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Whirlawind in New Zealand

A September 1992 trip to Auckland by willgo

As a family with teenage boys, we wanted to explore a country whose first language was English. New Zealand was do-able because of its relatively small size.

  • 4 reviews
  • 2 stories/tips

Whirlawind in New ZealandBest of IgoUgo

Overview

The 'World in Miniature' is the tourism motto of New Zealand, and in a whirlwind tour we were able to see the tropics of the North Island and the fjords of the South Island.

Quick Tips:

Air New Zealand gave us special discounted tickets for teenagers...unheard of in the US.

Best Way To Get Around:

We opted for an Air Pass to save time in island-hopping. In the cities we walked and used public transportation to maximize sightseeing.

Mt EdenBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mount Eden"

We were experiencing severe jet lag afer a 21-hour flight from the USA, but needed to run of some energy at Mt. Eden Park before settling into our hotel. The adults could just enjoy the view and absorb some local history.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by willgo on October 9, 2000

Mt Eden
Mt Eden Road Auckland, New Zealand 1003
+64 (0)9 979 2333

Auckland ZooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

We needed to do something special with the kids before sending them off to school as exchange students for 2 weeks. The zoo was a great introduction to NZ geography, history and wildlife
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by willgo on October 9, 2000

Auckland Zoo
Motions Road Auckland, New Zealand 1002
+64 (0)9 360 3800

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater WorldBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Underwater Aquarium"

Our kids were always interested in tropical fish but nothing prepared them for the experience of being surrounded by fish as we moved under the water.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by willgo on October 9, 2000

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World
23 Tamaki Drive Auckland, New Zealand 1005
+64 (0)9 528 0603

Pohutu GeyserBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

A short drive from Auckland was the spectacular area of Whakarewarewa near a more touristy Rotorua where we enjoyed the famed Pohutu Geyser and the pa (Maori village) Both were unusual for us first-time visitors to see through the eyes of our NZ hosts.

Walotapu NZBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

No far from Auckland the sprawling city we found ourselves enjoying the colored pools, crater steam vents and hot waterfalls of this charming site. The bubbling champagne pool was a site not to be missed.

About the Writer

willgo
willgo
Minneapolis, Minnesota

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