New Zealand’s scenic beauty is unrivaled, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscapes is by embarking on a road trip. It’s a unique and adventurous way of enjoying your New Zealand family holiday. From coastal highways to alpine routes, here’s a guide to the best drives in New Zealand.
Milford Road – Fiordland National Park
- Venture into the heart of Fiordland on Milford Road.
- Marvel at Mitre Peak, mirror lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
- Discover the iconic Milford Sound, a fjord surrounded by towering cliffs.
Milford Road, also known as State Highway 94, is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. It winds its way through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for 119 kilometers (74 miles) from Te Anau to Milford Sound. The road is surrounded by mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes, making it a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and sightseers.
Great Ocean Road – Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail
- Explore the rugged beauty of the Catlins on the South Island.
- Witness wildlife at Nugget Point and visit Cathedral Caves.
- Drive through lush forests and serene coastal vistas.
Australia’s Great Ocean Road and New Zealand’s Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail stand as coastal gems, weaving tales of natural wonders, rugged landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. They offer distinct experiences for travelers seeking rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and charming towns. But with both boasting unique landscapes and unforgettable adventures, choosing between them can be a delightful dilemma.
Pacific Coast Highway – Coromandel Peninsula
- Wind along the Pacific Coast Highway on the Coromandel Peninsula.
- Explore Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and charming coastal towns.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and pristine beaches.
New Zealand’s North Island boasts a dazzling coastline, and the Pacific Coast Highway, snaking its way from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula, is arguably its crown jewel. This scenic route isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s an odyssey of sun-drenched beaches, hidden coves, geothermal wonders, and charming towns, each vying for your attention.
Southern Scenic Route – Dunedin to Queenstown
- Traverse the Southern Scenic Route for diverse landscapes.
- Visit Dunedin’s Victorian architecture and the Moeraki Boulders.
- Drive through the alpine beauty of the Lindis Pass to reach Queenstown.
New Zealand’s South Island boasts countless scenic drives, but few capture the imagination like the Southern Scenic Route. This 610-kilometer journey from Dunedin to Queenstown unfolds like a storybook, weaving together dramatic coastlines, lush rainforests, towering mountains, and charming towns, offering an unforgettable travel experience.
Arthur’s Pass – West Coast to Canterbury
- Cross the Southern Alps on Arthur’s Pass.
- Enjoy mountainous landscapes, alpine meadows, and viaducts.
- Stop at the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall and explore charming Arthur’s Pass Village.
New Zealand’s South Island boasts diverse landscapes, and the journey from the lush West Coast to the rolling plains of Canterbury offers a dramatic transition. This journey can be best experienced traversing the iconic Arthur’s Pass, a mountain pass steeped in history and offering breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Thermal Explorer Highway – Rotorua to Taupo
- Experience the geothermal wonders along the Thermal Explorer Highway.
- Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and the geysers of Te Puia.
- Drive past beautiful lakes and forests towards Lake Taupo.
New Zealand’s North Island pulsates with geothermal activity, and nowhere is this more evident than along the Thermal Explorer Highway, a scenic 80-kilometer journey connecting the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua to the lakeside haven of Taupo.
Takaka Hill – Golden Bay to Nelson
- Wind through Takaka Hill for panoramic views of Golden Bay.
- Explore the stunning Abel Tasman National Park.
- Drive through limestone landscapes and Takaka Valley.
Takaka Hill is more than just a scenic drive; it’s an invitation to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature’s beauty. This 64-kilometer journey from Golden Bay to Nelson transcends simply connecting two destinations; it’s a winding odyssey through diverse landscapes, charming towns, and breathtaking vistas,
Haast Pass – West Coast to Wanaka
- Journey through the World Heritage-listed Haast Pass.
- Admire waterfalls, native forests, and the Blue Pools.
- Reach Wanaka, a picturesque lakeside town surrounded by mountains.
The Haast Pass stands out as a true odyssey, traversing a wild and remote corner of the island and weaving together dramatic coastlines, towering mountains, and ancient rainforests. Buckle up, because this 146-kilometer journey from the West Coast to Wanaka promises an unforgettable encounter with nature’s untamed beauty.
The best drives in New Zealand offer a mesmerizing journey through diverse landscapes, from towering peaks to coastal wonders. Whether you’re captivated by the fjords of Milford Sound or the geothermal delights of Rotorua, each drive promises an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery. Hit the road, embrace the freedom of the journey, and let the landscapes of Aotearoa unfold before you on these unforgettable drives.
