North Island for me too sorry, but from South originally, as the guys above say he should go further South, Geraldine,Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, down through the dams, only downside is the long straights (but not long and straight like the US) Ashburton to Timaru, depending which loop you go.
Also Arthur's Pass to the West Coast is a good road and they have Keas (hilarious big green parrots that rip bits off your car/bike).
Just occurred to me, we're good at naming stuff here, North Island, South Island, West Coast...

no place I'd rather be tho.