Planet Rugby Forum

What are people's views on the train? In order to cut down on driving (which I find a very un-enjoyable activity), I was thinking of doing some of the North Island via train? I know that limits where you can go but is it worthwhile investigating the possibility of interspersing road with rail?

Davedj77 wrote:

mr bungle wrote:

deadduck wrote:Having been up the Skyline in both quite recently I would say they're not that far apart in terms of quality. And for every other thing Queuetown has going for it, Rotovegas has something else .

I'd stay the hell away from both personally

Skyline as in the business? I’m referring to them being the major tourist destination of each island. Appreciate that QT is overrun these days, but its not a f**king dive like Rotorua. And if you want to head out for a night, has quality restaurants and bars. I’ve unfortunately had two recent conferences in Rotorua, no comparison.

So because Rotorua isn't as amazing as Queenstown, it's not worth visiting? Jesus that pretty much rules out the rest of NZ. May as well just go to Queenstown and then head home

Well, no... there are wonderful places all over the country big and small. My comment was regarding the leading light tourist Mecca’s of each island one of which is a bit of a shithole.

mr bungle wrote:

Davedj77 wrote:

mr bungle wrote:I’ve always wondered what a tourist having been to QT thinks when they roll in to the NI equivalent, Rotorua.

Weird comment. Who compares Queenstown to Rotorua? Why would you? They are very different towns with different attractions. I get that Rotorua isn't as picturesque as Queenstown, but where else is? But then, where else can you see the attractions Rotorua has? Both are places that any tourist should visit and in both you'll have very different experiences.

Rotorua is a rundown fucking dive. Hardly shop window material for tourists. Unless they’re after a plastic Māori experience.

Rotorua is a rural service centre where people raise families and live out their lives. Queenstown is almost entirely tourism driven these days. People can barely afford to live there. The streets may as well be paved with marble and girted with gold

Caley_Red wrote:What are people's views on the train? In order to cut down on driving (which I find a very un-enjoyable activity), I was thinking of doing some of the North Island via train? I know that limits where you can go but is it worthwhile investigating the possibility of interspersing road with rail?

Only one worth doing is TransAlpine. Coastal Pacific is shut since the quakes and the Overlander will zip past half the stuff you want to see

Caley_Red wrote:What are people's views on the train? In order to cut down on driving (which I find a very un-enjoyable activity), I was thinking of doing some of the North Island via train? I know that limits where you can go but is it worthwhile investigating the possibility of interspersing road with rail?

I'd advise against it. I haven't done it but my parents, did the trip from Auckland to Wellington and were very underwhelmed. It misses most of the best bits of the NI. Although from south of Taranaki/Napier there is very little to see by car so if you could train that bit and end up in Wellington it might be worth it.

deadduck wrote:

mr bungle wrote:

Davedj77 wrote:

mr bungle wrote:I’ve always wondered what a tourist having been to QT thinks when they roll in to the NI equivalent, Rotorua.

Weird comment. Who compares Queenstown to Rotorua? Why would you? They are very different towns with different attractions. I get that Rotorua isn't as picturesque as Queenstown, but where else is? But then, where else can you see the attractions Rotorua has? Both are places that any tourist should visit and in both you'll have very different experiences.

Rotorua is a rundown fucking dive. Hardly shop window material for tourists. Unless they’re after a plastic Māori experience.

Rotorua is a rural service centre where people raise families and live out their lives. Queenstown is almost entirely tourism driven these days. People can barely afford to live there. The streets may as well be paved with marble and girted with gold

Mr b showing his South Island elitism. It must be nice to live in an area bailed out so many times by NZ taxpayers. No Maori too which would be considered an added bonus.

mr bungle wrote:

Davedj77 wrote:

mr bungle wrote:

deadduck wrote:Having been up the Skyline in both quite recently I would say they're not that far apart in terms of quality. And for every other thing Queuetown has going for it, Rotovegas has something else .

I'd stay the hell away from both personally

Skyline as in the business? I’m referring to them being the major tourist destination of each island. Appreciate that QT is overrun these days, but its not a f**king dive like Rotorua. And if you want to head out for a night, has quality restaurants and bars. I’ve unfortunately had two recent conferences in Rotorua, no comparison.

So because Rotorua isn't as amazing as Queenstown, it's not worth visiting? Jesus that pretty much rules out the rest of NZ. May as well just go to Queenstown and then head home

Well, no... there are wonderful places all over the country big and small. My comment was regarding the leading light tourist Mecca’s of each island one of which is a bit of a shithole.

You've got a pretty shit opinion for a thread trying to help a tourist see the best bits of NZ. I recently moved back to Rotorua after never thinking I'd return and it's been great, especially as somewhere to raise my daughter. There is so much to see and do here and is very easy to get away from the throngs of tourists if that kind of thing annoys you. It's not amazingly beautiful (no way is it a "shithole" though) and is far from perfect but your opinion seems extra harsh.

This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

That's fair. If it sounds and looks like it would be your thing then go for it. I'd recommend Coromandel and Waitomo as tourist spots in that general part of the country over Rotorua though.

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

Thanks for that but we are and always have been the REAL "The Bay"

Andalu wrote:

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

That's fair. If it sounds and looks like it would be your thing then go for it. I'd recommend Coromandel and Waitomo as tourist spots in that general part of the country though.

Not my thing, it's in the Bay of Plenty, it stinks etc ....

But, the Coromandel and Waitomo are different types of places (plus, how long can you spend in Waitomo anyway?) and tourists to NZ want often to see all that NZ has to offer - the geysers, the 'cultural' experience, sheep being shorn etc. They lap that shit up.

Davedj77 wrote:

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

Thanks for that but we are and always have been the REAL "The Bay"

You'd be third behind Poverty ...

They have some cultural stuff around Waitomo too. Definitely could make a day of it.

Andalu wrote:

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

That's fair. If it sounds and looks like it would be your thing then go for it. I'd recommend Coromandel and Waitomo as tourist spots in that general part of the country over Rotorua though.

One last defence of Rotorua then I'll give up. Totally disagree. Where can you see the stuff Rotorua has anywhere in the rest of the world? Only a handful of places and Rotorua would probably be the easiest to access. Coromandel is beautiful but is a bit out of the way. September/October, when the OP is here isn't really the ideal time for the Coromandel either. And Waitomo, other than the caves has...what? Plus it is out of the way. Rotorua is on the way south to Taupo, another spot that shouldn't be missed so why would you avoid it? If the wonders of nature don't interest you, maybe if you have been to Yellowstone and it didn't do it for you, sure, give Rotorua a pass. But otherwise as an international tourist you would be mad to bypass Rotorua. You'd be missing a unique part of not just NZ but the world. Just don't go expecting Queenstown like scenery or a pumping nightlife and you'll be fine.

UncleFB wrote:

Davedj77 wrote:

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

Thanks for that but we are and always have been the REAL "The Bay"

You'd be third behind Poverty ...

You are dead to me!

Davedj77 wrote:

UncleFB wrote:

Davedj77 wrote:

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

Thanks for that but we are and always have been the REAL "The Bay"

You'd be third behind Poverty ...

You are dead to me!

Hey, I've been helping you defend Rotorua! I should at least be alive on life support to you!

guy smiley wrote:If you ladies could stop your squabbling for a moment, there's a prospective tourist asking sincere questions about what to see and where to go in our homeland...

presumably he's not planning on attending every minor domestic dispute or supermarket carpark battle over a trolley.

Have a look at yourselves.

You mean he doesn't want to come to Henderson and fight over the last bit of glue sold at the local gas station?

Davedj77 wrote:

Caley_Red wrote:What are people's views on the train? In order to cut down on driving (which I find a very un-enjoyable activity), I was thinking of doing some of the North Island via train? I know that limits where you can go but is it worthwhile investigating the possibility of interspersing road with rail?

I'd advise against it. I haven't done it but my parents, did the trip from Auckland to Wellington and were very underwhelmed. It misses most of the best bits of the NI. Although from south of Taranaki/Napier there is very little to see by car so if you could train that bit and end up in Wellington it might be worth it.

The drive from Napier to Wellington is great -- especially the inland road and if you have the time take a detour out to the coast. It is spectacular.

Andalu wrote:

usermame wrote:

Andalu wrote:I'm a BoP boy and I wouldn't recommend Rotorua, but each to their own.

Best luge I've been on...and the geothermal activity happening in the city parks is amusing.

It could be a taking it for granted as it's on your doorstep thing and I agree it has varied attractions and scenery but...the smell.

Sure. I've spent a lot of weekends in Roturua, the smell is part of the attraction, one doesn't get it anywhere else, really. And it is a hoot to see steam coming up everywhere. Perhaps I'm easily amused. I think I'd charter a boat for a trout troll if I was doing the tourist thing. On the Blue Lake, or Lake Tawarewa, that would be quite pleasant. Maybe go for an aerobatic flight in the Tiger Moth out at the airfield.

I must be a Fule as I liked Rotorua - can't remember the name but the beautiful old pub in the centre of town was great for dinner.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn (Who were excellent, upgrading us after our AC broke). Loved the Thermal pool there.

Zorbing, Waimangu and the Treetops walk made for an excellent couple of days.

I've been to Queenstown as well - which is great but VERY busy.

UncleFB wrote:

Andalu wrote:

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

That's fair. If it sounds and looks like it would be your thing then go for it. I'd recommend Coromandel and Waitomo as tourist spots in that general part of the country though.

Not my thing, it's in the Bay of Plenty, it stinks etc ....

But, the Coromandel and Waitomo are different types of places (plus, how long can you spend in Waitomo anyway?) and tourists to NZ want often to see all that NZ has to offer - the geysers, the 'cultural' experience, sheep being shorn etc. They lap that shit up.

Good point, as a farmer of Māori upbringing who grew up fairly close to Lake Wakatipu/ Te Anau/ Hauroko that kind of stuff probably means nothing to me. I can see the appeal for a foreigner.

Rotorua smells of bum.

WoodlandsRFC wrote:

UncleFB wrote:

Andalu wrote:

UncleFB wrote:This Rotorua discussion has gone a bit weird. Any time I hosted someone from overseas Rotorua has always been a well loved stop (and think of how hard it is for someone from Magpies country to say that about Steamers country).

There's lots that 'tourists' like to do and visit, even if a grumpy NZer doesn't.

That's fair. If it sounds and looks like it would be your thing then go for it. I'd recommend Coromandel and Waitomo as tourist spots in that general part of the country though.

Not my thing, it's in the Bay of Plenty, it stinks etc ....

But, the Coromandel and Waitomo are different types of places (plus, how long can you spend in Waitomo anyway?) and tourists to NZ want often to see all that NZ has to offer - the geysers, the 'cultural' experience, sheep being shorn etc. They lap that shit up.

Good point, as a farmer of Māori upbringing who grew up fairly close to Lake Wakatipu/ Te Anau/ Hauroko that kind of stuff probably means nothing to me. I can see the appeal for a foreigner.

Yep, even as a non-farmer of Maori upbringing I found Te Puia interesting ... obviously a tourist experience is never going to be 100% authentic but not all tourists are lucky enough to know someone who can take them on to a marae (and time it for a tangi, hui etc for an 'authentic' experience).

Hobbiton is worth the trip - BUT!!

Drive directly to the office, don't get the tour from within Town as it costs a lot more.

Also, you can actually stay longer at the Green Dragon and order more beer/food but they don't tell you.

Whanganui is a must see, if you've got the time, take a dip in the river. It's a short drive from a picturesque wee town called Marton, closest you'll get to the Scottish experience with more pubs per capita than anywhere else in the country. I'd recommend a stopover of about 3 days in Palmerston North too, it's lovely, truly, the view from atop Cross hills will give you views of almost all of the lower North Island. The fudge is certainly something else. Definitely have to make a stop in Levin too, the bakery is comfortably within the top 10 in the country, and if you're looking for the true kiwi cultural experience it's certainly the ideal vista. (Also to be found in Huntly) in all honesty, I would avoid Wellington if I were you, it's pricey, windy, and there's absolutely nothing of note, it's a poor man's Whakatane.

WoodlandsRFC wrote:Whanganui is a must see, if you've got the time, take a dip in the river. It's a short drive from a picturesque wee town called Marton, closest you'll get to the Scottish experience with more pubs per capita than anywhere else in the country. I'd recommend a stopover of about 3 days in Palmerston North too, it's lovely, truly, the view from atop Cross hills will give you views of almost all of the lower North Island. The fudge is certainly something else. Definitely have to make a stop in Levin too, the bakery is comfortably within the top 10 in the country, and if you're looking for the true kiwi cultural experience it's certainly the ideal vista. (Also to be found in Huntly) in all honesty, I would avoid Wellington if I were you, it's pricey, windy, and there's absolutely nothing of note, it's a poor man's Whakatane.

WoodlandsRFC wrote: It's a short drive from a picturesque wee town called Marton, closest you'll get to the Scottish experience with more pubs per capita than anywhere else in the country.

Really? I spent a lot of time in Marton as a child, my grandmother lived there. I assumed it was dead now. Does it really still exist?

Jeff the Bear wrote:Rotorua smells of bum.

Mmmmmmmmh...bum.

usermame wrote:

WoodlandsRFC wrote: It's a short drive from a picturesque wee town called Marton, closest you'll get to the Scottish experience with more pubs per capita than anywhere else in the country.

Really? I spent a lot of time in Marton as a child, my grandmother lived there. I assumed it was dead now. Does it really still exist?

Bullshit, we didn't have any chicken runners in the 1960s

maxbox wrote:Bullshit, we didn't have any chicken runners in the 1960s

I don't suppose you'll ever get it.

usermame wrote:

WoodlandsRFC wrote: It's a short drive from a picturesque wee town called Marton, closest you'll get to the Scottish experience with more pubs per capita than anywhere else in the country.

Really? I spent a lot of time in Marton as a child, my grandmother lived there. I assumed it was dead now. Does it really still exist?

Far from being dead it is now the cultural and financial hub for a population close to 20,000 people. It boasts an all new New World super market, a refurbished Farmlands, a Holden dealership, two of the most prestigious private schools in the country (of course they don't like that fact attached) and at least 3 distinct main roads, a town with no clear identity. The closure of Lake Ellice added a whole new dimension of quirky Uber intellects drawing comparisons to other global cultural hubs such as the picturesque Cuba Street in Wellington or the inner suburbs of Henderson. Marton truly epitomises the (not so) rural Kiwi former service town cum intellectual mecca, Its no wonder it was on the shortlist for NZs most beautiful town in 1983.

usermame wrote:

maxbox wrote:Bullshit, we didn't have any chicken runners in the 1960s

I don't suppose you'll ever get it.

Enlighten me oh wise one You are South African correct?

Jokes bro, I take it your whanau moved over here in the 1990s?

Pat the Ex Mat wrote:Hobbiton is worth the trip - BUT!!

Drive directly to the office, don't get the tour from within Town as it costs a lot more.

Also, you can actually stay longer at the Green Dragon and order more beer/food but they don't tell you.

But if you're unlucky to hit a busy day you'll be standing in a queue for 2 hours waiting for a guide

Whereas if you leave from Matamata on the bus you just go right on in

WoodlandsRFC wrote:

usermame wrote:

WoodlandsRFC wrote: It's a short drive from a picturesque wee town called Marton, closest you'll get to the Scottish experience with more pubs per capita than anywhere else in the country.

Really? I spent a lot of time in Marton as a child, my grandmother lived there. I assumed it was dead now. Does it really still exist?

Far from being dead it is now the cultural and financial hub for a population close to 20,000 people. It boasts an all new New World super market, a refurbished Farmlands, a Holden dealership, two of the most prestigious private schools in the country (of course they don't like that fact attached) and at least 3 distinct main roads, a town with no clear identity. The closure of Lake Ellice added a whole new dimension of quirky Uber intellects drawing comparisons to other global cultural hubs such as the picturesque Cuba Street in Wellington or the inner suburbs of Henderson. Marton truly epitomises the (not so) rural Kiwi former service town cum intellectual mecca, Its no wonder it was on the shortlist for NZs most beautiful town in 1983.

The good people at wikipedia tell me it is also the home town of Israel Dagg.

Pat the Ex Mat wrote:Hobbiton is worth the trip - BUT!!

Drive directly to the office, don't get the tour from within Town as it costs a lot more.

Also, you can actually stay longer at the Green Dragon and order more beer/food but they don't tell you.

Awesome, that's a great wee tip. Given it's the manifestation of a fictional place, I won't lose out on the tour guide's historical knowledge of the site either.

Caley_Red wrote:

WoodlandsRFC wrote:

usermame wrote:

WoodlandsRFC wrote: It's a short drive from a picturesque wee town called Marton, closest you'll get to the Scottish experience with more pubs per capita than anywhere else in the country.

Really? I spent a lot of time in Marton as a child, my grandmother lived there. I assumed it was dead now. Does it really still exist?

Far from being dead it is now the cultural and financial hub for a population close to 20,000 people. It boasts an all new New World super market, a refurbished Farmlands, a Holden dealership, two of the most prestigious private schools in the country (of course they don't like that fact attached) and at least 3 distinct main roads, a town with no clear identity. The closure of Lake Ellice added a whole new dimension of quirky Uber intellects drawing comparisons to other global cultural hubs such as the picturesque Cuba Street in Wellington or the inner suburbs of Henderson. Marton truly epitomises the (not so) rural Kiwi former service town cum intellectual mecca, Its no wonder it was on the shortlist for NZs most beautiful town in 1983.

The good people at wikipedia tell me it is also the home town of Israel Dagg.

Born there, but Hastings (next to Napier) is his actual 'hometown'.

If you make it to Dunedin, get in touch and I can take you for a ride down the peninsula on the back of my bike.

Caley_Red wrote:

Pat the Ex Mat wrote:Hobbiton is worth the trip - BUT!!

Drive directly to the office, don't get the tour from within Town as it costs a lot more.

Also, you can actually stay longer at the Green Dragon and order more beer/food but they don't tell you.

Awesome, that's a great wee tip. Given it's the manifestation of a fictional place, I won't lose out on the tour guide's historical knowledge of the site either.

For me it was very nostalgic as I'm from Devon - sitting in the pub with an Ale, a huge slab of Pork Pie watching the sun stream through the glass......it was like being back home

SilverGrin wrote:If you make it to Dunedin, get in touch and I can take you for a ride down the peninsula on the back of my bike.

I'll 100% be making it to Dunedin as it's one of the places I've always wanted to go! Just been looking at google images of it now.

With the smile from that avatar, your offer wouldn't happen to be a euphemism?

Pat the Ex Mat wrote:

Caley_Red wrote:

Pat the Ex Mat wrote:Hobbiton is worth the trip - BUT!!

Drive directly to the office, don't get the tour from within Town as it costs a lot more.

Also, you can actually stay longer at the Green Dragon and order more beer/food but they don't tell you.

Awesome, that's a great wee tip. Given it's the manifestation of a fictional place, I won't lose out on the tour guide's historical knowledge of the site either.

For me it was very nostalgic as I'm from Devon - sitting in the pub with an Ale, a huge slab of Pork Pie watching the sun stream through the glass......it was like being back home

Did the hairy feet increase the homely Devon sensation?

Joking aside, I know what you mean- the only pub I can find in Sydney that is even remotely ye olde worldly is the Lord Dudley. Having lived in Edinburgh and London for many years, I miss the classic Victorian pub.