Middle England to Middle-earth by Julia Bourne

'We had sold up and so were committed to our course of action. There was no going back.'

Julia and Henry seek to escape their stressful lifestyle by embarking upon an adventure of a lifetime to the other side of the world. With them are their two children: Joe, a spirited, hyperactive seven-year-old and Freya, a lively three-year-old.

Their journey was never going to be easy.

First, they do a quick tour of their own country in an old car and caravan, enjoying freedom and cycling under blue skies but at times struggling to maintain harmony.

Undeterred, they set off for New Zealand and buy their own motorhome, using it to discover hidden parts of this wild, magnificent country while searching for Lord of the Rings film sites. Around every corner lies some new eccentricity or wonder.