Roadtrippers Roadie To WOMAD

This 40-minute walk is easy. And free. It follows the route of the old Massey railway, where, in 1933, a coal-laden train careered off the track into the stream and the driver heroically sacrificed his life to save others. You can salute him at the picnic spot when you bust out the pineapple lumps.

Arguably the best thing to come out of The Tron, this is a must stop as it will please everyone in the car. Using organic milk, free-range eggs and seasonal ingredients, Duck Island make small batches of ice cream with 18 bombastic flavours and dairy free options. Try the roasted white chocolate and miso.

Yes, it’s a church made out of trees with a grass floor and marble altar! Barry Cox, who created this phenomenal man-made, yet natural, wonder had lots of patience. He’s a tree lover and church lover and one day two passions collided. He didn’t initially set out to make the church open to the public but once his nephew asked if he could marry in it, it all began. Now you can turn up with no booking, your camera and $15 to marvel at Barry's incredible vision.

Since Walton Street Collective’s permanently closed, Red Kitchen is the best option in the Te Awamutu. They have a good variety of food especially for vege and vegan, and coffee. More coffee.

You’re driving right by and what better way to get your head into the trippy festy state than seeing thousands of tiny creatures radiating unmistakable luminescent light from their backsides? If you’ve only got 45 minutes that gives you some good glow worm action, or longer will give you Aranui and Ruakuri caves to explore, which can take up to three hours. And the kicker is that you can do it all in your clothes so it's all really easy. It's best to book 48 hours ahead.

You’re close to New Plymouth and probably hot and tired, so stop at Mike’s and let his good range of ales and lagers soothe your thirsty car mates. The pizzas aren’t too bad either and if it’s sunny there’s a lawn to rival Gatsby (in a ‘naki kind of way). The driver can get some brews to takeaway including organic options.

You might not get this done before WOMAD but make time for the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Len Lye Centre, afterwards (or during) the festival. It’s free, you get to see some original films of Len Lye's and the building is arguably better than the gallery. It's an awe inspiring piece of architecture. For everyone.

If you don’t have the recommended hour for Len Lye Centre, then head to Public Catering Company, grab a lip smacking gelato, and wander 100 m to the foreshore to see Len Lye’s mighty Wind Wand and the Waving Wands 1.5 km along the walkway.