Convoy!

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Obviously many people are coming a long way to our wedding. We'd like to see you for more than a day or two, but of course you want to see New Zealand, so I am proposing we travel together for a few days after the wedding. And anyone from New Zealand who just wants a holiday is welcome to come too!

We will understand if you've already made other plans or you have other destinations you'd rather visit, just thought we'd put the idea out there. Please email me to let me know what you're keen to do and how many days you can spend with us.

The idea is to go to Rotorua, Taupo and Napier. Here are some possible activities:

Rotorua

Driving from Auckland to Rotorua takes about 3 and a half hours
• Soak and relax at the Polynesian Spa, maybe have a massage or spa treatment.
• Speed demons can go crazy on the Rotorua luge. George loves telling people his big wipe-out stories. Those not luging can still enjoy the gondola ride to the top and fantastic views over Lake Rotorua. I know some of you aren't huge fans of heights, don't worry, there is also the option of a walking track to get up the hill. Another option would be twilight luging and dinner at the restaurant.
• I've heard the Zorb is fun. You crawl inside a giant inflatable ball and they roll you down a hill.
• There are plenty of options for White Water Rafting around the Rotorua area. We could float gently down the river or tackle Grade 5 rapids and a 7 metre waterfall (I know which one I'd pick!)
• Paradise Valley Springs is a nice gentle option. You can see a variety of wildlife and farm animals and hand-feed pigs and ducks.
• Te Puia is a Maori cultural centre and geothermal valley. There are better thermal valleys, and apart from the show there's not much to it, but the singing and dancing performances are very professional.

Taupo

Driving from Rotorua to Taupo takes just over an hour
• Between Rotorua and Taupo is Wai-O-Tapu, one of the best thermal valleys in New Zealand. Its bubbling mud, terrace formations and colourful champagne pool are well worth a look.
• The boys (and girls if keen) can play a round at Wairakei Golf Course, rated by the US Golf Digest as one of the top 100 courses in the world outside the USA.
• Those looking for adventure can try bungy jumping or skydiving, both of which I have done a few times and can thoroughly recommend.
• The Huka Falls are impressive and easily accessible. More thrills can be found riding the Hukafalls Jet
• If you like prawns, the Huka Prawn park is a great place for lunch.
• There are more opportunities for white water rafting in the Taupo area. Or try gentle kayaking on Lake Taupo or the Waikato River
• Swimming at any number of great spots on the lake
• Walking up Mt Tauhara, behind the Taupo township, takes about two hours up (less down) and rewards you with spectacular views across the central North Island. On a clear day you can trace the main faultline from the volcanoes of Tongariro National park to White Island in the Bay of Plenty
• Cruise on Lake Taupo. We could charter a boat and have a barbeque in a secluded bay

Napier

Driving from Taupo to Napier takes about 2 hours
• A half-day vineyard tour is a must-do. Biking options are available, but we prefer to take it easy using Vince's shuttle service. We could have dinner at a winery such as Mission Estate
• Playing a round at the spectacular clifftop Cape Kidnappers golf course would be a rare treat.
• Napier was devastated by an earthquake in 1931, and many buildings were rebuilt in the Art Deco style popular at the time. If you are interested in this style of architecture you might be interested in a guided walking tour of the city
• Kids of all ages might like the National Aquarium
• Enjoy the fantastic panoramic views from Te Mata peak
• Maybe take a flight in a hot air balloon over Hawke's bay

Driving back to Auckland from Napier takes about 6 hours

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Photos

Prince of Wales Feather Geyser
At Whakarewarewa thermal reserve in Rotorua

Skydiving
Despite the look of abject terror on my face I absolutely loved it.