Silly tourist Q4 - Northland

leepback Posted: 9 April 2011, 7:52 AM   One of the few regions of NZ we are yet to visit is Northland and was considering heading there (still working out stuff to do and we go in 2 days) this trip . One thought against it was that being NZ school holidays it would be overcrowded with residents of Auckland heading up for Easter holidays. The furtherest North we have been is Orewa (during Waitangi week i think) and it was just too crowded and we couldn't get a campsite. It reminded me of the gold coast here a little bit. Is that likely to be the case in many Northland areas at this time of year?   X Posted: 9 April 2011, 5:57 PM   Leepback, you'll definately be able to leepback in time if you spend some time exploring northland. there are a few busy holiday spots but you won't be climbing over people. There are plenty of real gems scattered around both coastlines. It's much bigger than it looks! Gas is $2++ over here now thanks to Libiya and our Emissions Trading Scheme. But how could you be satisfied if you went home without visiting a different part of godzone than you've seen before.   leepback Posted: 10 April 2011, 7:44 PM   Thanks X OK still thinking on this one - need to get our itinerary down ASAP though as leave Tues.   Michael Posted: 11 April 2011, 4:53 AM   From the Dompost crossword: Rest deeply with strips off back. 5 letters. This message was edited by Michael on 11 April 2011, 12:54 PM   X Posted: 11 April 2011, 7:19 AM   @ leepback In the rush to escape the Auckland people often overlook what simple and cheap experiences the city centre can offer... Fish'n'chips down at the Auckland Fish Market, near the viaduct harbour but gets you away from the superyachts to where you can see the fishing boats going about their daily business, keeping it real. Albert park is usually colourfull with flowers if mapgirl responds well to a romantic setting, and when you're all done (looking at the gardens) the Akld Art Gallery is just next to it. There are various ferry's from the wharf, it's relitively inexpensive and quite interesting shooting over to Devonport (if you don't want to drive around) where you can see some navel history and colonial buildings. There are also some quiet pubs and small art galleries. The two volcanic cones give great views and particularly North Head where there are various military tunnels and a cool walk around the base to a fine Cheltenham beach. The season is probably finished now but you might get to see how not to play cricket, at the lovely local oval. Really I should be encouraging you to go watch a rugby union game instead. A short ferry ride to volcanic Rangitoto Island is interesting and scenic too, making sure you take your own food and drink supplies. If mapgirl enjoyed Albert park you could step up that theme a bit and visit the French Market at Parnell stocking up on wine and cheese and all things french and head to the nearby Parnell Rose gardens. Not far from there is the Akd Domain with it's large Museum and plenty of walks through some cool bush where you would never believe you were in the middle of the city. There is also an orienteering map of the park if you really have too much time on your hands. Plenty of other things too, you may want to treat your self to a show of some sort at a theatre.   X Posted: 11 April 2011, 7:41 AM   some auckland city links... http://www.planmyplay.co.nz/CustomContentRetrieve.aspx?ID=112439 8&rlz=1T4GGIE_enNZ335&q=french+market+parnell http://www.biglittlecity.co.nz/Events/This_Month/ http://www.devonport.co.nz/do_see.htm http://www.fullers.co.nz/destinations-tours/rangitoto-island.php http://www.lacigale.co.nz/wawcs0111832/ln-Market.html better stop harrassing you as you have bags to pack This message was edited by X on 11 April 2011, 3:44 PM