New Zealand is a country with beautiful landscapes, which can make any person who is on a road trip extremely happy. If one wants to talk about the beauty of the world, it is an island nation filled with tropical rainforests, clear watered lakes, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful coastlines. If you are a lover of road trips and traveling independently to new places, the New Zealand road trips are for you. This is perhaps even more so when you are driving along the winding lanes of the coastal areas or the hilly terrains of the mountainous areas.
And if you are going to visit different countries, don’t leave home without your passport and other relevant documents including New Zealand Visa. To have your plans set and to get your visa in advance will ensure that your travel through this beautiful country is smooth and hitch-free and you can focus on the beautiful scenery and memories that New Zealand has to offer.
Here are the Most Beautiful Road Trips in New Zealand
1. The Southern Scenic Route (Invercargill to Dunedin)
The Southern Scenic Route is a good option to get to know the middle of the South Island with the coastlines, cliffs, and small towns. This route starts at Invercargill and then continues at the Otago Peninsula which has penguins and sea lions. If you do not have time to visit Fiordland National Park which is one of the sites of UNESCO, the nature is still virgin here and Doubtful Sound. It therefore makes this trip a perfect one for anyone who would want to leave the crowded city and get closer to nature.
2. The Coastal Pacific (Picton to Christchurch)
Coastal Pacific operates on the eastern part of the South Island and affords views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and grazing lands on the other. You will also pass through the Marlborough wine region and Sauvignon Blanc wine before proceeding to the town of Kaikoura to meet whales. This road trip offers some changes in the landscape, this has cliffs and white sand beaches, there are many places to visit small coastal towns and clean sandy beaches.
3. The Taupo to Wellington Road Trip (Taupo to Wellington)
This road trip is best suited for people who love to explore natural beauty as well as the history of the region. Starting from the lakeside town of Taupo, the drive passes through the Tongariro National Park which includes the volcanoes and other attractive geographical features. Further ahead you will be able to explore the picturesque Wairarapa region with its wine-growing valleys and picturesque towns. It ends at Wellington, the happening capital city that offers a perfect mix of art, culture, and history making this tour both beautiful and informative.
4. The Northland Explorer (Auckland to Cape Reinga)
The Northland Explorer is a driving trip that offers scenic coastal scenery as well as the Maori history of New Zealand. From Auckland, the drive takes you through the forests, along the scenic beaches, and the famous ninety-mile beach to give a true feel of the north island. The last stop of the trip is Cape Reinga, the point where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet – a very beautiful sight. On the way, you can stop at the Waipoua Forest to see some of the oldest and tallest kauri trees in the world, which also makes the trip even more interesting.
5. The Great Alpine Highway (Christchurch to Greymouth)
Great Alpine Highway is one of the most spectacular ones in New Zealand driving through the heart of Southern Alps where mountains of snow meet the green valleys. From Christchurch, the road takes you to Greymouth on the west coast with mountains and glaciers in sight. This is a good opportunity to do some of the best tramping and bird watching in the country at Arthur’s Pass National Park. This makes this incredible drive through one of the country’s most beautiful areas even more special due to the clear divide between the east and west of the island.
6. The Scenic Hokianga Loop (Auckland to Hokianga)
The Scenic Hokianga Loop is not very popular but still quite a nice route, which is less crowded compared to other similar routes. The drive takes you north from Auckland to Hokianga Harbour, which is known for its beautiful beaches and high-rolling country. On the way, visit the Waipoua forest, the land of the kauri trees including the biggest one called Tane Mahuta. The loop also passes through the famous dunes of Opononi and across the harbor on a ferry. This drive is full of Maori history and beautiful landscapes and is quite possibly one of the most serene road trips out there.
Conclusion:
New Zealand has some of the most scenic roads in the world, and driving is a great way to see the country’s varied terrain – from cliffs to mountains to forests. If you are to drive along the Southern Scenic Route or the Great Alpine Highway, you are in for the scenic and adventurous ride of your life. The landscapes and opportunities to explore nature, local culture, and history are virtually endless and New Zealand is a perfect destination for road trip lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Before you start your driving tour of this beautiful country, you should get your New Zealand Visa in place in good time. Getting your visa in advance will make your travel experience less stressful when you are out looking for the best road trips in New Zealand. Therefore, begin mapping out your ideal trip right now and get prepared to have great experiences on the highway!
