Pacific Coast Adventure

Collect your car and travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, home to some of the North Island's most spectacular sights, including the world famous Cathedral Cove. Not far from here is Hot Water Beach where you can dig down into the sand and create your own seaside bath from the rising natural spring beneath the surface (104 miles).

With a golden coastline, abundant marine life and mountainous interior, you'll find no shortage of things to do and places to see. Perhaps hire a kayak and see the Cathedral Cove close up, you may even spy seals and dolphins too! Another option is a ride on the Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gorge mountain trail or, step out on the stunning Coromandel Coastal Walk to discover beautiful beaches, quiet nature and twinkling bays.

Drive along the peninsula and perhaps stop in Tauranga, the largest city in the Bay of Plenty, where you'll find lots of cafés and restaurant options. Travel onwards to Whakatane, one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand with lots of easily accessible outdoor adventures, a museum, observatory and Māori historical sites (156 miles).

Today's drive around the East Cape is beautiful, but challenging. Tolaga Bay is a good place to take a break, stretch your legs and walk along the historic wharf before you continue to Gisborne (115 miles).

This is the first city in New Zealand to greet the sun, so rise early and stand in awe before the nine breathtaking carvings on sacred Maunga Hikurangi. The town also enjoys a reputation for great food and wine with a dozen wineries in the area as well as a superb cidery. Perhaps visit Cooks Cove Walkway, an historic site where Captain Cook stopped to repair the Endeavour or, make a beeline for Wainui Beach to try your hand at surfing.

The last leg of your journey takes you Napier, where street after street has beautifully restored Art Deco buildings. The city is also home to many fine wineries along with fabulous restaurants, bars and cafés (133 miles).

Your tour concludes as you return your car.