Guide to New Zealand 's North Island

Auckland is the best place to start by heading on State Highway 1 up to Orewa and the Hibiscus Coast and on to The Bay of Islands in Northland. Take a boat cruise around Paihia and Russell and visit historic Waitangi where the Treaty was signed and then head to the far north and Cape Reinga. Return via the Waipoua Kauri Forest on the West Coast and visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum en route to Auckland. You could stop for a swim at Helensville's Parakai Aquatic Park (hot pools) if you follow Highway 16.

Back in Auckland, take the ferry to Devonport, or cruise to Rangitoto or Waiheke Islands for the day and enjoy fine food and wine tasting. Also don't forget to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a taste of history. Then head to Rotorua and experience the award-winning Tamaki Village hangi and concert, the geysers, boiling mud and a soak in the relaxing Polynesian Pools. A detour to Waitomo caves will take your breath away with magical underground limestone scapes, rivers and glowworms. Then it's on to Taupo for great fishing and golf at the Wairaki Hotel.

Continue south through the spectacular Tongariro National Park and the volcanic landscape, where you can walk or hike the seven-hour Tongariro Crossing which skirts crater lakes and has astonishing views if you have time.

A week or ten days after you started your trip you will arrive in Wellington where a visit to Te Papa, the National Museum of NZ is a must, as is dining in the super cafes. If you travel back to Auckland go via the East Coast to Art Deco Napier and indulge yourself at the vineyards in the Wairapa and Hawkes Bay on the way.