Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at seven towns through the middle of the North
Island.
Auckland is the best place in NZ to hire a car long-term, with a swag of outlets conveni-
ently grouped together along Beach Rd and Stanley St close to the city centre. As well as
many major companies are smaller outfits with older cars, such as
A2B Rentals
( 0800
Rd)
, which hire out small, affordable campervans.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kaitaia
09 / POP 5200
Kaitaia is about 80km from the start of the Te Paki Coastal Track and serves as the main de-
parture point for most trips and tours to Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.
4
Sleeping & Eating
Most of Kaitaia's cafes and restaurants are on or very near Commerce St.
HOSTEL$
Mainstreet Lodge
( 09-408 1275;
www.mainstreetlodge.co.nz;
235 Commerce St; dm $27-34, s $55-70, d $64-78;
)
Maori carvings abound at this groovy old cottage, which has a modern purpose-built wing
facing the rear courtyard. The friendly owners know the area inside out.
MOTEL$$$
Loredo Motel
( 09-408 3200;
www.loredomotel.co.nz;
25 North Rd; units $130-210; )
Opting for a breezy
Spanish style (think stucco walls and terracotta tiles), this tidy motel has well-kept units set
among palm trees and lawns. It's not quite Benidorm, but there is a swimming pool.
RESTAURANT$$$
Beachcomber
(
www.beachcomber.net.nz;
222 Commerce St; lunch $17-33, dinner $27-35; lunch & dinner Mon-Sat)
Easily the best place to eat in town, with a wide range of seafood and meatier fare, all deftly
prepared, and a well-stocked salad bar.
