New Zealand is well known for its dramatic scenery, from carved glacial mountains to impenetrable rainforest.
Maori legend says the North Island represents a giant fish caught by the demi-god Maui, but whatever its pedigree, it is a perfect location for a driving holiday.
Travelling along the spine of the island’s traffic-free roads from the capital Wellington to the tropical north is a long drive in a week, but well worth it to see the best of an the North Island’s landscape.
Days one to two: Wellington
For many, Wellington is merely a place to spend an evening before catching the early ferry to Picton on the South Island, but it is a cosmopolitan city with plenty to offer its visitors.
The innovative Te Papa museum, situated down by the water, has become a symbol for modern New Zealand. Its permanent exhibitions focus on history, culture and art and are a perfect introduction to New Zealand’s people.
Following the sea via the boardwalk will eventually take you to Oriental Bay. Wooden houses speckle the steep hills, which lead down to a beach and spouting water sculpture.
In the summer months this is where workers come to swim and let off steam before heading back into town and the bars of Courtney Place.
Wellington is excellent for restaurants, with more places to eat out per head than New York City (thanks to a tiny population – just 182,000). That said, the choice is good with all tastes catered for.
Day three: Wellington – Martinborough
New Zealand’s roads are very quiet and driving on the same side as the UK makes the transition easy. However, there are not many motorways. In truth, there are not that many roads.
The first drive is just a short hop up Urban Motorway 1, quickly changing to the SH 2 (both are smaller roads than they sound). An hour and a half’s drive brings you to Martinborough, a small town in the South Wairarapa region.
The town is becoming known for producing some of the world’s finest pinot noir from the many vineyards in the area. The town is small but has a continual stream of visiting wealthy patrons, giving it an exclusive feel.
During summer Martinborough hosts the Toast Martinborough festival, a wine, food and music event that plays out in the vine-ribbed fields around the town.
Day four: Martinborough – Napier
Following the SH 2 north takes you through several small towns indicative of the area, nowhere more so than Eketahuna, a byword for the stereotypical New Zealand service town.
The road continues north to the Hawks Bay region, another area of the country synonymous with wine growing.
The main town, Napier, was virtually destroyed in 1931 by a huge earthquake, it was then rebuilt in an art deco style and has remained largely untouched since, lending the town the air of a 1930s Hollywood backlot.
Day five: Napier – Rotorua
Driving inland for two hours, the road reaches Lake Taupo, whose blue waters and volcanic landscape are a perfect environment for the adrenalin sports and activities beloved of New Zealanders.
From jet boats to bungee jumping and skydiving, there is something here to get any heart pounding.
Further north is Rotorua, another volcanic area characterised by boiling lakes, geysers, steaming vents, and – famously – the smell of sulphur. (Don’t worry, you soon get used to it.)
Rotorua is also the heartland of the Maori people. There are around 35 marae (meeting grounds) in the area.
The Te Puia centre, a short drive from the town centre, offers interactive exhibits and live demonstrations about Maori culture as well as Rotorua’s local geothermal activity.
Day six: Rotorua – Coromandel
Travelling north brings you to the Coromandel Peninsular with its miles of white, sandy beaches and mountain ranges covered in rainforest.
As New Zealand’s summer holiday destination, the area is perfect for those who want some relaxation.
The numerous small towns offer cafes and art and craft boutiques, all in close proximity to the beach.
Should you want to stretch your legs, the area has some of the best walking trails in the country, which wind their way though the tall, fern-like Kauri trees.
Day seven: Coromandel – Bay of Islands
Bypassing Auckland and driving up the thin strip of land that sticks out into the South Pacific Ocean brings you to the Bay of Islands.
An area of outstanding natural beauty, the waters teem with wildlife and it is possible to see pods of dolphins close to the shore or hire boats to go out to see them.
The Bay of Islands is also the perfect place to hire a sea kayak. Experienced guides will show you the route from one deserted island to the next, making it perfect for would-be explorers.
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Travel 2 offers an eight-day Best of the North Island self-drive from from £352 per person twin-share, including accommodation and car hire but not flights.
Gold Medal Travel offers a seven-night North Island self-drive from £269 per person, including car hire and accommodation but not flights.
Air New Zealand offers return flights from £800 this spring, including taxes.
