The best way to take in New Zealand's varied isles is behind the wheel. Below, four drives to try

See Middle-earth

WHO GOES Homesick hobbits, and Lord of the Rings fanatics in withdrawal between episodes.

THE ROUTE The North Island's Wellington to Tongariro National Park.

STOP FOR Wellington, which is near locations like the plateau that was the Land of Mordor.

BRING ALONG The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook, available only in New Zealand, and a 12-year-old.

PHOTO OP Mount Tongariro, stand-in for the Land of Mordor's Mount Doom.

MORE PLANNING Log on to www.newzealand.com/homeofmiddleearth for additional details.

The Adventurer

WHO GOES Eco Challenge TV series fans, and those who can't endure movies about magical midgets.

THE ROUTE The South Island's Queenstown to Mount Cook.

STOP FOR Climbs of the aptly named Mount Aspiring; jet boating in the Dart River Valley.

BRING ALONG A compass, a wet suit, and several pairs of rugged shoes.

PHOTO OP Anyplace where the beautiful, snowy peaks of Mount Cook are in the background.

MORE PLANNING The producers of Eco Challenge offer show-based itineraries: Check out ecochallengeat.com.

Marlborough Wine Country

WHO GOES Wine enthusiasts—and their designated drivers.

THE ROUTE The South Island's Nelson to Blenheim.

STOP FOR The special bottlings available only at the Saint Clair winery's cellar door.

BRING ALONG A corkscrew—and a return ticket (the place is that hard to leave).

PHOTO OP Sunset over the vines from the deck at the Herzog Winery's restaurant.

MORE PLANNING Get advice and a free map over lunch at the Hotel d'Urville, in central Blenheim.

N.Z. Quirk

WHO GOES Antiques hunters, history buffs, and aimless drivers.

THE ROUTE The North Island's Napier to Hamilton.

STOP FOR The Art Deco town of Napier, with its Deco McDonald's and clock tower.

BRING ALONG Dramamine for the twisty roads, and a sense of humor.

PHOTO OP In the town of Tirau, in front of the buildings shaped like a dog and a sheep.

MORE PLANNING On Holiday, a local magazine, publishes good travel tips.