Best Roads To Drive In New Zealand
Only in New Zealand is the drive to the destination just as good as the destination itself. Enjoying the journey is what road tripping New Zealand is all about. Having spent the last two years full time on the road in our campervan, we’ve found ourselves on some seriously beautiful roads around this country. We’d probably go so far as to say that the drives themselves have been some of the most enjoyable moments on our trips.
Just a little disclaimer before we start the list, if you decide to take photos on the road, BE CAREFUL. We are not advertising this as a good idea. Do so at your own risk.
Mount Cook Road
Although this list is in no particular order, we’re starting with our number one. The Mount Cook Road is THE BEST EVER! We’ve driven this road over 20 times in the last couple of years yet we’re still blown away every time like we’re seeing it for the first time. It never fails to bring tears to the eyes as we drive towards New Zealand’s tallest mountain Aoraki alongside Lake Pukaki a spectacle in itself. An absolute must see on any New Zealand road trip. Check out our guide on how to best travel Aoraki/Mount Cook here.
2. Milford Road
They say allow 2 hours to drive the Milford Road, but let’s just be realistic here. You’re going to want to stop at every road side pull off to just marvel at the towering mountains surrounding you. You’re also going to want to view as many attractions along the road as you can, so give yourself a minimum of 5 hours to drive this road. The road into Milford Sound is well and truly the best part so take your time and soak it all in! Just don’t roll your van if you’re driving there during the winter like we did in our beloved van Larry…OOPS! If you need advice on where to camp in Milford Sound or how to best travel Milford Sound we’ve got you covered in these blogs!
3. Glenorchy Road
The road from Queenstown to Glenorchy is an absolute paradise and one of the best things to do in Queenstown. With sooo many road side stops, hikes and activities along this road it really should be looked at as a destination in itself. Give yourself a day or two to enjoy all that this road has to offer. Check out our other blog on ideas for what to do in Queenstown.
4. 309 Road
WHAT A ROAD!! We had no clue what to expect when we arrived into Coromandel. We knew there’d be beautiful beaches and that it was a favourite kiwi summer destination. What we didn’t know about was the 309 road, a place we sort of just stumbled across. So in the Coromandel you have two main towns, Coromandel Town and Whitianga. One is on the East of the Coromandel and one is on the West. There are two roads that connect these two towns and one of them (the lesser used road) is the 309 road. We spent well over 5 days just on this one road. There are free camps, multiple waterholes, kauri tree walks, waterfalls, so much seafood and PIGS. Yep there is a local dude with over 100 super friendly pet pigs that roam the 309 road. This place is super cool! Add it to your list, seriously!
5. Desert Road
New Zealand’s State Highway 1, smack bang right in the centre of the North Island you’ll find Desert Road. Imagine driving New Zealand’s main highway with two volcanoes out your windows. That is literally the reality of driving this epic road. If you happen to be driving this road on a trip up north or down south, try and time it for a sunrise or unset. It’s truly spectacular!
6. Danseys Pass
A little known stretch of road linking the small town of Naseby and Ranfurly to Duntroon. While this Pass is a bit out of the way and not on the normal 'tourist' route, we reckon it's one of the best drives in NZ. The brown rolling hills (white in winter) make for a great backdrop to cruise along to. Stop off at the historic Danseys Pass Hotel for a drink and a bite to eat, or even stay the night in a quiet slice of paradise. The road is mainly unsealed and very narrow in some spots, not recommended for towing vehicles and can be very dangerous in winter.
7. Porters Pass - Arthurs Pass
Both of these passes have soo much to offer and the drive in between is just stunning. There is one spot on this drive that never fails to amaze me no matter how many times we drive this part of the country. As you’re coming towards Porters Pass from the Arthurs Pass and you come around a bend just after Cave Stream the panoramic views of the mountains are just insane. A super special place to us as it’s where we went on our first dates and also where we had our wedding photos done. Whether it’s sentimental to you or not the views will blow you away we promise!
8. Te Araroa Bypass
Man, how did we not know this epic place existed so close to where we grew up?! This area has been kept quiet by locals but the secret is out! The Hakatere Conservation Park is an absolutely beautiful part of the country that deserves more attention. It's a long dusty road in, but man are the views stunning. It's easy to see why they chose Mt Sunday to film Lord of the Rings at, it's totally magical. Park up for free and sleep at Lake Camp, or head in to Lake Heron where you'll find a DOC campsite.
9. Lindis Pass
The pass that links Mackenzie country with the Otago basin. The tussock lands dominate this landscape and it’s absolutely stunning. Pull into the carpark at the summit and go for a walk up one of the many peaks for better views of the pass.
10. Coast Road
The whole coast road you really can’t go wrong…but in particular the drive from Greymouth up to Westport. Driving along as the sun is setting, watching the sea mist float across the road is such a peaceful sight to see. Definitely one of the best things to do on the West Coast.
11. Crown Range
The Crown Range is between Queenstown and Wanaka and is the highest main road in New Zealand. An absolutely stunning drive especially when the sun is just coming up! Golden hour through this pass is magic! Just be careful if you’re driving the road in winter. The road can get super icy so make sure you’re carrying chains.
12. Haast Pass
Driving through here is like being in another world. The road winds along the Haast River at the base of towering mountains covered in ancient beech forests. Stop off at all the roadside lookouts and soak up the raw beauty the wild West Coast has to offer. With some impressive waterfalls easily accessed when you're driving by, give yourself a bit of extra time to travel through here. You'll be wanting to stop pretty often. There are a tonne of little chasms to explore so follow your nose, you might find something magical.
BE safe, BE smart and enjoy New Zealand’s most beautiful roads, but don’t forget….