Two weeks ago, staff here at AA Tourism were sent on overnight trips to discover the people and places we promote, deal with and write about every day. Members of the Customer Services, Studio, Editorial, Accounts, Marketing and Web teams made up the five groups who set off on a two-day mission to see as much as possible within three hours' drive of Auckland.
Keys to rental cars and folders were given out at the office, the contents of the folders revealing our group members, where we were headed and what we would be experiencing along the way. Even the dodgy weather couldn't curb our excitement!
Keys to rental cars and folders were given out at the office, the contents of the folders revealing our group members, where we were headed and what we would be experiencing along the way. Even the dodgy weather couldn't curb our excitement!
NORTHLANDThe first group headed to pristine Northland and had an absolute blast, with a jam-packed itinerary ensuring that the two days were made the most of. Highlights included visiting the picturesque 26-metre Whangarei Falls, taking a cruise by catamaran past Cape Brett to the Hole in the Rock, stopping at Kawakawa for very good organic coffee and the compulsory call-in to the famous Hundertwasser-designed public toilets. But everyone's favourite activity was definitely quad biking over farmland and through native bush, getting incredible views of the Hokianga Harbour and the Wairere Boulders along the way.
COROMANDELCoromandel Peninsula was the destination of the second group, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves exploring a great deal of what the Peninsula has to offer. Waiau Waterworks was an unexpected favourite, with the group wishing they had a whole day to spend exploring the hilarious contraptions. The glass-bottom boat trip leaving from Whitianga was also fun and informative, while target shooting, archery and an Argo (an eight-wheel amphibious vehicle) ride added plenty of excitement. This was followed up with a spot of pampering at the stunning Lost Spring. Overall, the group had one amazing Coromandel experience.
BAY OF PLENTYThe beautiful Bay of Plenty was where the next group were off to, and there they were treated to a variety of great activities - from sampling delicious honey products at Mossop's and visiting the Kiwifruit Capital of the World, Te Puke, for a kiwifruit orchard tour to strolling around Mt Maunganui, checking out McLaren Falls Park and visiting Waimarino Adventure Park. The highlights were definitely a jet-boat ride down the Kaituna River- a half-hour thrill ride with fast turns and 360-degree spins, and a relaxing soak in mineral water hot tubs at Te Aroha on the way home.
WAITOMOThe next group headed deep into King Country to visit the wondrous Waitomo region. The group got up close to kiwi and other native birds and creatures, explored the impressive Marokopa and Bridal Veil waterfalls and got to know the laidback surf town of Raglan. But nothing came close to what the Waitomo Caves had to offer - a two and a half-hour underground tour involving abseiling down into and crawling through caves, otherwise known as 'Haggis Honking Holes'. This was certainly both a physical and mental challenge for the group, but incredibly rewarding.
ROTORUARotorua was, as expected, full of adrenalin-pumping activities for the group that visited this popular tourist area. Their visit to Agroventures was a highlight, with all four group members plucking up the courage to bungy jump from a 43-metre tower. The Swoop, a giant swing where you are released from 40 metres high to swoop towards the ground, and Freefall Xtreme, where you can actually fly on a column of air, were other thrilling activities enjoyed. The action didn't stop here, with visits to the Zorb and Skyline Skyrides also keeping our group entertained.
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