Best Scenic Road Trips in New Zealand
One of the best ways to explore New Zealand is via four wheels. Plan your next road trip now to soak in the beauty of off-the-beaten tracks in New Zealand. You will be mesmerized by the jaw-dropping natural landscape of this remarkable country. What can be better than enjoying a good road trip that gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace? You can stop by the scenic views and enjoy activities on the route. We have brought you some of the best routes New Zealand has to offer. Take a drive through both northern and southern islands to get the best out of these beauties.
Milford Road
The Milford road trip is one of the best and most scenic roads in the world. The journey starts from Queenstown and will take you to Milford. It will not take more than four hours. Once you have been out on this trip, you will pass by the snow-capped mountains, impressive fiords, lakes, and waterfalls. Stop by to visit the worth visiting Queenstown before leaving the region. If you want to take a birds’ eye view of the town, this is one of the best sites to do so. Do add the Te Anau Glowworm Caves to your must-see destinations list. Once you see it with your eyes, you will surely know why it is one of the most visited sites in New Zealand. Who wants to miss this amazing opportunity?
Thermal Explorer Highway with Tongariro
Most visitors head towards the Southern island of New Zealand and very few people prefer to explore the Northern one. You will not find much attraction here but this landscape is very unique and diversified. Spare a few hours of your time to explore this amazing region. The Thermal Explorer Highway offers you a great opportunity to do so. Focus on the stretch between Rotorua and Taupo. Make the most of this memorable road trip. Once you reach Wai-o-Tapu, get a chance to witness the volatile and geothermal landscape. Also, make sure to add Tongariro National Park to your list and take the Alpine Crossing hike.
Canterbury
If you are out on a road trip to explore New Zealand, do add Canterbury to your list. It is just a short drive from Christchurch, and once you set off on your journey, you will start to experience the most scenic views. You will pass by the glacier lakes, gigantic mountains, and outstanding side-of-the-road allures. Explore the historically rich Christchurch before moving ahead. Canterbury Lake is a famous site here. Some of the main highlights of this road trip are Lake Tekapo, the world’s biggest dark sky reserves, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and scenic views of the Southern Alps. Spend some time in the company of mother nature to get the most of this mesmerizing road trip.
Northland and the Bay of Islands
The North of Auckland comprises of Northland and Bay of Islands and is popular among people as the Winterless North. What makes this region so special is its year-round subtropical climate. Spare a few days to get most of this road trip. Explore the dazzling surfing beaches of Mangawhai along with the artistic Whangārei city. Later move ahead to the port of Russell if you are into water sports and activities. Moreover, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer you a great chance to learn about and explore the colonial history of New Zealand. The spectacular dazzling scenic views will surely take your breath away.
Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel Peninsula road trip will take you on a magical journey to a tourist hotspot. This road trip will take you to the Thames–Waihi Beach. The Coromandel Peninsula is a favorite holiday destination for people from surrounding areas like Auckland and Hamilton. You will witness the spectacular views of the beach-fringed coastline. Moreover, it is a historically rich region so look around in the streets of Thames, Coromandel Town, and Waihi to learn more about the history and past. do check out Whitianga and the nearby beaches of Mercury Bay as well to enjoy water sports.
Hawke’s Bay
The last recommendation on your list exclusively for you is the Hawke’s Bay road trip. Many reasons make it worth trying like the wineries and unique art-deco towns. Not only this, you will find many off-the-beaten-path natural wonders to observe. Start your exploration journey in Napier, a town quite popular for its architectural beauty. Move ahead to the nearby dazzling Cape Kidnappers’ coastline. If you are looking for more picturesque scenic views then hike up to the peak of Te Mata, this is where you will get the best views. Hawke’s Bay has so much to explore and once you are done with this, head towards the Bay of Plenty for Whakatane views.
