Long, long road to wedded bliss

John and Helen Taylor. Picture / Simon Baker

John Taylor shares 80 driving world records with his wife, Helen.

He also is prepared to make a public admission that many men might find inconceivable.

"Helen is the better driver. She is a fantastic driver. She drives about 3km faster than I do and her figures are better than mine. I think it's great having a female driver, especially my wife, with me, on this trip."

The Australian-based couple arrived in Christchurch last night for the New Zealand leg of a Guinness World Record attempt to drive right around the world using only 40 tanks of a new fuel designed by Shell.

The couple set off from London in their 1.6L Volkswagen Golf on January 17 and have travelled through Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia to reach New Zealand, using only 16 tanks of fuel after about two-thirds of the challenge.

They drive from Christchurch this morning to try to reach Auckland on Wednesday using just one tank of petrol, or 55 litres.

The world fuel economy challenge is the latest goal in the couple's passion for setting speed and economy records and showing the world how to drive economically.

"It's always been a dream of ours to drive all the way around the world, as per Guinness stipulations, four continents, 25 countries, and take on board all the different types of terrain and driving techniques in the different countries."

Even after 16-hour days in the car together, there is no friction.

"We can play whatever music we want to play without the kids coming in and turning it over.

"We can actually talk about our life together.

"There's always something interesting to talk about, because we always have some type of drama that happens on the day that makes it interesting," Mr Taylor said.

"The journalists around the world are trying to get us divorced. And it will never happen.

"Our respect and love for each other is very strong."

The couple have been averaging 1219km per tank of fuel, when Volkswagen expected a maximum of only 700km per tank.

The official economy figure for their vehicle is 7.2 litres per 100 miles, but they have managed to halve that figure at times on their trip.

The couple share the driving load and always stay within the law.

"The aches and pains are definitely there, but it's very important that both Helen and I both exercise in the car, stretching and breathing properly."

So far, Mr Taylor has lost 7kg, and his wife has lost 7kg.

"We are not allowed to eat certain things because it may be detrimental to the drive. We have to drink sealed bottle water and eat the right things."