New Zealand is a breathtaking paradise that is a perfect destination for a road trip. The country is packed with beautiful landscapes, stunning coastlines, and a rich culture worth exploring. The best way to explore New Zealand is through a road trip. It is the ultimate way to experience the country’s wild beauty and diverse scenery. This blog post will take you on a journey to some of the best scenic drives in New Zealand, including the best destinations and attractions to explore along the way.
The Milford Road:
The Milford Road is known for its stunning scenery, including the famous Milford Sound. The road is part of the World Heritage Site and must-do for anyone exploring the South Island of New Zealand. The road is only 120 km long but is packed with breathtaking views of lush forests, glaciers, and fiords that lead to Milford Sound. You can cruise on the sound, hike the Milford Track, or try kayaking in its calm waters. Remember to stop at Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and Kea Point for stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
The Forgotten World Highway:
The Forgotten World Highway is a historic route that runs between Stratford and Taumarunui on the North Island of New Zealand. The road differs from the other scenic drives, taking you off the beaten path, meandering through remote towns and rugged landscapes. You will encounter stunning vistas, suspension bridges, tunnels, and the famous Hobbit filming location in Piopio. Take a stop at the Republic of Whangamomona, a town that declared independence in 1989, and explore the town’s unique offerings, including a pub, post office, and the oddball museum.
The Coastal Pacific:
The Coastal Pacific drive is a 350 km scenic drive that runs along the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island between Picton and Christchurch. The journey takes you through beautiful coastlines, vineyards and into the heart of the regenerating city of Christchurch. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Ohau Point Seal Colony, a place where you can watch New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun. You can also visit the whale-watching towns of Kaikoura and see the giant sperm whale or take a dip in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools for a relaxing experience.
The Coromandel Coastal Drive:
The Coromandel Coastal Drive is a 209 km long coastal road trip on the North Island of New Zealand that takes you through some of the best beaches and coves in the country. The highlight of this route is the Hot water beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand or hire a kayak and paddle to Cathedral Cove, a popular tourist destination that is only accessible by water. The picturesque drive will take you through Whitianga and to the Kuaotunu Peninsula, where you can indulge in fresh seafood.
The Southern Scenic Route:
The Southern Scenic Route is a 610 km long scenic drive that takes you through New Zealand’s deepest south. The route starts from Dunedin and runs to Queenstown, taking you through some of the best national parks and diverse landscapes. You can explore the Catlins, a destination famous for wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins. Don’t forget to visit Milford Sound, a destination known for its pristine beauty, and Fiordland National Park, one of the best places to hike and explore in New Zealand.
New Zealand is the perfect destination for a self-drive road trip, and these scenic drives are the best way to explore its beauty. From the Coromandel Coastal Drive to the Milford Road, make sure you pack your camera as the scenery is sure to take your breath away. Be sure to choose the right time of year to visit and plan your itinerary well to ensure you make the most of your road trip experience. Remember to make plenty of stops, try new foods, explore new places, and meet new people. A New Zealand road trip is an adventure of a lifetime!
