How about a trip to New Zealand North Island

Home to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, (the most southerly capital city in the world!), the south of the North Island (NI) is one of the driest and sunniest parts of the country and an area which visually at least, is reminiscent of much of the north of the UK, with high rolling hills, lush green lands and forests, all dotted between open farmland. What the UK doesn’t have, but NZ does, is a volcano. Mount Taranaki / Egmont (depending on who you ask) is a dormant peak of 2,500m and one which is possibly the most perfect example of a stratovolcano on earth and visible for miles around!
With regards to Wellington, you have a city of half a million people which will provide you with a wonderfully scenic and very safe city in which to enjoy the fabulous food and wine, great cafes, a lively entertainment scene and a strong artistic feel about it. All highly accessible by bike or on foot, it really does pack a considerable punch for such a relatively small capital and a few days here on your way to, or from, the South Island is a must!
The north of New Zealand’s North Island (NI) verges on subtropical and is home to NZ’s largest city, although not it’s capital, Auckland. Known as the city of sails, owing to its brilliant strategic location in between 2 large natural harbours, awash with yachts and boats year-round, it is NZs most culturally diverse city, a sporting mecca of the country, international entrance point to the country and a city often cited as one of the best places on earth to live. So what do you do once you’ve explored Auckland… well head north (although you can’t go much further north), and you’ll find huge stretches of sandy beaches and rainforests, with a whole host of tiny little bays and inlets to explore. Further south from Auckland you reach the geothermal heart of the North Island, with a huge number of towns built on and around the bubbling pools of mud and water. Māori culture also thrives in this part of the country, with large populations of native Māori and a wealth of cultural attractions related to their long ancestry and heritage. And, for good measure, if you fancy your hand at surfing, the Bay of Plenty gives you… well, plenty of opportunity to do that too!
Yes… it is a long, long way to go, but it really, really is worth it!