It certainly can. Last Friday I joined my daughter Lara on a road trip from Auckland through to Wellington. It was so good to be away from the city and the cars that crowd our highways as we drove the back routes with few people on the roads. We skirted Hamilton, past Waitomo and onto Tauramunui, the weather truly perfect for this special ride. We stopped often to take photos of the countryside.

Lara had hinted at a stop-over a day or two earlier, but kept it a surprise. She kept me guessing the destination all the way, hinting at Raglan at one point, where I’d thought, ‘nice, haven’t been there for a while,’ and then past Otorohanga, where we’d both seen Kiwi some years ago. But no. We pulled over for lunch, and filled up the car, and turned back to join the Forgotten Highway, a place now popular with sporty types who like to go biking in forest terrain. There’s a railroad alongside the road which runs trips for tourists using rail carts. The long road stretches between Tauramunui and New Plymouth and takes in hilltop views and ocean vistas amongst its many splendours.

We arrived at Omaka Lodge which is approximately 7kms from Tauramunui and leads from the Lost Highway. That’s me above, with the cup of tea offered on our arrival. But let’s not forget the enormous helping of apple and walnut cake which went with it. This was my treat ahead of Mother’s Day, and what a treat it was. The guest lounge was amazing as you can see, with most of the furniture and original paintings being passed down through the family. A fire was lit, and in a matter of minutes, I sat opposite in a comfortable chair and began to read.

Before dark fell my daughter and I walked around some of the vast gardens, which housed a pool, croquet lawn, and a tennis court. So many trees, shrubs and flowers. The grass was already moist and nearby cattle were lowing loudly.

The hosts do all the maintenance, cleaning and cooking. If you have the chance to visit you’ll soon see what a huge job this is.

We were given an upgrade from the double room requested, and both mother and daughter enjoyed fabulous queen-sized rooms; mine with a large ensuite with a cosy heated floor.

It would have been great to stay longer, but we still had a way to go before reaching Wellington, where my daughter would be taking the car ferry down south for work , while I visited a very dear friend.

But leave we did after hugs all round and set off down the island. We ventured back onto the main highway further along as we wished to drop in on a relative in Palmerston North before moving on to Wellington. Having lived in the region we decided to head inland towards Cheltenham, which takes you through the Rangitikei Ranges. Here you’ll find fantastic views from the summit looking to the gorge and the marvellous river terraces which are some of the best in the world.

And then we were in Wellington. A city which is near perfect on a good day, and there were a few during my stay. We went to Oriental Bay a few times, as it is a place you wish to linger, sitting on a bench facing the harbour your face turned to the sun.

I had the best time on this trip travelling with my daughter and spending time with my friend. It was all too short unfortunately as I needed to return home to attend a dental appointment, for sadly, the removal of a troublesome tooth. I suppose I could have named this post From the sublime to the ridiculous. But I have these lovely memories which helps me forget the pain. And last, a quick sketch I made looking from my friend’s apartment out to Wellington Harbour.