[NZ XR6]

Yeah, isn't that a great road Alan. It's the only alternative route to State Highway 1 from the north into Auckland so is well maintained. It's even better on a motorbike! And there are better roads than that in NZ - try Highway 22 in the Waikato or 4 between Whanganui and National Park.

But be careful - there are mobile speed cameras. They have new ones in Hyundai people movers that don't set off my radar detector, even as I drive past them. And there are unmarked cars also. Basic advice is keep to the limits near towns and watch for cops on the main roads. Mind you, you'd deserve some kind of award to get a ticket in an auto Corolla! I've had manual Corollas with a 6-speed box a couple of times which are much more fun to drive.

Our chip seal is truly horrible, I always laugh when I read an Aussie road test complaining about tyre noise on your roads.

I had Excellence tyres on my last Mondeo. They are a bit noisy on chip seal plus the wet grip goes off once they're about half worn and they can aquaplane badly. Otherwise they're OK, and are a good ride/handling compromise on the Mondeo.