Auckland - New Plymouth - Wanganui

This is a trip description for my recent arrival from Sydney. Arriving in Auckland. It was very difficult to find the Tourist Info, as its tucked away in the corner where you would expect the toilets to be. Found accommodation in Manukau City, a satellite city south of Auckland CBD with a shopping city. I had already arranged to inspect/buy a Holden Combo found on the internet, however I stayed in the Manukau Budget Motel ($60/night) for the first 2 nights.
After checking out the car, the dealer took me to the registration authority and I was on my way. I drove south to Hamilton, then headed towards New Plymouth via Taumarunui and Stratford, then I followed the coast down to Wanganui. It was really green, beautiful countryside. The highlights were from Te Kuiti to Stratford, and from New Plymouth to Wanganui. It was either green mountains or green rolling hills along the coast. I tried sleeping in the back of my vehicle. It was a little tight but ok. I'd had a few beers so that probably didn't help my sleep.
A cautionary note that the road around Te Wera was not sealed for about 20km. It was a bit wrong for a campervan. I spent the night at Stratford - can't remember the name of the pub, but I just stayed in the carpark for the pub.
This map shows the approximate route I took - the only difference is that I went through Hamilton City (5th largest city of NZ), and I don't see a need to do that.
See Google Maps.

-----------------------------------------------
Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com