We're (me & husband) halfway through our RTW trip and have decided to spend a chilled out Christmas by the sea in New Zealand.

We're flying out of Auckland just before New Year and were toying with the idea of renting a cottage on Waiheke Island, perhaps around Oneroa for the week before....Neither of us drive, so it can't be too remote, and we'd like to be within walking distance of a pub/cafe/restaurant.

If anyone has any advice - i.e. What's Oneroa like - is it a bit of an (expensive) tourist trap being so close to Auckland? Is there anywhere else reasonably close to Auckland that'd be a cool place for a relaxed Christmas? - I'd be eternally grateful if you would share it!

Thanks
:)

i spetn last christmas and new year in paunui ( i think thats how you spell it, its part of the coromandel and a great place for familsies with a lovely beach but not much action!

I had a fab christmas in Paihia, Bay of Islands. Plenty of good hostels, swimming pools, hot tubs etc inc. Small town with lively enough atmosphere. Great weather too in the far north.

Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty, about four hours drive from Auckland and about two hours drive from Rotorua or Tauranga is a nice place to spend Christmas. You could stay at Ohope Beach, which is just over the hill from Whakatane. Although you'd need to book in advance as it can get busy around Christmas and New Years. You can swim with dolphins, visit Whale Island, which is a conservation island just offshore. It has tuataras (a native NZ lizards) and rare birds. You could also fly or take a boat to White Island, which is an active volcano. Or there are loads and loads of lovely walking tracks. There's lots to do and it's not too touristy.

If you don't drive then I would vote Waiheke Island. It's easy and quick to get to and once you are there you could rent bikes or walk to most places. As for being touristy it depends what you are used to. I am a NZer living in London and Waiheke is nothing like popular beachy places that the British usually go to in Europe! There will be loads of New Zealanders on holiday there, many of them in family holiday homes - a different sort of feel.

The Coromandel is gorgeous but without a car it is a bit difficult to get to and Whakatane is even worse. Plus with only a few days to spare Waiheke means less travel time and more being there.

Waiheke sounds good, but then they all do!

Thanks so much for all your suggestions they've been a great help.

V
:)

Hi,

Have lived in NZ all my life (bar 6 weeks when I was born/living in Australia - please don't hold that against me!)

Had access to family batch (crib??? holiday home???) at Waiheke, Rocky Bay for a couple of years. I loved it (husband wasn't that wrapt with it), I spent my time 4-6 weeks there walking dog, going for breakfast, going to pub for drink and generally just really chilling out.

My brother lived in Ohope, Whakatane, and I spent a Christmas down there - really nice but wouldn't have wanted to spend more than a week there.

Pauanui is nice (going there next weekend) - but very touristy (more than Waiheke in my humble opinion).

My choice would be Waiheke - many beautiful beaches, not hard to get around, lots for everyone. In saying that you have to accept the fact that at Christmas it is going to be very, very busy - but ... I think everywhere here in NZ (mainly North Island) is nowadays!

Regards and best wishes fo a wonderful Christmas break.

Kathy

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