Horneman ● Saxon ● Knyvett
Reunion

If I had limited time in New Zealand/Aotearoa/Land of the Long White Cloud, I would allow time to visit:-

 ~ If flying in or out of Auckland, allow a minimum of 3 days to go north to Paihia in

   the  Bay of Islands. Take one of the many cruises, including Russell. If you’ve

   got plenty of time take the bus trip to Cape Reinga. Takes all day.

 ~ Matamata [refer map on this website] - some excellent eating places.

                       Take bus trip to where some of “The Lord of the Rings” was filmed.

 ~ Mt. Maunganui  [less than 1hr from Tatuanui] - one of our most popular beaches.

                      Great hot pools. 

~ Rotorua [1hr from Reunion] - major tourist centre

                      Rainbow and Fairy Springs - trout pools in natural bush settings.

                     Best thermal area Waiotapu, geyser plays at 10.00am daily, allow 1-2hrs

                     Tamaki Village for total Maori experience, book bus from City.

                     Good souvenir shopping. Hot pools. 

~ From here can head off around East Cape - allow 2 days minimum.

                     Slow roads in places. Fantastic scenery. A different pace and way of      

                     life. Not a lot of cafes. Lots of Maori settlements. See where “Whale

                     Rider” was filmed.

~ End up in Gisborne - first place in the world to see the sun of the new day.

                     Great little museum.

~ Down the coast to Hawkes Bay i.e. Napier and Hastings.

                      A day meandering around would do unless you’re a serious wine buff.

 ~ On to Wellington - You need to be a good calm traveller to land at this airport on

                      anything but a fine day. Visit Te Papa Museum for all things NZ. 

~ South Island - Of course Nelson and Motueka - anywhere of significance to our

                       families. Refer some of the publications for sale at the Reunion.

                       Allow 2 days minimum. 

~ Marlborough Sounds are beautiful. You’ll be able to envisage where Captain

                        Horneman did his epic row to take a message to some-one  -  refer

                        Laura’s Journal.                             

                       This is a major wine growing area.                     

~ Queenstown - Very picturesque, very tourist oriented. 2-3 days taking various

                         tours would give you a good insight. Can recommend the paddle

                         steamer on the Lake. Also, Skippers Canyon Tour. 

~ If heading back to Auckland, Taupo is a good stopping place. From there go out

                         on a limb to the glow worm caves at Waitomo. 

~ Coromandel Peninsula is also out on a limb. Beautiful beaches. Allow 3 days.

Lola McCormack 20 Jul 2006
Updated 29 Oct 2011 (JHKS)