Head south from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula. Here idyllic native forests tumble out onto stunning beaches. The drive here is also very scenic. You can dig your own private hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach or visit Cathedral Cove. This is a breathtaking place. You can also go on a hiking trail or use a kayak if you fancy something a bit more physical. 

If you can manage it on your journey then a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set tour featured in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films is a must. It takes just over 2 hours to drive from Auckland to Hobbiton movie set and it is on the way to Rotorua which I will discuss next. You must book in advance and there are different tours you can do. The scenery is beautiful and if you are fans of the movies then this will make for a great experience. 

Next stop is Rotorua which is a geothermal wonderland. This is the perfect place to stop and relax and soothe your aching muscles in the naturally heated mineral pools. Rotorua is also a hotspot for Maori culture. You can take part in a ‘hangi’ (Maori feast) in the 200 year old native Tawi forest. You will enjoy a traditional Maori welcome and eat food cooked over heated rocks in a pit oven. 

The final stop for most people before they take the ferry across to the South Island is of course Wellington. The capital city of New Zealand. This city situated by a beautiful harbour and is surrounded by green hills. A very popular attraction in Wellington is to take the cable car. You can enjoy the gentle ride up to the city’s lush Botanical Gardens, where from up here you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city and the harbour. Well worth a visit. 

Next up in Part Three is the South Island where our journey through this wonderful country continues. Be sure to read on…