Travelling New Zealand, on a roadie in the north of the South…  what a blessed region.  It starts at the top with stunning beaches, golden sand, and wine country.  And, as you wind your way not at all far south, and pretty much bang smack halfway between the mainland’s west and east coasts, within the shortest time you’re in alpine country.  You’re met by breathtaking lakes gouged out by glaciers in the ice ages, stunning views, and that unmistakably fresh feeling in the air.