Highlights of New Zealand - in Style

South of Auckland, the route whisks you over the Bombay Hills heading inland towards the vulcanic centre of the North Island. Fans of "Lord of the Rings" should take the route via Matamata and visit the remains of "Hobbiton" on a remote farm nearby.

There are many reasons to stop on the way, so it is wise to allow a full day for the journey from Rotorua to Wellington. The road to Taupo has unusual, volcanic geography and tracts of plantation pine forest. Those who have an hour or two to spare should take a side road to a geothermal park to discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. Just before Taupo are the Huka Falls, a world-acclaimed golf course and the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Lake Taupo is situated in a huge crater, created by an eruption so big the sun went hazy in China. It is the largest fresh water lake in Australasia - about the same size as Singapore - with water so clean a few zillion trout call it home. Water activities take place in the lake all year round, including water-skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, fishing, cruising, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and landing in it by float-plane. There are 47 rivers and streams feeding into Lake Taupo, and just one outlet - the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river. Taupo township is located right on the edge of the lake. Just north of Turangi, the trout fishing capital of New Zealand, a soak in the hot springs of Tokaanu may be a temptation. South of Turangi follows a long, straight drive on 'Desert Road' offering amazing views of Tongariro National Park's volcanoes - clouds permitting. In Waiouru, the QE2 Memorial Museum is worth a look. As one drives south towards Taihape (the Gumboot Throwing capital of the world), the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. The Mangaweka Gorge is a scenic masterpiece. The last leg of the journey is the Kapiti Coast route. Offshore from Waikanae is Kapiti Island, a nature reserve for close encounters with rare birds. A car museum and gourmet cheese factory are other local attractions.

The scenic road runs parallel to the railroad tracks between the Marlborough hills and the Kaikoura coast.

Those with time, can take a detour to the hot pools at Hanmer Springs. Follow the Pacific Triangle Route signs to get there.

 The route heads towards the Southern Alps and Mount Cook via the Inland Scenic Route.

Before the highway reaches the township of Twizel , those with lots of time can take a detour to Mount Cook Village, which is located a 45min drive away - at the end of the valley. The road first hugs the edge of Lake Pukaki. The exquisite turquoise colour of this lake and others in the area is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles held in suspension. The landscape is a mixture of high country tussock, farmland and snow-capped mountains.
 Further on, t he dramatic Lindis Pass links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. These stark and uncompromising landscapes have a beauty all of their own - allow plenty of time to stop and take photos along the way. Glimpses of the towering Southern Alps may look familiar - they were used as the Misty Mountains surrounding Rivendell in Peter Jackson's film "The Lord of the Rings."

 The first leg of the journey clings scenically to the edge of the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu - with views to the Eyre Mountains - cloud permitting. High country scenery and farmland beneath the Takitimu Mountains are features of the drive towards the Fiordland National Park.

Trout fishing rivers and high country scenery are features of the drive to Queenstown. Those interested in the regional heritage can take a break in Kingston, the home of a remarkable vintage steam train. From here, the rest of the journey clings scenically to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. From Queenstown, the shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It's a challenging drive, but the views are amazing, if the weather is fine. Alternatively, you can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.

From Wanaka, the shortest route to Queenstown is over the Crown Range Road. It's a steep curvy drive, but the views are amazing, if the weather is fine. Alternatively, you can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.