Summer holiday in NZ - what's good to see near Auckland?

[esselle]

We are planning a 10 day holiday next January. Taking for a few days with family in Matarangi on the Coromandel then a few days looking around.

We have 4DC aged 8, 5, 2 & 8mo ( when we visit), can you recommend places to go and see? We will have a hire car and a reasonable sense of adventure!

Secondly can anyone recommend any accommodation in Auckland which isn't too crazy expensive which we will all fit in comfortably? I am thinking along the lines of an apartment type of thing...

Thanks!

Thanks justaboutiswarm!! Sorry I missed your fast reply - life got I the way!! Your suggestions are great a really good stating point for us.

Not really sure about the accomodation budget but having had a look at a few places already, I think $200 a night should do it.

While you're in the coromandel, Hahei and Cathedral Cove are nice to visit link here.

Also my 3 yo loved this farm park, near Whitianga link here.

Didn't mean to post yet!

In Auckland - of the top of my head -

Agree with Justabout, Waitakere ranges. There are some train rides through it some weekends in summer www.waitakeretramline.org.nz/home.html and www.watercare.co.nz/community/rain-forest-express/Pages/default.aspx

West coast beaches (Piha, Karekare etc)

Rangitoto - ferry from the CBD then train or climb to the top, great views of Auckland.

Zoo, plus Western Springs park right next to it, with lake to walk round and a good playground

MOTAT - museum of Technology and Transport - some of it a bit random but quite fun

Kelly Tarltons underwater world place, haven't been for years, not sure how good it is.

North Head, Devonport - old military tunnels to explore, Devonport suburb has nice cafes, bookshops, ice cream shops, waterfront playground.

Lovely beaches on the North Shore, loads of em!

Wynyard quarter at the harbourfront in the CBd, has a tram and often kids activities weekend/summer. Maritime museum nearby.

"City" beaches at Mission Bay, St Heliers, Kohimarama, nice cares, ice cream, playgrounds etc. Near Kelly Tarltons.

Ambury Fam Park in Mangere Bridge, regional park with a working farm on, can watch cows being milked etc, all free, also walks and little beaches within the park.

I can think of others but maybe later...closer to the time you could check out the Eventfinder website www.eventfinder.co.nz/, it lists kids events, free events etc as well as concerts, theatre etc etc.

For accommodation, for 200 a night you could possibly get a holiday house somewhere in Auckland itself. Try
www.bookabach.co.nz/
www.holidayhouses.co.nz/
www.holidayhomes.co.nz/

This one in Kohi for example, near nice beach, parks, playgrounds etc. prob nicer than being in an apartment in the CBD. www.bookabach.co.nz/baches-and-holiday-homes/view/6426/locale/kohimarama

Auckland zoo is awesome. Aside from that, if you hadn't already planned your holiday I would have suggested skipping Auckland entirely. Wellington is a million times more fun. I'm so helpful.

Whatshesaid has pretty much covered all my suggestions apart from a day trip to Waiheke and lunch up skytower. If you eat in the restaurant you can go up for free.

I'd defo try and fit in Piha though as it is one of my favourite places.

All those suggestions are great. You might also want to register (free) to 'grab one' before you come. You can get vouchers for entry into alot of places, restaurants etc...at a reduced price e.g. 50% off or 2 for 1. We use them heaps for days out.

Wow!! Thank you so much for all of your excellent suggestions and advice. I really appreciate the time you took to help.

We booked our flights yesterday so I am staring to get really excited now!!

Thank again!!

My kids loved Waiwera, north of Auckland. Hot pools and watersildes! Also Matakana area - some lovely beaches and countryside. Boat trip to Waiheke? Ferry over to Devonport? We stayed in St Helliers once - really pleasant and very family friendly.

(waves to all her friends)..., second the not staying cbd. Stay beach area. I know I'm biased and Littlest would agree but eastern bays great place to base yourself (kohi, mission bay, st heliers, glendowie) . V kid friendly with beach and very close to town and amenities. Was going to recommend u where we stayed in Mount Eden when we landed- beautiful house but to be honest it wasn't too kid friendly an area I found - no parks etc.

Mission Bay would be a lovely place to stay if you can find a bach. Lots of restaurants, playground and the beach. Regular buses into the city. And movenpick for ice cream!

It's worth asking for a weekly rate on bachs.

Wow thanks again guys you are simply fabulous and fast!!

I did have a quick look at the campervans and they are pretty expensive. It would also mean I would have to do all of the driving as DH is a rubbish driver and would probably freak out at the though of navigating one of those bad boys around! They are lovely though!!

The vans started at about $3k which is more than our air fares! I know you can get really good deals on vans here in Australia if you deliver them back to their depot but I imagine you would only get deals like that going from the north to south islands maybe.