New Zealand is a dream come true for nature lovers and adventurers. When I lived in this country, I felt like all my adventurous dreams had come true. Anyone with wanderlust craves the type of experience that this incredible destination promises. This is also a playground for all the road trip enthusiasts. There are endless breathtaking places to visit in New Zealand that you can drive through if you're planning a road trip in this beautiful country soon. 

Every twist and turn that I took during road trips in New Zealand led me to the most breathtaking destinations and views. From towering peaks and lush rolling hills to mesmerising lakes, you will come across endless gifts of nature during your road trip. Get ready to witness the most spectacular natural landscapes and experience thrilling adventures while you drive through the roads of New Zealand. Here are some stunning places that you must not miss.

If you are visiting New Zealand, you must check out my New Zealand Travel guide

13 Most Stunning Places in New Zealand to Drive Through

1.  Milford Sound via Milford Road

When it comes to scenic drives, New Zealand doesn’t disappoint. And it won’t be wrong to say that Miflord Road is one of the most scenic drives in the country. As you drive along this road, you will encounter endless natural wonders and glorious landscapes that leave everyone in awe. 

Imagine witnessing snow-capped mountains, mirror-like lakes, and thick beech forests, and you get stunning natural beauty all around. This road starts at Te Anau and takes you to Milford Sound. Along the way, you will also find the beautiful Fiordland National Park, which you can also visit if you have time while you pass by it. On top of it all, you will also pass the iconic Homer Tunnel before you arrive at the Milford Sound fjord. 

2. Boat Ride to Glowworm Caves

If you think that you can only visit the most breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand through a road trip, you are mistaken. Even a boat ride here takes you on otherworldly adventures, enabling you to pass through stunning natural wonders. One such boat ride is the one that you have to take beneath the rolling hills of the  Waikato region. Even though Waikato was not on my radar at first, as I thought it was a touristy spot. But I sure don’t regret visiting it. There is nothing more surreal than the Glowworm Caves, and I am here for it. 

While you boat through the cavern's dark waters, you will witness thousands of glow worms light up the ceiling of the cave. You will feel like you are passing a sky full of stars. The blue glow on these ceilings is caused by a natural chemical reaction in the glowworm’s bodies. This makes it one of the places that don’t feel real on earth, thanks to its mesmerising views. You will surely feel like you have entered a textbook or another planet. You will also enjoy the scenic drive to Waitomo that offers beautiful views of lush farmlands and limestone cliffs. 

3. Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive

If you want to be a part of a fantasy world, you cannot miss out on a drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy. During this ride, you will see the glorious shoreline of Lake Wakatipu and the majestic peaks of the Remarkables mountain range. 

Glenorchy might be a small town, but its spectacular natural beauty stuns everyone. You can tell about the landscapes of this fantasyland by the fact that it served as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings. But before you arrive at this town, you will be met with a scenic drive featuring alpine scenery, lush native bush, and crystal clear waters. 

4. The Forgotten World Highway

If rugged terrains and historical landmarks are what you are looking for, you will not want to miss out on this one. This highway is 155 km long and stretches from Stratford to Taumarunui. As you drive along this road, you will encounter glorious, rugged terrain, remote wilderness, and historic landmarks. 

You will also pass misty valleys, narrow tunnels, and the self-declared republic of Whangamōmona. Here, you can stop for a pub meal and take a glimpse of the area's rich history and culture. It might be called The Forgotten World Highway, but there is nothing there that must be forgotten. 

5. The West Coast Drive

You can never go wrong with a drive surrounded by breathtaking coastal beauty. The West Coast Drive in New Zealand is all about the seaside charm of the South Island. You will come across rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and lush rainforests while you drive on this road.

Some iconic natural wonders and spots that you will want to stop by and look closely at during this road trip include Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. You might even get a chance to spot some beautiful fur seals at Cape Foulwind during your trip. 

6. Mount Cook Road

Whenever we are talking about places on earth that don’t feel real, it is impossible not to mention this iconic route. This road stretches from Lake Pukaki to Aoraki and offers the most breathtaking scenery. As you drive down this road, you will be welcomed by the country’s highest peak, covered in snow, while the turquoise waters of the lake will be left behind. When I visited the lake, my mind instantly thought that someone might have turned up the saturation too far.  Can any natural scenery be more surreal than the combination of vivid blue waters and the towering white summit? 

You can stop your car wherever you want during the ride for a scenic picnic or to relax amidst the glorious natural beauty. At the end of the road, you will be welcomed by the Mount Cook Village, which is home to cosy alpine lodges, giving you a serene stay without the buzzing chaos of tourists. You can also go for a walk amidst glorious mountains on the easy walking trails in the area. 

7. Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass

This alpine highway is enough to mesmerise the nature lovers. As you drive through this road, you will be passing the stunning route through the heart of the Southern Alps. While driving on this road, you will be stunned by many lovely spots. Get ready to witness Castle Hill, known for its massive limestone boulders.

At the end of this road, you will be met with the glorious Arthur’s Pass National Park. This national park is home to many natural wonders and diverse landscapes, including waterfalls and gorges. You will also be greeted by Kea parrots here. 

8. Crown Range Road

If you're looking for a thrilling drive, you'll love this one. The Crown Range Road is the highest sealed road in the country. From here, you will get a chance to view stunning views over the Wakatipu Basin. 

What makes these drives thrilling are the alpine meadows and the hairpin bends. While on this route, be sure not to miss the historic Cardona Hotel, where you can treat yourself to a meal or simply take a picture to remember your trip. 

9. East Cape Road

No doubt, this might be one of the least-travelled roads, but it is undoubtedly worth it for a road trip. It promises the most untouched natural beauty, glorious landscapes, and a rich culture. This is the perfect place to get a glimpse of the fascinating Maori culture. 

In addition to the remote beaches and rugged coastline, you can also see the first place on earth to see the sunrise every day. Isn’t it exciting? If you make it in time, you might even get a chance to witness this sunrise. 

10. Lake Tekapo Scenic Drive

After reviewing this list, you may now have a better idea that there is no shortage of scenic drives in New Zealand. One such scenic drive is at Lake Tekapo, where you drive your car amidst the glorious rolling hills and a strikingly blue lake. 

You will drive through the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd here. If you have time, be sure to stop by this landmark and take a closer look. Also, tourists love to stay the night at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve here, which is one of the most famous spots for stargazing in the world. 

11. Rotorua to Taupo via SH 5

This is a thermal highway, which makes it unique from the others on the list. You will pass geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming lakes on this route. If you want to explore the places as you go, you must not miss out on the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

The route concludes at Lake Taupo, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. This route promises a memorable experience that you won't want to miss, especially if you're seeking unique landscapes. 

12. Kaikoura Coastline Drive (SH 1)

Here is another incredible option for lovers of the coastal drive. The Kaikoura Coastline Drive is unmatched in its scenic beauty. You get stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges while you are here. 

You will be stunned to know that while you drive through this road, you might be able to see some dolphins and whales in the beautiful waters of the Pacific, even from afar. Also, treat yourself to some fresh seafood by the beach while you are here. 

13. Napier to Hastings Scenic Drive

This might be a short drive, but the experiences that you get from it are genuinely worthwhile. While you are driving on this route, you will get a chance to witness lush vineyards, stunning art deco architecture, and gentle hills.

It is also the perfect place for a leisurely wine-tasting retreat. You can also plan a picnic here, taking in the scenic beauty. You will surely get enough stunning shots to post on your Instagram. 

Final Words

New Zealand is an incredible option, whether you want to take a road trip across the most stunning landscapes or relocate to the country. Countless exciting experiences await you, just like tourists like you. You can also read more about New Zealand’s incredible destinations and about moving to the country on Travel Backpack. You can also share your experience. 

Want insider tips from someone who has lived in New Zealand?  Check out my NZ Travel Guide

FAQs

What is the most scenic drive in New Zealand?

If you are a fan of scenic drives, you will not want to miss out on the Milford Sound. You will surely fall in love with the beautiful reflections in the Mirror Lakes. 

What is the most breathtaking part of New Zealand?

It is difficult to pinpoint only one breathtaking part of New Zealand. The country is full of natural wonders and glorious gems. Here are some of the beautiful parts of New Zealand. 

• Lake Tekapo
• Franz Josef Glacier
• Glowworm Caves
• Fox Glacier
• Tongariro National Park

Is it difficult to move to New Zealand?

Moving to New Zealand from countries like the UK and the USA is not that difficult. It just requires careful planning and choosing the correct visa. Also, you will have to be patient as it can be time-consuming. If you want to find out if NZ is right for you, check out my FREE assessment.