This journey takes you between the thriving cities of Auckland and Wellington. Both are harbour cities, and you'll get great views. The journey takes you through the lush farmland of the Waikato and the hill farms of the King Country. Then it's up the Raurimu Spiral onto New Zealand's awesome 'volcanic plateau' and native bush.

On a clear day you'll see Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Site...as well as a huge adventure playground, with superb skiing and hiking. After the drop from the volcanic plateau, the route becomes green and lush again. The dramatic white cliffs and viaducts of the Rangitikei River and, closer to Wellington, views of Kapiti Island are other highlights of the route.