Special Offer: Essence of New Zealand

The route to the Coromandel Peninsula first follows along the motorway, then whisks over the Bombay Hills. It continues through farmland leading around the edge of the Firth of Thames. A short detour makes it possible to visit Miranda's hot springs and a bird sanctuary.

The Pacific Coast Highway leads into the Bay of Plenty. The prosperous city of Tauranga sprawls along the edge of an attractive harbour. There's a well developed café culture and boat charters are available to take visitors big game fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a destination for surfing and beach walking. Fans of "Lord of the Rings" should take the inland route instead and visit the remains of "Hobbiton" near Matamata.

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. There is Levin, which has a thriving clothing industry and many factory shops. Two beautiful dune lakes are an easy detour from here. In Foxton one can spy on wading birds in the estuary. 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 picturesque seaside town of Picton is the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. The famed Queen Charlotte Drive is a popular tourist route between Havelock and Picton. This road wends its way through native bush offering several vantage points from which to enjoy views of the inner Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. If going via vineyards of Renwick & Blenheim instead, it will be clear that this is wine country. Havelock is the place for a seafood meal - it's known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve one can enjoy a bush walk or a swim. The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers.

the Nelson Region, the road takes one inland towards the Buller River. The museum at Murchison tells visitors all about the massive earthquake that shook the region in 1929. From here, the road to Westport follos the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag there is a dramatic rock overhang. At Lyell one can walk to a pioneer cemetery. Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it's also a base for outdoor adventures such as black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting. The roadhugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. At Charleston, formerly a prosperous gold town, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips.

The road between Greymouth and Hokitika provides great views of the wild west coast.Further south, the road to the glaciers is rural, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the rivers is raw and primeval. In good weather the Southern Alps can be seen. A visit to the White Heron colony near Okarito / Whataroa is a rare experience.

Umfulana-Tip: The scenic "HariHari Coastal Walkway" (hrs return to coastal viewpoint of "The Doughboy / Mt OneOne". At low tide, a 3hr loop track is possible). The walk starts at the rivermouth of the Wanganui River, a 20 min drive from the southern end of the main road in HariHari (between Ross & Whataroa). Do ask for further information at the Department of Conservation / Visitor Centre in Hokitika.

There are many reasons to stop on the way, so it is wise to allow a full day for the journey from Franz Josef to Queenstown.
The terminal face of Fox Glacier is just 5 kilometres from the township that serves it. Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier was named after an early New Zealand Prime Minister, William Fox. Lake Matheson lies just 6km from Fox Glacier. On a still, clear day it reflects the unforgettable image of New Zealand's highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. An easy 40 minute walk leads to the first viewing platform, a complete circuit of the lake can be completed in one and a half hours. Just north of Haast is Lake Moeraki, a peaceful forest lake with good fishing.The settlement of Haast was once a construction camp for the Ministry of Works (the government department responsible for building the road from Haast to Wanaka, which was only completed in 1965). It's a town with a touch of the wild west - helicopters fly deer hunters into the rugged ranges and local pubs make a feature of stuffed animal trophies. The Haast Visitor Centre offers excellent information on the South Westland World Heritage Area, worth a stop! Haast is also the last fuel stop for a while. The way to the Haast Pass follows the Haast River to its headwaters, it is quite a dramatic road crossing of the Southern Alps - even though it is the lowest of the three alpine passes (563 m).Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea are another highlight of your journey. The famous 'bra fence' is impossible to miss - it started as a joke, but it's become a local legend. The lakeside town of Wanaka has a high concentration of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops. The 3D maze at Puzzeling World is worth a visit for all ages, not only when it's raining. The shortest route to Queenstown from Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. The drive is a little challenging drive, but in fine weather, the views are amazing. Alternatively, drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan & the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along that way.

 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.

Leaving Fiordland National Park behind,between Lumsden and Gore the road follows across the river plain. Next is Balclutha with its distinctive arched concrete bridge and an interesting museum. The road continues through fresh, green farm scenery approaching the historic mill town of Milton - the unusual kink in the main road is where two surveyors didn't quite meet.

North of Dunedin, the famous Moeraki boulders lie scattered along a beach. Oamaru has many elegant historic buildings made from the local sandstone. Further north, the Rakaia bridge spans 1.8 kilometres of one of the world's best examples of a 'braided' river system. Approaching Christchurch the route is about as straight and flat as roads get in New Zealand. On a clear day, the Southern Alps provide outstanding scenery.