Close by to Tongariro is Whanganui National Park. It encompasses one of New Zealand's longest navigable rivers - Whanganui River - and offers spectacular countryside views that take in forest, snow capped mountains and razor-edged ridges. You can book a cruise down river in a paddleboat, or for more adventurous there is opportunity to navigate waters by canoe.

Further west again we arrive at magnificent Egmont National Park, last of our park quartet. Egmont is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's finest gems, its centrepiece being 8250ft high volcano - Mt Taranaki. With its perfectly formed cone shape Mt Taranaki is one of most impressive sights on North Island. Often snow-capped mountain is a huge draw for hikers and mountaineers alike. The lowland forest that surround mountain's lower slopes and enchanting 'Goblin Forest' on volcano's mid-slope area are also not to be missed. To enjoy splendour of National Parks on New Zealand's North Island it is recommended that visitors hire a vehicle, preferably a 4x4. Car hire can be booked in advance to pick up from Auckland International Airport, or from regional airports at Taupo and New Plymouth. Hire car details can be found at http://www.your-carhire.com

Habitat For Humanity Donated furniture outlet located on Burnt Church Road in Bluffton, SC. Proceeds made from sales of furniture support Habitat For Humanity programs in area. Find some great bargainsMonday – Friday 10 – 5 pm Sat 10 – 2 pm. Please call (843) 757-9995 for more information . 184B Bluffton Road (Highway 46) Bluffton, SC

Shell Ring Tours The native Americans once occupied Hilton Head and left their history in large rings and shell mounds. Sea Pines Forest Preserve - Sea Pines Plantation. You will find 7 miles of trail, a fishing pond, Waterfowl Pond & Indian Shell Ring. This is a self-guided tour guided nature walks on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.(Meet at East Entrance on Lawton road.)

The Museum of Hilton Head The museum has archaeological digs and has gathered a collection of more than 75,000 artifacts relating to Island's history and culture. Nature walks around Island, loggerhead turtle watch protection program, lectures and an oral history project are among its many offerings. 843-689-6767. 100 William Hilton Parkway.

Jeff Palmer is an Internet marketing expert and web designer living in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.