The 8 best road trips to get to know New Zealand

There's no better way to explore New Zealand than by car or campervan. Beyond the cities, public transport is limited in New Zealand, and as so much of what you’ll want to see and do lies off the beaten track, a road trip makes perfect sense.

You'll have time to take in the stunning natural scenery at your own pace and the opportunity to stop for stunning walks, cycle rides, wild swimming and wildlife spotting, as you explore the North Island and South Island. 

Here are eight road routes across the country that will take you to windswept beaches, secluded waterfalls, gourmet wineries and past alpine peaks. Pack up your car or camper and hit the road on a classic New Zealand road trip.

1. Northland loop

Best for discovering subtropical New Zealand
Start/Finish: Auckland–Auckland (round trip)
Approximate distance: 1050km

The regions north of Auckland are known by Kiwis as the Winterless North because of the year-round subtropical climate. You’ll begin this trip by setting off toward the Bay of Islands, via the surf beaches of Mangawhai and the artsy city of Whangārei, which merits a good day or two of exploring.

Next, drive north and take the ferry over to the former whaling port of Russell, which matches heritage charm with on-water adventures such as sailing, diving, fishing and kayaking. These watery activities can also be accessed from the thriving mainland town of Paihia. Be sure to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn some more about New Zealand's Māori and colonial history.

Further north, the attractions are more remote and even more spectacular, leading all the way to the very top of the North Island at Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. On your way, stop for fresh local produce at Kerikeri, feast on seafood at laid-back Mangōnui, and spend another day at Ahipara, with its surf breaks and nearby sand dunes.

Heading south again, you’ll drive through the incredible Waipoua Forest, where the last giant kauri trees (all that remains of what were once extensive kauri forests) will take your breath away. Stop at quiet coastal towns with hidden stories of colonization, migration and hard labor on your journey back to Auckland.

2. Coromandel Peninsula

Best for beach lovers
Start/Finish: Thames–Waihi Beach
Approximate distance: 305km

Coastal roads weave a magical path on this journey around the compact but colorful Coromandel Peninsula, a favorite holiday spot for residents of nearby Auckland and Hamilton. As well as a gorgeous beach-fringed coastline, the Coromandel also holds the legacy of its gold-mining past in the heritage streets of Thames, Coromandel Town and Waihi.

Start in Thames, then head north to the thriving community of Coromandel Town via the beautiful 26 hectares Rapaura Water Gardens estate. Next, detour from Colvile to the rugged northernmost tip of the Coromandel Peninsula – ideally in summer (December to February) when roads are dry and the pōhutukawa trees are in their crimson glory.

Heading down the other side of the peninsula, you’ll visit Whitianga and the nearby beaches of Mercury Bay. Diving, boating, game fishing and kayaking are the big draws at Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Further south are intriguing natural attractions such as the stone arch at Cathedral Cove near Hahei and Hot Water Beach. The latter lives up to its name – just dig a pool in the sand and relax in the hot waters that rise up from beneath the surface.

3. Wellington to Rotorua

Best for vineyard and architecture lovers
Start/Finish: Wellington–Rotorua
Approximate distance: 840km

After a few days exploring the excellent museums, galleries and bars of New Zealand’s compact, boho capital, Wellington, it’s time to hit the road. First, you’ll head north along the Hutt River Valley, detouring into the Martinborough wine region to taste its world-famous pinot noirs. Next, continue on to the Pacific coast, a languid arc combining sandy beaches and spectacular scenery with Māori cultural experiences.

The stretch from Havelock North to Hastings is surrounded by bountiful orchards and much-loved wineries, which can be explored on an organized cycling tour as well as by car. At the southern tip of Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers (Te Kauwae-a-Māui) lures both golfers (it has a spectacular course) and bird-watchers (there’s a 3000-strong gannet colony on the headland here).

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Head on to the gorgeous seaside city of Napier, which has impressive art deco architecture and foodie-drawing restaurants. The remote East Cape is next; stop at sun-soaked Whakatāne and the beaches of Ōhope before turning inland to round off this epic circuit at the geothermal hotspot of Rotorua. Devote some time to incredible Māori cultural-immersion experiences and a host of outdoor activities, from mountain biking to luging.

4. Southern Alps loop

Best for alpine touring
Start/Finish: Christchurch–Christchurch (round trip)
Approximate distance: 1380km

Cruise through varied landscapes including scenic mountains, wild coasts, lush lakelands, and rural highways dotted with tiny hamlets on this grand South Island tour. Starting from Christchurch – with its mix of old England and future-facing Kiwi ingenuity – head to the alpine reaches of Arthur’s Pass National Park, which rises to 2408m at Mt Murchison.

Next, you’ll be meandering along the west coast through historic towns and artistic communities such as Hokitika and Ross. The route rises again near the townships of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, where you have multiple options for glacier viewing (helicopter ride or sky diving, anyone?).

Heading south, the Haast region in Te Wāhipounamu–South West New Zealand World Heritage Area is the place for seabird spotting and perhaps some tree hugging in the ancient kahikatea swamp forest at Ship Creek. Finally, wend your way to Qnueenstown via incredible Lake Wānaka, where paddling, hiking, skiing and climbing are among the outdoor pursuits that have made this region famous.

5. Otago Heritage Trail

Best road trip for goldbugs
Start/Finish: Dunedin–Dunedin (round trip)
Approximate distance: 450km

The discovery of gold in the 1860s led Europeans to migrate to the South Island region now known as Otago, and much gold rush heritage remains today. Old miners’ trails and abandoned railway lines have been repurposed as routes for leisurely cycle rides and long strolls. Agricultural towns still boast historic stone buildings and gold rush stories, while colorful deciduous trees, winding roads and romantic old railway bridges all but demand to be photographed.

This driving tour starts in the vibrant city of Dunedin, where warehouses have been converted into hotels and art galleries, and university students pack lively restaurants and pubs all week long. After exploring for a few days, head south towards Lawrence – the scene of NZ’s first gold rush in 1861 – to the historically significant Horseshoe Bend Bridge, crossing the Clutha River/Mata-au, NZ’s second-longest river.

Next, you’ll visit the sweet-smelling fruit orchards and vineyards of Central Otago before arriving in Alexander, Clyde or Middlemarch to tackle the 152km Otago Central Rail Trail by bicycle or foot.

For more heritage streetscapes, schedule a stop in Naseby, staying overnight to enjoy a night tour under its brilliant starry skies. Detours from this route will take you into snow-capped mountains, across to the dramatic fjords in the west or to the rugged beauty of the south coast.

6. Queenstown to Milford Sound

Best for dramatic views
Start/Finish: Queenstown–Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Approximate distance: 290km)

South Island's Fiordland is arguably New Zealand’s finest outdoor treasure. A landscape hewn from rock and ice, its grandeur can make you feel like a tiny speck in the face of nature – in the best possible way!

Panoramic alpine views characterize this drive as you make your way from Queenstown past Kelvin Peninsula at the foot of The Remarkables, along the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu and past the Devil's Staircase and on to Te Anau.

Stay overnight and take a tour of the 200m-long glowworm caves – filled with strange rock formations, whirlpools and waterfalls – before cruising north past Lake Mistletoe, Mackay Creek, the Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn–Cascade Creek. All are stunning spots for stretching your legs and admiring the wilderness.

The final stretch to the majestic Fiordland National Park takes you through Homer Tunnel, a road laboriously cut through the mountains during the Great Depression.

7. A loop around Hawke’s Bay

Best for vineyards and rolling countryside
Start/Finish: Hastings–Napier
Appproximate distance: 250km

South beyond Hastings and Havelock North, Hawke's Bay features beaches, rolling farmed countryside and a time-warp historic village. Begin this road trip by heading up to the top of 399m Te Mata Peak, near Havelock North. While everyone else will be looking north at the stupendous views out over Hawke's Bay, make sure to look southwest at the amazing countryside you'll be driving through on this trip.

Once you’ve come down off the peak, pass through the valley of the Tukituki River, then cross over the hill country on sealed roads to the coast. Central Hawke's Bay boasts a number of gorgeous sandy beaches to the south of Cape Kidnappers (Te Kauwae-a-Māui). Ocean Beach is a stunner; hit the sand here and go for a swim if conditions are right and the surf lifesavers are out.

Next, it's on to Maraetotara Falls. This is the site of the historic Havelock North hydro-electric power station, constructed in 1922. The dam is still here, alongside remnants of the power station buildings. Below the falls is a popular swimming spot (all the usual wild swimming precautions apply). Head back to the Tukituki River and then on to Waipawa on winding country roads.

In Waipawa, you can visit Central Hawke's Bay Museum, housed in what was once the local branch of the Bank of New Zealand until 1985. The museum is stuffed with local artifacts, historic photos and mementos of the past. After a pit stop and a meal, follow the signs to Ongaonga. This captivating village features historic buildings, manicured gardens, an outdoor museum and a general store dating from 1899 that is also the local cafe, gift shop, post office and petrol station.

Turn back north to reach your next destination, Ash Ridge Wines. If time permits, pick up a bike for a flat, off-road ride to local wineries with On Yer Bike Winery Tours. Beyond the vineyard, it's a short drive back to Hastings or on to Napier.

8. Te Anau to Bluff via the Southern Scenic Route

Best for windswept headlands
Start/Finish: Te Anua–Bluff
Appproximate distance: 230km

This road route takes in New Zealand’s southern reaches, visiting lonely beaches, dramatic cliffs and rolling countryside. Gouged out by a giant glacier, the lake at Te Anau is New Zealand's second largest, with several arms that extend into the mountainous, forested terrain to the west.

After visiting the picturesque gateway town to Milford Sound (Piopiotahi), head south to Manapōuri. As you approach Lake Manapōuri, prepare yourself for a “wow” moment as the lake, its many islands, and its wild mountain backdrop come into view. If time allows, take a cruise to Doubtful Sound (Pātea), departing from Manapōuri – this much less-visited part of Fiordland will awe you. 

Next, it's time to head south through rural Southland. You'll reach Te Waewae Bay after passing through Clifden and its Victorian suspension bridge. Stop to stroll across it and spot monster trout in the Waiau River below.

At Te Waewae Bay, you’ll find moody, windswept beaches. Stop at the spectacular lookout at McCracken’s Rest and keep an eye out for Hector’s dolphins and southern right whales that are occasionally sighted here. Just past Orepuki is the turn-off for Monkey Island, a grassy islet just meters offshore and accessible at low tide.

Next, follow the road along the coast to quiet little Riverton/Aparima, worth a stopover for its dreamy bay views. If near-Antarctic swimming takes your fancy, the long, broad sands of Taramea Bay are good for a dip. Palmerston Street is studded with cafes, 19th-century buildings and the Te Hikoi Southern Journey museum. A tad further west, Colac Bay is popular with hardy surfers.

Now drive east until you reach Invercargill. If you love a road trip, you may also be a motoring enthusiast, in which case your first stop will be Bill Richardson’s Transport World, with over 300 vintage vehicles from trucks to racing cars. And then it's on to the Motorcycle Mecca museum, which has artworks as well as vintage bikes to admire.

Moving onward, the drive to Bluff (home to Bluff oysters) and Stirling Point is another 30km. Windswept and more than a little bleak, Bluff is Invercargill’s port. The main reason folk come is to catch the ferry to Stewart Island/Rakiura or to pose for a photo beside the Stirling Point signpost, which signifies that you’ve reached the furthest reaches of the South Island.