Post #18984 by stentiki on Fri, Jan 10, 2003 6:27 PM

Two years ago, Tina and I were fortunate to take a cruise to the South Pacific. We had 3 stops in New Zealand, all on the North Island -- Bay of Islands, Tauranga, and Auckland.

We loved the Bay of Islands. We disembarked in a small town called Paihia. There's a small Seahorse Aquarium there and the shopping is fantastic. Your dollar will go a long way. If you can, take a hydrofoil or a catamaran through "The Hole in The Rock." I strongly recommend the hydrofoil for speed and fun but if you take a catamaran you may see dolphins and sea turtles.

If you like history, you can also walk to Waiatangi treaty house, New Zealand's first government capital. I believe there are some Maori carvings there including a large canoe but double-check your guide cause my memory is fuzzy.

Can't say much for Tauranga since most everything was closed on Christmas Day. Beautiful beaches though with millions of shells.

In Auckland we went on a wine tasting tour. New Zealand has some great vinyards and wines meant to be consumed young, so feel free to drink them right away! Auckland also has their own version of the Space Needle and the Galleria in the main part of the city has some outstanding deals! Maori tikis everywhere, great prices on wools, and rugby shirts. The place is huge so give yourself some time.

Those are my humble and somewhat limited recommendations. I hope to go back someday. I envy you because you will have much more time to take it all in. The New Zealander's are very friendly and outgoing. You'll have a blast! Give us a report upon your return.

Take care and Aloha!

Arty

[ Edited by: stentiki on 2003-01-10 18:29 ]