All travellers using Amazing New Zealand services are personally met at the airport by our friendly professional representative.

You will receive at the airport a comprehensive Deluxe Travel Pack. The pack contains the prepaid service vouchers, maps, discount vouchers and brochures to local attractions, plus a detailed daily explanation of driving routes, including suggested stops en route.

The representative will then take you to your accommodation in Auckland, stopping en route on the extinct volcano Mount Eden to point out the city's many geographical features and attractions. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, straddling two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. We recommend that you stay here at least 24 hours to enjoy this beautiful city and to recover from your jet-lag. The problem is the city has so much to offer you may have trouble making choices. Buy a day ticket on the hop-on/hop-off bus which makes stops at most of Auckland's attractions - you can choose to get off and catch a later bus, or continue to the next stop.

Suggested activities:-  

• The Waterfront has many of Auckland’s attractions and is bustling with restaurants and cafés.

• It is also where you will find the extremely informative Maritime Museum - the displays are chronological, so you begin with the Maori migration across the seas, step back in time on board a European immigrant's ship, then appreciate New Zealand's proud yachting history including the Whitbread Round the World race and of course the America's Cup. After all, Auckland is known as the City of Sails.

• Catch the ferry to Waiheke Island and have lunch at Stoneyridge Vineyard.

• Wander up to the Sky Tower - admire the panoramic view, climb the mast, bungee jump from the tower or just have dinner in the revolving restaurant.

• The revamped old homes of Parnell are a shopper's dream with brick paved alleyways full of boutique clothes stores, art galleries and specialty shops.

• Kelly Tarlton was the inventor of the undersea walkway where you can view the fish from below without getting wet - the Antarctic Encounter and Penguin Encounter are worth stopping here on their own.

• Other stops if you have time include the Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery or Victoria Park Market for the bargain hunters

• The bus will eventually bring you back to the Waterfront where you could head to the Ferry Building and take a ferry to Devonport. If you have 2-3 hours you could wander along the waterfront to the right and up the dormant volcanic cone North Head, then climb down to the popular Cheltenham Beach before wandering back to the ferry.

• My recommendations for dinner are the seafood restaurant Harbourside or trendy Cin Cin, both back in the Ferry Building, or wander along to the Princes Wharf where you'll find many more waterside eateries.

42kms - Head north over the Harbour Bridge. After passing over the bridge in Waiwera the road starts to rise again, 200m up this hill you will see a sign for Wenderholm Regional Park. Turn right into this park. The road will take you down to the beach, which is well worth the small detour. The park has a wonderful grove of Pohutakawa trees, a native with bright red flowers. The other name for these ancient trees is the New Zealand Christmas Tree as they usually flower around Christmas time. The trees are full of native Tui and Piwakawaka (Fantail birds.) The Tui is a shiny blue/black medium sized bird with a white ball of feathers under its chin and has a beautiful song. The cute little Fantail flits around your head as you disturb the insects while walking. There is a huge picture frame on the northern end of the beach, which makes for some interesting photographs.

45kms - Continuing north you can turn off to the cute little village of Puhoi which is just one kilometre off the main highway. Most residents here are descendants from Bohemian immigrants. It may be a little early to stop at the historic pub (New Zealand slang for `drinking establishment`), but if you drive a further 3 kilometres down this side road there is an excellent café at the cheese making factory called the Art of Cheese, where you can also see the cheese makers at work. The service and cheese platters are excellent here and there is a large selection of specialty cheeses for sale. Return to SH1 and turn left. 

69kms – Ransom Winery has a casual restaurant with excellent platters to accompany your wines on the lawn. They offer a Flight of 5 of their wines for tasting, however it only equals approximately 1 glass of wine so you are fine for driving afterwards. Alternatively wait until you reach the famous wine growing region around Matakana.

71kms – At the second set of traffic lights in Warkworth turn right, direction Matakana where you can make several stops en route to Pakiri, your destination for this evening. Your choices are:-

• Omaha Blueberries sell export-quality blueberries, plus home made ice-creams and sorbets.

• The Pop In Bakery in Matakana has a delicious selection of breads, winners of the Baker of the Year Award.

• Turn right at Matakana and drive to Tawharanui Regional Park and walk the gorgeous beaches or take the track to the headland.

• 12kms from Warkworth, the popular Morris and James Pottery and Café is worth a stop. Their pottery is handmade from the clay sourced from the Matakana River. Free weekday tours, plus the café serves yummy food and local wines in a relaxed setting.

• Hyperion Winery is further along this side road, open weekends and holidays.

• Visit some of New Zealand’s best wineries around Matakana, including Ascension Vineyard, Heron`s Flight Vineyard and Matakana Estate.

• 13kms from Warkworth, on the turnoff to Takatu, there is the purpose built Art and Pottery Market with exhibitions displayed in a replica woolshed.

• Spend the afternoon at any of the beaches – Pakiri, Goat Island Reserve, or little Matheson Bay, a spectacular little pohutakawa lined beach 1kilometre before Leigh.

• Just after Leigh, the excellent Sawmill Café is on the right, the Dive Shop is next door for organized dive tours. In Leigh take the road down to the wharf to see the spectacular little harbour and watch the dive boats coming in full of crayfish.

• The turnoff for Goat Island is just after Leigh - a marine reserve popular for snorkeling and diving. Seafriends, just before you start the descent, has snorkel and dive hire, plus lots of lovely food. Toilets and parking are at the bottom where a glass bottom boat departs from the beach for a great view of this coastal aquarium, however the place gets rather crowded at weekends

Continue west on the loop road back to the highway in Wellsford where you turn right to Whangerei.  I recommend the Town Basin for lunch in Whangarei - turn right into Tarewa Rd and follow `Quayside and Town Basin` signs. The Basin is a wonderful waterfront development full of cafes, restaurants, art galleries and museums. The Clapham’s Clock Museum is world famous - in Whangarei. The collection is daunting, so a guided tour is recommended for enthusiasts. For non-enthusiasts there is an information office from which you can take a peek at the collection.

If you have time after lunch you can take the small diversion to Whangarei Falls. At the roundabout at the beginning of the expressway, turn left following the signs to Tutukaka. The 23m falls are more than worth a look and they are right next to the road. Return to SH1.

Twenty-two kilometres north of Whangarei, turn right (on the big bend) onto the Russell Road direction Helena Bay and Oakura. About 15 kilometres along this road I recommend a stop at the Helena Bay Café and Gallery – for great coffee with a view.

145kms - In Helena Bay, turn right and follow the road to Mimiwhangata. Here you will find one of the most romantic B+Bs in the country, with breath-taking views from every room.

Today there is a short drive to Russell, a quaint little village which was once the capital of New Zealand! It was also once known as the ‘hell hole of the South Pacific’ between 1830 and 1840, when whore-houses abounded and drunken brawls between whalers and seamen were the norm. Today it is a much quieter place! Ideally you should stay 2 nights here as well.

The Bay of Islands has 144 of islands in total and there are several companies willing to take you out there. You can fish, kayak, snorkel or swim as much as you like….there are countless excursions available to the many islands, hopefully accompanied by dolphins.

You should also catch the ferry across to Paihia and visit Waitangi – the birth place of our nation, 2½ kilometres north ( take the Put-Put taxi) along the coast. The historical Waitangi Visitor Centre and Treaty House marks the site of the original treaty signing in 1840 between the Maori people and the British Empire. This is the heart of New Zealand’s historical beginnings, with audio-visual displays, an important Marae (Maori meeting house) which is probably the most visited by the Maori today, the beautifully restored Treaty House and a Waka (Maori war canoe).

Another short drive today to Matauri Bay – the most scenically beautiful bay in all of New Zealand (I think so anyway!) Take the coast road to the Opua Ferry Landing where you can cross to the other side – the ferry shuttles back and forth about every 10 minutes – payment with cash only.

At the top of the hill turn left to Kawakawa. Even if the call of nature is not calling, you may want to make a stop at Kawakawa to check out the beautiful public toilets designed by Austrian architect Hunterdwasser. He chose Kawakawa to retire and die in, and the unique toilets have become world famous. They are not only incredibly beautiful, but also the cleanest you’ll ever have the privilege of using!

Drive north on SH1and 13 kilometres later change to SH10. Next stop is Kerikeri which is New Zealand’s top citrus and market-produce growing area. Roadside stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables abound, many operating an `honesty box` - just leave your payment in the box. Kerikeri's  claim to fame is having New Zealand's oldest stone building. It is down by the water and is called the Stone Store. Overlooking the Stone Store is the original Kororipo Pa (Maori fortress), home of the Maori chief Hongi Hika (not to be confused with the famous chief Hone Heke). Across the river Rewa’s Village is an authentic recreation of a pre-European Maori fishing settlement. There is a loop road that will bring you back to the highway at Waipapa.

Travel north along SH10 for another 13 kilometres and turn right to Matauri Bay. The approach has one of the best views in New Zealand - get ready for the `wow` view as you begin the descent to the beach. There is a place to park and admire the view of the bay and the Cavalli Islands immediately on the left.

Matauri Bay is famous for deep sea fishing and diving. If you are a qualified diver, you can dive on the Rainbow Warrior wreck, New Zealand's most famous dive site. You must take the little walk up to the Rainbow Warrior Memorial on top of the hill – the views from the top are awesome. The track is rather steep on loose gravel in the beginning, so be careful. The Rainbow Warrior was a Greenpeace vessel specializing in disrupting French nuclear tests on the Pacific atolls. The French Secret Service bombed her in 1985 while she was tied up at the wharf in Auckland. This ridiculous act of terrorism resulted in the death of one of her crew, plus several others injured – something the New Zealanders have never forgiven France for.

Return up the hill and turn right and follow the coast road – the best place of all to photograph Matauri Bay is 1.5km from the intersection, the road then follows the picturesque coast through Te Ngaire and Wainui.

At the Give Way sign, go right into Whangaroa Harbour. Drive through Whangaroa, past the marina and hotel, you will see a road on the right marked `public access to summit`. Keep following the road right up to the top – your accommodation this evening is almost at the top in another romantic B+B. The views of the harbour are awesome, particularly from the swimming pool.

If you’re feeling energetic you could walk to the top of St Pauls – the large rock standing tall on your right. The path is unformed and rather steep and at times slippery – just follow the yellow markers. The view from the top is fabulous - however please note that it’s just as good from halfway!

Drive back through Whangaroa to the cross road where you turned right – continue straight towards Kaeo and Mangonui. At the SH10 intersection, go right direction Kaitaia.

34kms – Turn off to Mangonui, famous for its fish and chips, so a great place to stop for lunch as this is a New Zealand specialty. The Mangonui Fish Shop 100m past the wharf holds the official sought after title of `New Zealands best Fish and Chips`. It comes wrapped in paper, so to really eat them New Zealand style, take your packet away with you and eat them on the beautiful Coopers Beach – another 3 kilometres further along the road. There is a beach parking on the right about ½ way along opposite Rosies B+B, there is more parking and public toilets down the bottom. The pohutakawa tree lined beach is just perfect to stroll along.

Leaving the car-park, turn right and continue north via pretty Cables Bay and Taipa which has the excellent Fern Flat Pottery, offering a unique collection of distinctly New Zealand decorative works of art. Taipa Beach has the perfect crescent of sand and surf.

66kms – At the SH1 intersection turn left to Kaitaia. I recommend a visit to the Ancient Kauri Kingdom. The exquisite crafts and furniture created here are carved from 30,000 to 50,000 year old kauris that were in the first instance swamped by rising melt waters after the last ice-age, and in the second toppled en-masse by a giant tsunami, thus preserving the beautiful wood perfectly in swamps.

Kaitaia is the gateway to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet and where Maori believe the spirits of their ancestors depart New Zealand for the return journey north to Hawaiki. The northern most point of New Zealand is actually North Cape a little to the east. The thin strip of land north of Kaitaia was settled by Kauri Gum diggers in the late 1800s, most of the settlers were Dalmatians. But to go right to the top you need to stay an extra day here and take one of the many safaris that depart from Kaitaia in the morning. Choose one that includes at stop at the Gum Diggers Park.

You may like to drive out to Ahipara, 14 kilometres to the west. This beach marks the beginning of the Ninety Mile Beach (actually 100kms of uninterrupted sand), which stretches north in a wide sweep from here. Quad biking along the beach is the specialty here, just ask at the Adventure Centre by the shops. Return to Kaitaia and continue south. At 94kms there is the steep and winding Maungataniwha Range to cross, the rain forest here is particularly lush.

128kms – Just after you cross over the Whakanekeneke River, turn right towards Horeke. Unbelievable as it may seem, but tiny Horeke used to be the centre of New Zealand. The land was governed from Mission House for the first two years, before they built Government House in Russell. It was also here that the majority of the Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi – contrary to what you learnt at the Waitangi Visitor Centre! The town had New Zealand’s first shipyard and even had a Cathedral that could seat 800! Continue through Horeke past the oldest pub in New Zealand. It was built in 1827 to service the boat builders, go left after the one way bridge. 

143kms - You may like to visit the Wairere Boulders – turn left down McDonnell Road, the park entrance is a further kilometre down this road. There is a lovely 1 hour walk through a strange labyrinth of 3 million year old basalt boulders scattered through this beautiful valley. Some have unique fluting caused by acid dripping from the kauris over thousands of years. This phenomenon has previously only ever been discovered on limestone rocks. Return to the road and go left.

158kms – Turn right, direction Dargaville. Opononi is next, made famous in the fifties by the resident dolphin they named Opo. If you’d like to know more, visit the museum another kilometre along. The Hokianga Harbour is where Maori legend proclaims that the great navigator and explorer Kupe lived until he was an old man before returning to his home land. He discovered New Zealand around 800AD and named it Aotearoa, meaning the `Land of the Long White Cloud`. They then called the area Te Hokianga nui a Kupe - the place of Kupe's great return.

The next village is Omapere, where there are excellent views across the harbour to the giant sand dunes on the other side. The Omapere Wharf is a great place to take a photo of the dunes, where they filmed plates for `Lawrence of Arabia`.

This evening dine early as at 6.15pm the Twilight Tour to the Waipoua Forest departs. This ecologically significant environment, in former times a home and playground to Maori is brought to life by not only the sounds and potential sightings of its inhabitants but by friendly, experienced and local Maori guides who willingly share their knowledge. Dusk is when the rare and elusive kiwi birds come out from their hide – you may be one of the lucky to spot one in the wild! This is the perfect way to meet Maori in their own (untouristy) environment.

25kms – You are now entering the Waipoua Forest, one of the few remaining tracks of virgin native forest. It is also home to 300 species of trees. The main attraction here is the much loved giant Kauri Tane Mahuta. At 1400 years old, it is one of earth’s most ancient trees and it stands only a short stroll from the parking. The Kauri are endemic to the northern part of New Zealand’s North Island and can live for 4000 years! They are the largest trees in the world if calculating volume of usable timber. From the picnic area there is a lovely view over the forest’s canopy. Only 2 kilometres further along is the parking for the much less touristy and much older giant Kauri Te Matua Ngahere (20 minute walk) and the Four Sisters (only 100m from the parking - recommended). $2 is asked for parking security – it’s worth it! The forest gives you a fair idea of what the vegetation was like when the first settlers arrived - before they set about stripping the land for the timber and for farming. Since 1952 it has been forbidden to cut down a kauri, so they are making a comeback.

82kms – Dargaville is proud to be the kumara growing capital. Kumara are delicious sweet potatoes brought to New Zealand by the early Polynesian settlers. The museum up on the hill to the west is well worth the visit. In particular the marine section has an extensive collection of treasures found from the numerous ship wrecks along the West Coast and treacherous mouth of the Kaipara Harbour.

126kms – Matakohe is home to the excellent Kauri Museum. This museum is one of the best in New Zealand and definitely worth a visit. The café next door is the best on offer today for lunch, or if you can wait then the Sahara Cafe in the next village of Paparoa is highly recommended.

Continue south direction Brynderwyn, which isn’t really a place, it is the intersection where SH12 meets SH1. Turn right, direction Wellsford, where you turn right again to Helensville, following the Twin Coast Discovery route.

215kms – In Kaukapakapa turn left, direction Waimauku. Stay this evening in a cottage on a winery with a world class restaurant next door. The Hunting Lodge is one of New Zealand’s best known and finest country restaurants having received the Diners Best Country Restaurant of the Year award several years running. Set in the Matua Valley Vineyard, the rural outlook gives the lodge a wonderful relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a meal on the veranda and try the award winning wines from the vineyard next door.

This morning enjoy a leisurely lie-in, or maybe visit the Spa Di Vine next door before continuing on to the Waimauku Village where you cross over the highway and follow the road down to Muriwai Beach - a solitary kind of place, but well worth the diversion to view the entertaining 2500 gannets in action (only 10kms one way). As you descend towards the beach take the `Gannet Colony` turnoff left - it is an easy 2 minute stroll along flax and pohutakawa lined paths to view the gannet chicks. The first path left leads to the best lookout where you can look directly down onto the nest sites and cute little chicks as well as admire the flying skills as the parents come into land with their two-metre wing spans. The stunning views along Muriwai Beach are a bonus.

Return to SH16, and go right. Beesonline is 1.2 kilometres on the right - a honey centre, restaurant and excellent coffee stop. A pot of pohutakawa honey makes a unique gift for those at home. Alternatively, Cooper`s Creek Winery (Huapai), Nobilos Winery or Babich Winery (Kumeu) could be briefly visited.

Follow the Twin Coast Discovery Route (turn off in Kumeu) which follows the Scenic Drive south along the Waitakere Ranges ridge. At around 50kms look for the excellent lookout on the left awarding you wonderful views over Auckland. You can even see Coromandel and Great Barrier Island in the distance on a clear day. 

Just after the turnoff to Piha Beach, you will see the Elevation Restaurant on your left. Park here, where a local guide could meet you at 12 o`clock to take you on a guided bush and beach experience, along beautiful wild and deserted beaches. During lunch, discuss with your guide how much or how little you would like to walk. The bush is a protected zone, with hundreds of waterfalls to choose from. The deserted beaches provided the perfect location for the filming of `Piano`. After your tour, continue along the Scenic Drive towards Titirangi - there is another lookout on the right offering great views over Manakau Harbour – Auckland`s second harbour. Just after the lookout, there is the Arataki Visitor Centre (free). Here you can learn more about the bush and Waitakere Regional Park. There is another giant frame here to frame your postcard perfect picture.

Next you come to Titirangi, a lovely little village full of cafés and art galleries within wandering distance of your lodge. Your boutique B+B has decks that open straight out to the bush and a sumptuous breakfast is served on the sunny balcony with stunning views down to the harbour.

Notes:-

      International and internal flights are not included. These are best booked with your travel agent once the final routing has been decided. They can also arrange travel insurance for you. Also check with your agent for any visa requirements.

      Do you smoke? Most accommodations and ALL eating and drinking establishments have strict NO SMOKING regulations.

      For the ultimate in romance and relaxation, many of the above destinations would benefit with at least 2 nights stay, instead of always having to drive most days.

     Most of the establishments are romantic Bed and Breakfasts, however many also offer gourmet home cooked meals which they serve by candle light on the deck or by the swimming pool

From Titirangi it is just a short distance to the airport and Auckland city. I hope you enjoyed your whirlwind tour of Northland - if you'd like to visit the South Island as well then drive directly to Auckland Domestic Airport and catch an internal flight to Christchurch.

If you are just arriving in New Zealand and using Amazing New Zealand services, you will be personally met at the airport by our friendly professional representative and taken you to your accommodation in Christchurch (see Day 1 of the North Island).

Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city which sprawls across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps. The main attractions here are the English style gardens and parks. The city even has its very own Avon River where you can be romantically punted along. It has an English colonial feel to the city with school children in formal blazers and straw hats, with fine architecture and heritage sites evident everywhere. The best way to see the city is on the tour aboard a beautifully restored tram which provides commentary about the various sites along the way.

Other attractions in Christchurch worth considering over the coming days are:-

• Taking the Port Hills Gondola for stunning views from the Gondola Restaurant or Cafe. Return by gondola, walk on the Bridle Path, or descend by mountain bike
• Visit the Canterbury Museum (free) for their informative Antarctic display and impressive Maori collection
• The excellent International Antarctic Centre near the airport is where you can experience all there is to know about the icy continent
• Mona Vale is a beautiful Edwardian-style homestead set amongst 5 1/2 ha of beautiful gardens.
• Take a leisurely bike tour of the city on Day 3 at 10am.

0kms – Take the SH75 to Akaroa, (1 hour driving without stops).

50kms - Turn right to Birdlings Flat and Kaitorete Spit. I used to frequent this beach as a child to collect beautiful and rare gemstones polished smooth by the pounding waves, in every colour you can imagine. The beach is windswept and littered with driftwood – please take extreme caution as the beach is very steep with an incredible undertow so stay well above the high water mark and strictly NO swimming.

56kms - Possible stops en route include Little River Craft and Gallery and Barry's Bay Cheese Factory (73 kilometres) for cheese tastings. Lunch at French Farm is also highly recommended, depending on what time you left.

68kms - The Top of the Hill Cafe at the summit (68 kilometres) is a must before you make your way down to the harbour, if only to stop and look at the view.

From here it is another 20 kilometres to Akaroa. In 1835 French whaler Jean Langlois established a whaling station in the harbour at French Bay and bought some land from the Maori. Once he had secured the deal he returned to France to organize a group of settlers to come and establish a community. Unfortunately the English had placed the whole of New Zealand under British sovereignty only 13 days before, so the French settlers were forced to sell their claims. They did however stay, bringing both their rich French character and their culture to this far flung outpost of France. Akaroa’s other attraction are of course the tiny and very rare Hector’s Dolphin. These are the only dolphins endemic to New Zealand, with the majority of them using this sheltered harbour as their home. It is a beautiful and privileged experience to be able to swim with these friendly and inquisitive mammals.

I can recommend the scenic route back to Christchurch via the beautiful but winding road along the crater rim, offering stunning views along the way – access to the Summit Road is one kilometre back, the road sign says Eastern Bays. At the top turn left to follow the Tourist Drive - this has to be THE most awe-somely scenic route you'll ever drive in the whole world, the views down both sides really are spectacular!

122kms - Back at the Top of the Hill Cafe turn right and head back to Christchurch for 37 kilometres. At the Blue Duck Cafe you have the opportunity to turn right to return to Christchurch via the Lyttleton Harbour - the second of the craters that make up the Banks Peninsula. After passing over the Gebbies Pass, turn left to Governors Bay and Lyttleton.

184kms - At the roundabout, you can either return to Christchurch via the Lyttleton Tunnel, or my recommendation is to go straight. If you think you can handle just a little more awesome scenery then continue to the shops, go left and take the first right onto the Sumner Road. This will take you over the even more dramatic (low) Evan's Pass to Sumner. This is one of Christchurch's best beaches - how about fish&chips wrapped in paper (New Zealand style) on the beach watching the sunset? Or a gourmet pizza at the Duck Cafe followed by a film in the little local cinema, before returning to the city via the pretty Heathcote Estuary.

121kms - Soon after passing over the Rangitata River, turn right onto SH79, direction Geraldine and Fairlie. Geraldine is a great place for a coffee and has a few attractions worth stopping for. You can choose from:-

• A larger than fair smattering of arts and crafts galleries
• The Vintage Car Club and Machinery Museum has a sizable collection of vehicles and aircraft.
• The Giant Jersey has, you guessed it, the largest jersey in the world, plus lots of woolly stuff
• Barkers Berry Barn has a specialty shop, where you'll find a huge range of fruity liqueurs and wines, plus unique gift and gourmet items
• Kiwi Country is purpose built for the tourist buses and is full of the usual souvenirs. However it does have excellent coffees and toilet facilities.
• Try the Swiss-style florentines at Chocolate Fellmann - the prices ensure they are sold fresh

182kms -  Turn right onto SH8 to Lake Tekapo. The scenery dramatically changes as you cross over Burke's Pass. You are now entering the McKenzie Basin, a flat expanse of tussock grasslands and home to New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki (or Mt Cook as it is known) plus the longest glacier Tasman and sparkling turquoise glacial lakes below the Southern Alps - and it bears little resemblance to anywhere else in New Zealand.

225kms – The village at Lake Tekapo is small - their claim to fame being that it has the cleanest and clearest air in New Zealand. There is not much to hold you here beyond taking a snapshot of the much photographed Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog. The gorgeous turquoise-blue lake derives its colour from fine glacial particles suspended in the water.

240kms – Turn off the highway and take the scenic route to Twizel along the huge man-made Tekapo Canal constructed for the Upper Waitake hydroelectric scheme, a significant source of our country’s electricity. En route you can buy fresh fish or sashimi from the salmon farm and stop for spectacular photos of Mt Aoraki across the opaque Lake Pukaki.

270kms – At the turnoff to Mount Cook/Aoraki, continue in the direction of Twizel. From here you can visit the site of the massive Battle of the Pelennor Fields on the grassy fields behind your lodgings. Tonight and tomorrow night’s accommodation is at a farm with stunning views of Mt Aoraki. There is a romantic wood-fired outdoor bath. Suggestion for tonight…..drive 1 ½ kilometres into Twizel and pick up a Gourmet Pizza and a bottle of champagne (or buy this duty free on arrival in NZ) and sit back in the bath full of bubbles and watch the sun set over Mt Aoraki.

From your accommodation it is an easy drive to Mount Cook Village. The scenic drive to Mount Cook Village at the base of Mt Aoraki and the Tasman and Hooker Glaciers encompasses world-class scenery at its best where your excitement grows in parallel with the vista before you as you enter this world heritage site known as the Mount Cook National Park.

This morning I recommend the Glacier Explorer Trip. It involves walking to Tasman Lake and then taking an informative boat ride to the face of the advancing glacier where you get to touch, taste and hear the creaking and cracking of the thousand year old ice.

Suggested activities while in the area:-  

• Several different alpine walks with wonderful views
• Scenic flights either by ski plane or helicopter over Aoraki, with views of the West Coast and Franz Joseph Glacier.
• Eat, drink and just relax in the Hermitage while enjoying the incredible views that lie before you
• Join the Pelennor Fields tour on a private high-country farm, with the added bonus of interesting insights into farming in such a harsh environment. Hang out in Twizel talking to the locals who probably were Rohirrim or Gondorian in the largest battle scene.
• Heli-bike is the specialty in Twizel with trips that combine the excitement of a helicopter flight with the adventure of a mountain bike ride down high-country farm tracks
• Try your hand at Golfcross, an entertaining game invented by Kiwis that combines golf with rugby where the aim is to hit oval shaped golf sized balls around the sheep farm and then through the upright posts, with spectacular scenery as your backdrop
• I can recommend the Hooker Valley Track - This is one of the most popular short walks in the Mount Cook National Park. Start at the White Horse Hill camping and follow the Hooker River. There are massive views of Mt Sefton and the shrunken Mueller Glacier, past an Alpine Memorial and over two swing-bridges until the final destination of the terminal lake at the bottom of the Hooker Glacier. Here Mt Aoraki looms ahead with great walls of ice up on the left and buttresses of rock tower over the foaming river to the right. The walk takes approximately 2 hours one way – so walk as far as you can handle. This is New Zealand at its very best. Please note appropriate clothing should be taken - storms and snow can be upon you within a few hours, even in the summer, so always be prepared.

0kms – Head south on SH8 via the scenic Lindis Pass. Consider stopping at Omarama for petrol and to view Norman Sinclair’s brilliantly painted landscapes next door. The pass was first used by Maori walking to the lakes for summer fishing.

112kms - Just after Tarras, turn right onto SH8A to Wanaka, following the Clutha River. It is the largest river in New Zealand – its volume is almost twice that of the slightly longer Waikato in the North Island. The tranquil Lake Wanaka has picture-perfect mountains as a backdrop and it is one of my favourite places in New Zealand!

There are several options available here as well, ideally you should stay here an extra day :-

• One of the best day walks in this country is to the Rob Roy Glacier, and its FREE. The walk will take you up through beautiful rain forest to a hidden valley, right to the face of the glacier. For a shorter walk, try the 2 1/2 hour Roaring Meg's Pack Track.  

• Wanaka is also the best place to try tandem sky-diving!

• Or how about a 4x4 quad bike tour on a sheep farm with great views.

• Trout fishing and skiing are the locals other favourites.

• At the northern reaches of Lake Wanaka in a little place called Makaroa you can try the Siberia Experience of 3 thrills – fly into the Mt Aspiring National Park (the Misty Mountains in LOTR), hike/tramp over the hill to the river and jet-boat back out. Wow!

• Glendhu Bay is a sheltered and picturesque bay, particularly in autumn when the exotic trees provide rich colour for your postcard perfect photo of the mountains behind. Just beyond is a road leading to a popular swimming area in the spectacular Motatapu Gorge.

• Visit the incredible Puzzling Maze – fun for young and old!

• The NZ Fighter Pilots Museum has a much loved collection of classic World War II fighters plus the added attraction of a flight simulator
• Mountain-bike along the lakefront  

Opposite you'll see signs to the Back Country Saddles - they offer horse-treks up the beautiful Cardrona Valley on Appaloosas. The local ski field at Cardrona has a chair lift open in summer - take a leisurely walk in the mountains, or take the fast route down on a mountain bike.

The views from the top of the pass are world class. Take your time coming down the zigzagging road! At the bottom, turn right to the pretty tree-lined town of Arrowtown - another former gold mining settlement. You can wander amongst the historic cottages, visit the reconstructed Chinese Settlement (the Chinese were subjected to many prejudices so had their own settlement) and wander along the path by the river.

Return to SH6, where you can go right to Queenstown, or left to the Kawarau Gorge. The Kawarau River Bridge is home to A.J. Hackett's very first bungee jumping platform - this is where you get to tie a huge elastic band to your ankles and jump out into space over the river, if you dare. A few more kilometres along the gorge you will find the excellent winery and restaurant at Gibbston Valley Wines.

Back track to Queenstown where I suggest you begin with the Skyline Gondola to take in the awesome views - best viewed at sunset when the Remarkables Range on the other side of Lake Wakatipu glow in golden light. In winter the view is even better with the mountains covered in snow! The beautiful resort of Queenstown was originally named as 'fit for a Queen'.

Queenstown is the Adventure Capital of the World! The sheer breadth of tourist activities available here is impossible to list, however the ' in-thing' at the moment are tours that have anything to do with the numerous Lord of the Rings filming locations. One of the most spectacular and affordable scenic flights in the world is the 2 1/2 hour Trilogy Trail, with plenty of commentary and behind the scenes 'anecdotes' along the way.

After your morning thrill up the Dart River, head back to Queenstown. Half way along, Bob's Cove has a short loop track along a nature trail through native forest full of bellbirds, thrushes and fantails to the lakeside where you can observe the strange seiches phenomenon - this is an unusual rhythmic rise and fall of 12cm in its water level every five minutes due to variations in atmospheric pressure. A Maori myth says it is the beating of a monster's heart lying in the depths of Lake Wakatipu!

Enjoy a little more of what is on offer in Queenstown, such as :-

• Take the plunge and try a bungee jump, or just have fun watching others do it
• Learn to fly-fish in the trout infested lakes and rivers
• Play golf on one of the most magically located courses in the world
• The McNeill’s Cottage Brewery has a nice mix of heritage and atmosphere, plus fine home brewed ales.
• Play Frisbee-Golf in the Queenstown Gardens.
• Visit a vineyard and try their wines of course
• Visit Birdlife Park to view a real live kiwi and our other native birds
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the old steamer TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak Station on the other side of the lake for an insight into high-country sheep farming

186kms - Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park - 1,250,000 uninhabited hectares of stunning wilderness. Fiordland has a primeval rugged landscape, largely untouched by humans apart from incursions by tourists at Milford and Doubtful Sounds and a few fishermen in other fiords. It was declared a World Heritage Area on account of the outstanding geological features and exceptional beauty, the jewel in the crown being Mitre Peak in Milford Sound. However many argue that Doubtful Sound is even more spectacular. Te Anau is also the base for many multi-day mountain hikes. It is also where you should fill up with petrol, as there are no shops or facilities in Milford.

I recommend a bush walk along the Kepler Track. It begins at the southern end of the lake and skirts the lakefront towards the west before climbing steadily to the Kepler Mountains on the other side of the lake. OK agreed, you won’t get that far, but you can walk as far or as little as you like. Don’t forget the insect repellent – the sand-flies can be ferocious!

Join the evening cruise to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Te Anau means rushing water in Maori – so both the lake and the town derived their names from the caves. Spectacular rock formations, fossils, whirlpools, waterfalls and glowworms lie half an hour away by launch.

As you travel the Milford Sound Road to the Homer Tunnel there are several opportunities to stop and take photos - as you will probably be squashed between a convoy of tourist buses, you'll know where to stop. If you prefer not to drive, it is possible to take the coach which departs Te Anau at 12.30pm and drops you back there the next day also at 12.30pm. The over-night cruise departs at 4.30pm - parking is available 10 minutes walk from the Visitor Terminal. The Milford Mariner has romantic double compartments, hearty meals, nature guide and tender craft. Once the masses depart on their buses, you will finally experience the sound of silence on board your boat cruising this eighth wonder of the world - kayaking with the dolphins under the many waterfalls is simply paradise. What a beautiful finale to your romantic vacation!

Notes:-

      International and internal flights are not included. These are best booked with your travel agent once the final routing has been decided. They can also arrange travel insurance for you. Also check with your agent for any visa requirements.

      Do you smoke? Most accommodations and ALL eating and drinking establishments have strict NO SMOKING regulations.

      For the ultimate in romance and relaxation, many of the above destinations would benefit with at least 2 nights stay, instead of always having to drive most days.