The Opunake Surfboard Fence

The drive on Surf Highway 45 around the coast is beautiful and takes you from New Plymouth to Hawera, 

Personally, I think it's a much prettier trip to do than travelling Highway 3.

Try doing the round trip from Hawera around the coast to New Plymouth, then return via Stratford. It's a very scenic trip.

Take in the Cape Light and Museum, Warea Redoubt and Okato Headstones on the way.

Road is a bit narrow in places and some one way bridges, but good visuals and a really nice drive.

The best way to see New Zealand is no never rush.