New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere and lies in the south-west of the Pacific Ocean. It is comprised of two major Islands (North and South) and a number of lesser islands, the largest of which is called Stewart Island.
The country is approximately 1,600 kilometres in length and the total land area is 270,000 square kilometres. The coastline has a length of 15,134 kilometres.
Check out this 
(good but not massively detailed) driving map of all the main routes from the New Zealand tourist board
This is similar from the north island to the South Island. You must remember that a lot of New Zealand is mountainous and this will dramatically change the weather.
New Zealand Information
View information options by clicking on a region
© 2007 New Zealand Tourism Guide
(good but not massively detailed) driving map of all the main routes from the New Zealand tourist board
Things to do:
Almost the trouble with New Zealand is the fact there is too much to do. The landscape is know by most people as the most active, awe inspiring and simply breath taking. As such a lot of the activities are focused outdoors and of the active variety. From tubing underground, to trekking, mountain climbing, the highest bungee jump in the world, to fishing and snorkelling. Most of this type of activity is available. However as far as relaxation is concerned how about relaxing in natural hot springs and sitting on top of a volcano watching the sunset!?Blackwater rafting:
Summer Departures (November - April) 9am / 11am / 1.30pm / 2.30pm / 3.30pm Winter Departures (May - October) 9am / 10am / 1.30pm / 2.30pm 61 pounds on early bird (1 day before) Plus abseiling into the "Lost World" on an extended 7 hr trip. 165 pounds early bird Camping in Pirongia National Park: There are amazing walks and things to see in Pirongia, which is located near Hamilton on the west coast of the north island and it has three free campsites:- in a grassy clearing 45 minutes into the Nikau Walk (with toilets)
- halfway along the Bell Track (no toilets)
- at Pahautea Hut, close to Mt Pirongia’s summit (with toilets).
Weather:
New Zealand does not have a large temperature range, lacking the extremes found in most continental climates. However, New Zealand weather can change unexpectedly due to local conditions. For example:| Auckland | ||||||||
| Temperature (C) | 18 | 11 | 24 | 12 | 20 | 13 | 15 | 9 |
| Temperature (F) | 65 | 52 | 75 | 54 | 68 | 55 | 59 | 48 |
| Rain Days/Season | 12 | 8 | 11 | 15 | ||||
- Spring - September, October, November
- Summer - December, January, February
- Autumn - March, April, May
- Winter - June, July, August