Wellington or Auckland?

[ukdiva]

I'm currently in the planning stages of my Australia trip next year, and have decided i might like to add a stop in New Zealand too, considering i'm flying all that way, i might as well try to pack in as much as possible! But i can't decide whether i'd like to do Wellington or Auckland, and was wondering if anyone on here who has been can shed some light on to both or either of these two places! Thanks. :D

[ian180]

We're doing HK, OZ and NZ this November and part of the pre-planned tour is Auckland.

Highlights of our 3 days here include a Vineyard wine tasting afternoon, dolphin cruise and dinner on a tiny beach island just of the coast watching the sun set, visiting the tallest southern hemisphere tower and also the largest shopping mall in Australasia (should help make your mind up!!) called Dress Smart - can't wait for that one.....

Hope this helps.

[wee-haggis]

I would plan to go to Auckland and arrange to take a day trip or one overnight to Rotorua (thermal area) the thermal hot tubs are fabulous. It is very interesting and there is a lot to do. I hope you have a great time. I lived in Auckland for 5 years and really enjoyed it.

[ukdiva]

Thanks for the advice, guys! Looks like Auckland is winning at the moment, especially since you said they had the biggest mall in Australasia, Ian! *lol* That's a BIG draw for me! :)

[ian180]

Originally posted by ukdiva
Thanks for the advice, guys! Looks like Auckland is winning at the moment, especially since you said they had the biggest mall in Australasia, Ian! *lol* That's a BIG draw for me! :)

I thought you might say that!!:wink

[Tanya934]

WE LOVE NEW ZEALAND & we've done both many times over & i think it depends on what you want to do.
Auckland is great for shopping and visiting museums such as Kelly Tarletons & the Skyline tower & the views from One Tree Hill are fantastic but it's a pain to navigate in a hurry and it seems very spread out. Auckland is more humid & cloudy than Welllington.

Wellington is a lot easier to navigate on foot (perfect for window shopping) and has some great attractions along the harbour such as the Te Papa museum.
The ride on the cable car to the botanical gardens is amazing as you get some great views of Wellington and can wander arond some lovely gardens.

While I agree with wee haggis about Rotorua, I'd recommend Lake Taupo which is roughly in the centre of the North Island.
You still get a lot of Thermal features but you can also get some fantastic views of 3 Volcanoes, one of which errupted twice in the 1990's. Depending on the time of year you go you can even ski on its slopes!
Feel free to PM me if you want some more info.


Wellington is also a great drop off point if you want to go to the South Island.

[zodilocks]

I'm a kiwi and I would definately say AUCKLAND!!!! Living in UK for many years now

[DisneySarah]

I would say Auckland too, better shopping, and better oppotunities for day trips (Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves etc :D)