Whangamata in the Coromandel

Whangamata offers great things to the thousands of Kiwis that flock to the 6km of it’s white sandy beaches.  The sea temperature hovers around 20c in the summer and 15c in winter and the exposed nature of the beach makes it a great destination for surfers.  Sea bathing is, of course, popular and in Whangamata it is a very safe pastime.   Two river estuaries at either end of the main beach add to the bathing possibilities and are very popular with families.

The Pacific Ocean provides excellent sport for the big game and saltwater fisherman and there are companies that provide everything that you will need if your are new to the sport.

Also close to Whangamata are the Coromandel forest park and the Tairua forest where the walking trails are excellent.  If you walk far enough, you will discover isolated and beautiful beaches where you can scoff your packed lunch in absolute peace.  For the even more active there is always pig hunting, mountain biking or the exploration of old gold mines.

The town itself is a paradise for those who like their food, there being over 30 cafes, restaurants and clubs listed on one website that we found.

Accommodation isn’t in short supply either with all sorts of tastes and pockets catered for, from the humble B&B to the luxury of the Mercure Puka Park Resort at a modest £210 per night!

For more information about places to see and accommodation in New Zealand go to BuyNZHols.co.uk

The Coromandel Peninsula

Located 55kms to the east of Auckland this is a wonderful place to take your holidays.   People from all over New Zealand flock to the Coromandel for their holidays and long weekends.  These days it is getting a name for being the place to go for eco-holidays.

The centre of the Coromandel is largely given over to a rainforest reserve and is therefore sparsely populated and largely undeveloped.  One major attraction of the interior of the peninsula is the “Hairy Moehau” which, apparently resembles a large, very hairy great ape.   Lots of people have claimed sightings but, a bit like the Loch Ness monster, it’s very existence must be in doubt.

However, the Coromandel is best known for it’s beaches and is a popular area for holiday homes and seaside resorts.  Geothermal  activity is much in evidence particularly at Hot Water springs on the east coast where you can dig in the sand to create mini hot pools.

The town of Whangamata is popular with tourists as is the yachting centre of Whitianga at Mercury Bay.  One of the most popular pastimes on the Coromandel coast is scuba diving in the crystal clear waters.  If you’re needing accommodation in the Coromandel try this:

Cholmondeley Manor Quality B & B Whitianga
Pleasant luxurious accommodation in a New Zealand seaside community.   Ideally located for exploring the treasures of the Coromandel Peninsular.  Quietly situated between the waterways, estuary & the seafront.

 

There is more about accommodation and holiday locations all around New Zealand at BuyNZHols.

The Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is a very beautiful area with an amazing 259km of stunning coastline.  The tourist will spend a lot of time here as it contains within it’s boundaries the Coromandel peninsular with it’s beautiful beaches, national parks, botanical gardens, and the delightful thermal activities around Rotorua.

The best way to get around the Bay of Plenty is by camper van but there are also many other forms of accommodation available including the Baden Lodge Motel located in Rotorua.  Here you’ll find comfortable, clean luxury apartments sleeping from 1 – 5 people and each one has its own private courtyard with Spa Pool.  Once you’re here you won’t need the car as it’s really close to all the Rotorua amenities including the geothermal parks and the racecourse.

More accommodation and further information about the Bay of Plenty is available at BuyNZhols.

St Martins Waldorf Apartments Hotel, Auckland

As it’s name suggests., this is not just a hotel but is also a  residential complex.  It has magnificent views over the central business district, Grafton Gully and the harbour.  It’s also near to the central hospital and two of Auckland’s educational organisations.

View Image Gallery For St Martins Waldorf Apartments Hotel

Within walking distance are the Albert and Auckland Domain parks which are ideal for relaxing, walking and  jogging or viewing landmarks such as the Auckland war memorial museum, impressive building and statues.  Events often take place in both parks including outdoor concerts.

The 4.5 star luxury St. Martins Waldorf Apartments hotel offers a selection of spacious 1 & 2 bedroom hotel apartments  from £50.

View Map For St Martins Waldorf Apartments Hotel View map and get directions.

There are many more suggestions for accommodation in Auckland to be found on the BuyNZHols website.

Skyway Lodge, Auckland - from BuyNZ Holidays

The Airport Skyway lodge is just 5 minutes away from Auckland airport.  The airport is situated to the south of Auckland city which, in non-peak times, is a 40 minute drive away and it's also a 20 minute drive away from Manakau.  Due to it's proximity to the airport, the Skyway lodge is ideal accommodation if your intention is to take an onward journey to another part of New Zealand on a domestic flight.  Indeed there is a regular shuttle service to the airport for the convenience of the lodge's guests.
The accommodation comprises motel units with a lounge, kitchen, bathroom and one or two bedrooms which are priced from NZ$75 (£31.50).  There are also double, twin and shared rooms available in the lodge itself which have shared bathroom facilities as well as some ensuite rooms.


A great place to meet fellow travellers for a chat is the communal TV lounge.  There are facilities for cooking, doing the laundry and accessing the internet.  On top of all that there is a swimming pool, however it's not recommended for use in the winter as it is an outdoor pool.  Car parking is not a problem.

View Map For Refresh yourself at Airport Skyway Lodge. View map and get directions.

View Image Gallery For Airport Skyway Lodge.

Bed and Breakfast in Auckland

If you're going to New Zealand as a rugby fan, you'll need B&B near to the Eden Park rugby stadium.  Located a stones throw from the stadium, this restored Victorian guest house is ideal accommodation in an ideal position.

If you prefer somewhere a little quieter but still within easy driving distance of the centre of Auckland, the Karins garden villa B&B and cottage might fit the bill.  Located in the fashionable district of Devonport, this charming accommodation is never-the-less reasonably priced at around £37 per night.

Whatever your taste of location, it's well worth a visit to the BuyNZ holidays site to see more examples of Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Auckland.

Auckland Budget Accommodation

In Auckland, like everywhere else in the world, you've got rich visitors and you've got visitors on a budget.  There are plenty of hotels for the people with money to burn but there are also cheaper places for students and other less well off travellers to stay.

Take the Choice Plaza Hostel for example. Located near to the city centre, the hostel has single, double and even dormitory rooms available with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.  Ideal for the backpacker or lone traveller who would like to meet other people.  The hostel is well situated for the university, cinemas, art galleries and other attractions of Auckland.  And the best news is that prices start from NZ$13 (£5.50) per night/per person.

Slightly more exepnsive but still cheap at NZ$22 (£9.25) per night/per person is the Oaks Residence which has 37 levels of studio, one bed and two bed apartments with great views of the city and surrounding landscape.  This residence is owned by the Oaks Group who have properties throughout New Zealand and Australia.

There are plenty more choices of accommodation in Auckland and throughout New Zealand on the BuyNZ website.