[Red Devil]

Evening all

We've almost finalised the route for our 3 week 'reccie' trip in April of both the North & South Islands, however we're thinking stopping over somewhere en-route whilst doing the leg from Napier to Wellington.

Our North Island route goes... Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier. Based on the route, we'll be missing out the West coast of the North Island, so we're thinking of driving from Napier to Wanganui (stopover), then make our way down to Wellington... or are we best just heading straight from Napier to Wellington and spend an extra day in the capital?

Look forward to reading about your experiences and suggestions.

Thanks

[IanW99]

Evening all

We've almost finalised the route for our 3 week 'reccie' trip in April of both the North & South Islands, however we're thinking stopping over somewhere en-route whilst doing the leg from Napier to Wellington.

Our North Island route goes... Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier. Based on the route, we'll be missing out the West coast of the North Island, so we're thinking of driving from Napier to Wanganui (stopover), then make our way down to Wellington... or are we best just heading straight from Napier to Wellington and spend an extra day in the capital?

Look forward to reading about your experiences and suggestions.

Thanks

I guess it depends on what you want to see on the way. For me, I would have suggested going on the Desert road but that might not be the best option from Napier.

Alternatively, I would go down the SH2 and then across on the SH3 going through the Manawatu Gorge (check that the road is open) and then onto the SH1 down past the Kapiti coast and into Wellington. This should take 4.5 to 5 hours straight drive so gives you plenty of time to stop off on the way.

I've been to Wanganui a few times, but don't really think that it would be worth stopping at overnight, you would be better spending the additional night in Auckland, Rotorua or Wellington.

On your way down, when you get to Taupo, visit the Huka falls.

If you are staying in Taupo and haven't done any of the thermal parks in Rotorua then check out Orakei Korako (Hidden Valley)

If you do go down the SH1 then check out Paekakariki Hill Road, if you decide to stay on the SH2 then just after you drive over the Rimutakas check out the Kaitoke regional park.

Ian

[Red Devil]

Ian... thanks for the info. Much as we'd thought, so I reckon we'll head straight down to Wellington and spend an extra night there.

Simon

[IanW99]

Don't know if you've checked out NZ Road Trips (http://www.aatravel.co.nz/roadtrips/) yet but might give you some suggestions of things to see on the way.

Ian

[britchik]

I live in Wanganui, and believe me you will better off spending an extra night in Welly - without a doubt !:laugh

[Lupin]

but you could break the journey at the quite fabulous Mount Bruce (http://www.mtbruce.org.nz/) (click the underlined text) on your way down :)

[Xaviera]

Napier straight to Welly. You can travel 2 ways - one via the Wairarapa (through Masterton Greytownand over the Rimataka Hill) or through the Manawatu Gorge then through Shannon (slightly quicker). I travel this route frequently and it takes from between 3.5 hours to 4.5 hours.