New Zealand is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, and one of the best ways to experience it is by hitting the road and embarking on a scenic drive. From rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountains, New Zealand’s scenic drives offer some of the most spectacular views in the world. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best scenic drives in New Zealand and provide some road trip itineraries to help you plan your journey.
Milford Road, South Island
Located in the stunning Fiordland region of the South Island, the Milford Road is a 119km stretch of road that winds through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic and spectacular scenery. The road takes you past towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and thundering waterfalls. Allow at least 4 hours to complete this drive.
Coastal Pacific, South Island
Running along the east coast of the South Island, the Coastal Pacific takes you through some of New Zealand’s most charming coastal towns and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The drive stretches from Picton to Christchurch and takes around 5 hours to complete. Keep an eye out for dolphins too! Though part of this highway has been damaged by recent earthquakes, it’s still a gorgeous road and well worth travelling.
Forgotten World Highway, North Island
Located in the Taranaki region of the North Island, the Forgotten World Highway is a remote and isolated drive that takes you through rugged landscapes, deep gorges, and native forests. The drive is around 150km long and takes around 4 hours to complete.
Crown Range Road, South Island
The Crown Range Road is New Zealand’s highest main road, reaching an altitude of 1,121 metres above sea level. The drive takes you through the stunning scenery of the Southern Alps and offers panoramic views of Queenstown and the Wakatipu Basin. The drive is around 45km long and takes around an hour to complete.
Arthur’s Pass, South Island
Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is a spectacular drive that takes you through mountain ranges, alpine meadows, and deep river valleys. The drive is around 2 hours long and takes you from Christchurch to the West Coast.
Haast Pass, South Island
The Haast Pass is a scenic drive that takes you through the rugged landscapes of the West Coast and the Southern Alps. The drive takes you past waterfalls, glacier-fed rivers, and through native rainforest. The drive is around 140km long and takes around 2.5 hours to complete.
Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
Located on the east coast of the North Island, the Coromandel Peninsula is a popular summer destination for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. The scenic drive takes you through charming towns, stunning coastlines, and lush forests. Allow at least a day to explore this beautiful region.
Northern Circuit, North Island
The Northern Circuit is a scenic drive that takes you through the beautiful Bay of Islands, the Kauri Coast, and the Coromandel Peninsula. The drive takes you past pristine beaches, stunning coastal scenery, and ancient kauri forests. Allow at least a week to complete this drive and explore the many attractions along the way.
Southern Scenic Route, South Island
The Southern Scenic Route is a 610km drive that takes you through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the South Island. The drive takes you through remote beaches, towering mountains, native forests, and stunning fiords. The route runs from Dunedin to Invercargill and takes around 2-3 days to complete, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring each location. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to go hiking, kayaking, or simply soak up the stunning scenery.
New Zealand’s scenic drives offer some of the most spectacular views in the world. From rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountains, these drives take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Be it for a short day trip, or a longer road trip, make sure to check this guide before setting off to discover the best drives!