Travel Weekly asked three leading coach operators to describe their favourite destination in New Zealand. Here’s what they said:
Auckland and the Bay of Islands
Elissa Hosking, general manager UK and Europe, AAT KIngs
“Auckland on North Island is an attractive stopover for a few nights before venturing to nearby Northland, the spectacular coastal route of the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel Peninsula. This region is known as the Pacific Coast Highway. It also takes in the East Cape, an attractive option for escorted touring and the independently minded.
“A ride to the top of the 328-metre Sky Tower in Auckland gives spectacular views of the city and the surrounding beach and seafront suburbs, and is a good introduction to the contrasting landscape. The harbour front is home to lots of little seafood restaurants, brasseries and bars with great views. At weekends, the waterways are a sailing haven. What a place to be later this year when New Zealand defends the America’s Cup in the nearby Hauraki Gulf!
“For shopping, try the Atrium on Elliot Street, while in the smaller side streets and arcades you will come across some delightful boutiques, galleries and craft shops.
“After the bustle of the city, the back country of the Coromandel Peninsula is unforgettable. Spectacular coastal winding roads reveal magnificent deserted beaches and coves, lush rainforest and hideaway bays where you can find an isolated, no-frills restaurant that will produce a meal of freshness and quality you’d expect from a five-star hostelry.
“It’s no wonder they call this area the Bay of Plenty.”
Queenstown
Leanne Lengton, regional manager UK/Europe, Mount Cook Line
“Queenstown in South Island should be on everyone’s itinerary – either as a summer or winter sports resort.
“Travelling south from Christchurch, most people arrive by road and the first thing that hits you is the spectacular alpine scenery. Queenstown lies on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the stunning mountains of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
“It is also a great place to get involved in the many activities on offer. I particularly recommend the Shotover Jet river trip, white-water rafting, a scenic helicopter flight and a walk in Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park.”
Some people may be aware that Queenstown is also well known for its own version of the formidable bungee jump, but Lengton preferred to keep her feet firmly on the ground.
She said: “Those who can face up to it can take the plunge from a bridge over the Kawarau River or Skippers Canyon. This is definitely worth a visit – even if you just go as a spectator like myself!
“Those looking for a more leisurely pace can take the Skyline Gondola ride 457 metres up Bob’s Peak – a 10min trip offering breathtaking views over Queenstown and The Remarkables range. There you can have a drink or a meal, taking in the view. Queenstown centre is fairly compact, so in the evening you can easily stroll around the shops and afterwards take in the many cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs.”
Rotorua
Carolyn Carreck, sales manager, Australian Pacific Tours group
The contrasts that a stay in Rotorua in central North Island can offer prompt Carolyn Carreck to recommend it as part of coach-based itinerary.
“Some escorted tours allow a fleeting glimpse of the area, but Carreck thinks an independent package offers more opportunities to explore the heart of the country’s Maori culture and traditions as well as the geothermal springs.
“Soaking in a hot mineral pool, looking out across Lake Rotorua, I found it hard to believe just 4hrs earlier I was in a rubber tyre tube plunging down freezing cold waterfalls. The contrasts of a holiday in and around Rotorua are amazing.
“Ask anyone who has been there and they will say it stinks. They are not wrong. When the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, the fumes from one of the largest thermal reserves in the Southern Hemisphere, Te Whakarewarewa, are strong. But I spent half a day walking round this fascinating reserve and breathed in the history of the area.
“The thermal reserves of Rotorua offer the traveller, young and old, an in-depth look into exciting forces that have shaped New Zealand’s landscape. One evening I attended a unique Maori concert where I was taught the words and actions of the Haka, the famous tribal war dance, which gave a good insight into the Maori culture. Afterwards we ate food from a hangi – the traditional earth oven that has been used for centuries.
“It’s easy to see why the most common expression you hear from New Zealanders is ‘no worries, mate’ – because there are none. I spent five glorious days exploring Rotorua and found myself wishing I had more time there.”