After you've exhausted yourselves playing, continue over the hill (309 Road) to Whitianga and stay in one of the motor camps, then next day, have a look around Whitianga then, when the tide is right, drive to Hot Water Beach. Depending on the tide times, you could stay the night at the Top Ten Motor Camp in Hahei.
On the 309 Road, Coromandel side, there's The WaterWorks. A do-not-miss experience for adults and kids alike. Full of hands-on water toys to delight everyone, a swimming hole, free use of barbeques or purchase food at the cafe. It's a wonderland playground with unique 'toys'. You have to see it, it's impossible to describe. [thewaterworks.co.nz]
Coromandel town (well, just north of the township): Driving Creek Railway. Another cannot miss it attraction. A miniature railway with a beautiful story about a man who had a dream - Barry Brickell, the famous Coromandel potter. The train ride is about an hour and it winds round and round, over bridges, trestles, loops, and takes you to the top of a hill with magnificient views, or as Barry himself put it, EyeFull Tower. [www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz]
And we haven't even got to Whitianga yet. Come to the Coromandel and explore. You could do a day trip starting at Driving Creek railway in the morning.. Take a packed lunch or barbeque food and drive to The Waterworks for lunch and playtime. After you've exhausted yourselves playing, continue over the hill (309 Road) to Whitianga and stay in one of the motor camps, then next day, have a look around Whitianga then, when the tide is right, drive to Hot Water Beach. Depending on the tide times, you could stay the night at the Top Ten Motor Camp in Hahei.
Re: Beautiful Holiday Locations in the North Island January 11, 2018 09:28PM |
Registered: 7 years ago Posts: 804 |
Ohhhh thanks guys.
The caves and waterfalls sounds PERFECT Irene. Have you been to the caves lately? We stopped off at some glow worm caves on the way home from the BOI and im not sure what I was expecting but for a $30 adult fee and $10 for the kids I decided it was an expensive stop off. I said to the kids we would head to Waitomo at some stage.
Can you swim at the base of the falls?
Lorna, you must know my boys!!!! The waterworks sounds EXACTLY what would keep them busy for hours and my youngest LOVES trains - ohhhhhh Im planning my next holidays away. There are so many beautiful places.
Somewhere closer to home Im going to explore is Tindalls bay Whangaparaoa - a friend who doesnt live in Ak has headed there for a hoilday, the water looked so clear I had to ask here where she was!
We went to Orewa yesterday afternoon, the beach front holiday homes in the camp ground were stunning. People were relaxing, eating and drinking, reading and totally loving the atmosphere. What a dream come true! The only downside was hundreds of small jellyfish.
(Niwa marine biologist Dennis Gordon said the creatures were known as `crimson jelly' and were native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia.
Around the size of the eraser end of a pencil, Dr Gordon said they were common in summer.
"It doesn't sting, it's completely harmless. It's quite a nice little thing to have in a home aquarium actually. )
Some people had bites/stings but we were fine. My son thought he swallowed one Ha Ha
Happy Holidays
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/2018 09:29PM by Vanessa45.
The caves and waterfalls sounds PERFECT Irene. Have you been to the caves lately? We stopped off at some glow worm caves on the way home from the BOI and im not sure what I was expecting but for a $30 adult fee and $10 for the kids I decided it was an expensive stop off. I said to the kids we would head to Waitomo at some stage.
Can you swim at the base of the falls?
Lorna, you must know my boys!!!! The waterworks sounds EXACTLY what would keep them busy for hours and my youngest LOVES trains - ohhhhhh Im planning my next holidays away. There are so many beautiful places.
Somewhere closer to home Im going to explore is Tindalls bay Whangaparaoa - a friend who doesnt live in Ak has headed there for a hoilday, the water looked so clear I had to ask here where she was!
We went to Orewa yesterday afternoon, the beach front holiday homes in the camp ground were stunning. People were relaxing, eating and drinking, reading and totally loving the atmosphere. What a dream come true! The only downside was hundreds of small jellyfish.
(Niwa marine biologist Dennis Gordon said the creatures were known as `crimson jelly' and were native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia.
Around the size of the eraser end of a pencil, Dr Gordon said they were common in summer.
"It doesn't sting, it's completely harmless. It's quite a nice little thing to have in a home aquarium actually. )
Some people had bites/stings but we were fine. My son thought he swallowed one Ha Ha
Happy Holidays
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/2018 09:29PM by Vanessa45.
Re: Beautiful Holiday Locations in the North Island January 11, 2018 09:48PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 5,388 |
Vanessa45 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ohhhh thanks guys.
>
> The caves and waterfalls sounds PERFECT Irene.
> Have you been to the caves lately? We stopped off
> at some glow worm caves on the way home from the
> BOI and im not sure what I was expecting but for a
> $30 adult fee and $10 for the kids I decided it
> was an expensive stop off. I said to the kids we
> would head to Waitomo at some stage.
> Can you swim at the base of the falls?
>
Last went to the Waitomo Caves themselves about 5 years ago - they are expensive, and I wouldn't do them at peak season as the place is crazy with tourists, or be there for first thing. They are worth going to, but not when there is heavy rain - parts are done by boat (manned by staff) and there were sections we couldn't do as the water level was too high and we would hit our heads on the roof - so go when it's dry. However both the Natural Bridge and Marakopa Falls are free of course. With regards Bridal Veil Falls you can swim at the bottom
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ohhhh thanks guys.
>
> The caves and waterfalls sounds PERFECT Irene.
> Have you been to the caves lately? We stopped off
> at some glow worm caves on the way home from the
> BOI and im not sure what I was expecting but for a
> $30 adult fee and $10 for the kids I decided it
> was an expensive stop off. I said to the kids we
> would head to Waitomo at some stage.
> Can you swim at the base of the falls?
>
Last went to the Waitomo Caves themselves about 5 years ago - they are expensive, and I wouldn't do them at peak season as the place is crazy with tourists, or be there for first thing. They are worth going to, but not when there is heavy rain - parts are done by boat (manned by staff) and there were sections we couldn't do as the water level was too high and we would hit our heads on the roof - so go when it's dry. However both the Natural Bridge and Marakopa Falls are free of course. With regards Bridal Veil Falls you can swim at the bottom
Re: Beautiful Holiday Locations in the North Island January 17, 2018 09:29AM |
Admin Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 1,131 |
Re: Beautiful Holiday Locations in the North Island January 18, 2018 02:56AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
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