Picking the right roads in New Zealand can feel hard. New Zealand has roads that wind past glaciers, forests, and surf. Scenic Drives In New Zealand For Every Season can steer you to the best rides.
This guide lists ten drives from Milford Road to Forgotten World Highway.
You will find tips on renting a motorhome or compact car. Ready for an epic trip?
Key Takeaways
- This guide lists 10 drives on both islands, with key distances: Milford Road (75 miles), Crown Range Road (3,200 ft climb), Twin Coast Discovery Highway (480 miles), Pacific Coast Highway (280 miles), Forgotten World Highway (155 km).
- You will see glaciers at Haast Pass, waterfalls on Arthur’s Pass, black-sand beaches in Northland, and alpine peaks between Queenstown and Glenorchy.
- Rent a motorhome or small car, use GPS, maps, and a compass, and pack snow chains, warm layers, and camera gear for any season.
- Each season brings its own view: autumn foliage on Forgotten World Highway, winter snowfields on Crown Range Road, summer surf at Ninety Mile Beach, and spring blooms around Lake Wakatipu.
Crown Range Road: Panoramic views of the Southern Alps
Drivers climb Crown Range Road from Queenstown to Wanaka. They cross slopes that rise over 3,200 feet in elevation. This high road sits on South Island of New Zealand. It shows wide views of the Southern Alps.
Lakes Wakatipu and Pukaki rest below the peaks on clear days.
Hikers start trails near Cardrona Hotel. They walk to a rocky overlook that suits DSLR camera or action camera shots. Travelers use a road atlas and magnetic compass to pick turnouts.
They breathe crisp air and watch snowfields on giant peaks.
Milford Road: A dramatic journey to Milford Sound’s natural wonders
Milford Road cuts through Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. The drive runs along State Highway 94, from Te Anau to Milford Sound. No cell reception appears for most of its 75 miles.
You might need snow chains on tires in winter. Leave Te Anau at dawn to beat crowds. Rainforest meets mountain peaks, rivers carve deep valleys, waterfalls splash by the roadside.
Visitors spot Mirror Lakes, where calm pools reflect jagged mountain faces. Hikers choose trails toward Lake Marian or Gertrude Saddle to earn sweeping views. Scenic hairpin turns reveal towering cliffs and deep fiords at every bend.
Cameras come out fast, yet drivers watch slick surfaces carefully.
Twin Coast Discovery Highway: Explore Northland’s stunning beaches
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway runs along two coasts in Northland on New Zealand’s North Island. This route links about 480 miles of scenic drives from Hokianga Harbour to the Bay of Islands.
Drivers spot black-sand surf beaches, dip their toes in soft sand, and wave at squid jigging boats. GPS tools like Google Maps and a handheld camera capture each sunset glow.
An old mate once skidded on the soft dunes at Ahipara, then laughed until dusk. We devoured fish and chips in Paihia, while winds hummed on the harbor. Coastal winds shift sands at Ninety Mile Beach each year, so no two visits feel the same.
Komoot guides every turn, and a quadcopter grabs emerald bay shots near Russell.
Arthur’s Pass: Alpine beauty and breathtaking landscapes
State Highway 73 links Christchurch, Hokitika, and Greymouth. It winds through Arthur’s Pass National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. Travelers trace the Bealey River as it cuts through the Southern Alps.
Jagged peaks loom overhead. A simple map or GPS keeps drivers on track.
Arthur’s Pass Village serves as a base for hiking trails. The Bealey Spur Track climbs above the treeline with sweeping views. Skilled hikers tackle Avalanche Peak for a 1,833-meter summit.
A short walk leads to Devils Punchbowl Waterfall beside the road. Visitors spot kea with binoculars or camera gear. Crisp mountain air and rocky terrain feel like a new frontier.
Pacific Coast Highway: Coastal cliffs and serene beaches
Auckland to Napier marks the path of the Pacific Coast Highway. This scenic drive covers about 280 miles in New Zealand’s North Island. Sharp cliffs drop into calm bays. White sand beaches beckon swimmers and surfers.
You can pause at Tutira Lake for a quick paddle.
Vineyards run along 20 miles of road near Hawke’s Bay. Tour guides host small wine tasting at family estates. Roadside signs point to wildlife reserves and native bush. Trails invite whale watching near Mahia Peninsula.
Motorhomes and campervans fit snugly at seaside camps. GPS units help you stay on track through winding curves.
Forgotten World Highway: Historic charm and rugged terrain
Follow 155 km of rugged hills and valleys on the Forgotten World Highway. It traces colonial bridle paths laid in the 1850s. Locals spin yarns in Whangamomona, the small republic town in the North Island.
Bright reds and golds light up the road in autumn, thanks to fiery foliage. Many drivers check their compass or GPS to find ghost tunnels and old coach tracks. Cameras capture each creek crossing, limestone bluff, and vintage pub.
Haast Pass: Rainforests, waterfalls, and mountain vistas
Haast Pass runs along State Highway 6 through Mount Aspiring National Park, linking Wanaka with Queenstown on the West Coast. Tall beech trees frame the narrow road, moss drapes from branches, ferns carpet the forest floor.
Drivers stop at Blue Pools and Thunder Creek Falls for stunning, misty views.
Snowcapped peaks rise on both sides, offering glimpses of Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier in the distance. I once fumbled with my camera battery under a spray of water, so I pack extra supplies and a charged camera each time.
Carry snacks and warm layers for safety on this scenic drive.
Queenstown to Glenorchy: A picturesque lakeside drive
Cars hug the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu. The road twists around coves, past reed beds, toward snowcapped peaks. Photographers set up a DSLR and a sturdy tripod on gravel pullouts. They aim at towering summits, wild deer, and the glittering water.
This famous South Island route links Queenstown and Glenorchy in about 45 minutes of pure scenic bliss.
Drivers roll into Paradise, a Lord of the Rings filming location, where scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring came alive. Tour guides point out avalanche scars and alpine meadows that served as backdrops.
Tiny sandflies swarm near creeks, so stash insect repellent in your pack. Locals joke about the bites, but the spray keeps you itch-free.
Takeaways
Each road shows a new scene. You can rent a motorhome to roam. Small cars work for towns. Carry a map and link your GPS. You will see lakes, peaks, and coastlines. Try winter, spring, summer or fall for fun.
A fresh view waits at each stop.
FAQs
1. What drives top the summer list on the South Island?
The Milford Road from Te Anau to Milford Sound runs through Fiordland National Park, past Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel. It feels like a film set, it glows in sun, and it pumps adrenaline.
2. Which route dances with autumn colors?
The Crown Range Road links Wānaka to Queenstown. It rides high over Central Otago hills, past Cardrona Hotel, then drops into valleys. Fall tints blaze bright.
3. Which drive hits the west coast?
The Southern Scenic Route runs from Fiordland to The Catlins, loops past Pancake Rocks, Eglinton Valley and a west coast glacier. It brings the roar of the sea and moss draping like green lace on trees.
4. Where do I chase spring blooms?
Head along the road to Lake Tekapo in Mackenzie Country. You’ll see Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and fields of lupins. Each turn frames a picture.
5. Are there North Island gems?
Yes, the Forgotten World Highway near Mount Egmont feels like a time capsule. You pass old pubs, river gorges and movie sets from a famous fantasy saga. For surf and sun, pick Surf Highway 45 near New Plymouth.
6. Can I mix hikes with scenic drives?
Sure, take the Great Alpine Highway through Arthur’s Pass. Stop at Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, then tackle the hooker valley track to a glacial lake. You end in Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, where mountains rule the sky.
