Roads of New Zealand

Nestled in the vast expanse of the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is a land of enchanting contrasts and surreal beauty. A paradise for road trippers, the nation offers some of the most spellbinding drives in the world.

Imagine challenging the twists and turns of Skippers Canyon Road, a daunting yet historic scenic drive etched into the cliffs, promising both adrenaline and awe-inspiring panoramas. Venture along the Forgotten World Highway, a road that, true to its name, takes you on a journey to a time and place almost untouched by modernity, offering vistas that seem sketched from fantasy tales.

The Remarkables Road, as its name suggests, is truly a remarkable drive with a backdrop of imposing mountain ranges that leave an indelible impression. Traverse the Crown Range Road, a majestic alpine route where shimmering snow often drapes the landscape, turning it into a winter wonderland. Every twist, every turn, every ascent in this land seems to narrate tales of the Maori legends, the undulating valleys, and the echoing calls of the Kiwi bird.

As you navigate these roads, you're not just traversing tar and gravel; you're journeying through the very soul of Aotearoa, the 'Land of the Long White Cloud'. Strap in, and let the captivating roads of New Zealand guide your senses through spectacles both wild and wondrous.

Tucked away on the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, Skippers Canyon Road is now one of New Zealand's better-known scenic roads and is unbelievably scary, being extremely narrow and difficult to maneuver. It’s a road so dangerous that your rental car insurance won’t be honored if you drive on it.

Forgotten World Highway is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. This highly memorable driving journey is extremely remote and mysterious. It’s considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.

The Remarkables is a ski resort situated at an elevation of 1,622m (5,321ft) above sea level, located in Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Crown Range Road is a memorable journey in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s an exhilarating road with hairpin bends, serpentines, and steep grades.

Takaka Hill is a mountain pass at an elevation of 823m (2,700ft) above sea level, located at the southeastern end of Golden Bay in the Nelson Tasman region, on New Zealand's South Island.

Danseys Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 910m (2,985ft) above sea level, located on the boundary of the Canterbury and Otago regions on New Zealand's South Island.

Lindis Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 966m (3,169ft) above sea level, located in New Zealand’s South Island. The pass crosses a saddle between the valleys of the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers.

Arthur's Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 739m (2,425ft) above sea level, located in the South Island of New Zealand.

Milford Road is an awe-inspiring scenic drive in South West New Zealand that offers a dramatic and beautiful journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

Located in New Zealand's North Island, the Desert Road is a section of State Highway 1 running across Rangipo's Desert.

State Highway 38 is a very scenic drive, a true wilderness experience, in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand.

Lying in the south-western Pacific Ocean, most of the landscape of New Zealand is mountainous. The country consists of two main islands a number of smaller islands. New Zealand's geography includes glaciers, fiords, mountains, plains, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau, and miles of coastline, all within easy reach of each other.

New Zealand is an amazing country with vibrant cities, rugged countryside, and amazing places to visit and things to do. It is purpose-built for road trips but be warned, some of the most dangerous roads in the world are here. Take a look.

Port Jackson is a beach town located on the North Island of New Zealand. The road to the town, renowned for its campsite, is remote, narrow, winding, and gravel, making it one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Located in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand's South Island, Queen Charlotte Drive is a spectacular winding road that links the towns of Havelock and Picton. It's one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Nevis Road is an absolute classic drive located in Central Otago, New Zealand. The road over the pass has steep sections and crosses several fords. 

Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand.

French Pass is a quiet fishing and tourist village at the north end of the South Island of New Zealand. The road to the small and timeless seaport is said to be one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Mt Hutt Ski Area is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.597m (5,239ft) above the sea level located in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. The road to the resort can be pretty daunting.

Haast Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 569m (1,866ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of the West Coast and the Otago regions of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful alpine scenic routes in the country.

Whakapapa is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.624m (5,328ft) above the sea level, located in Manawatū-Whanganui, a region in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Paekakariki Hill Road is the name of a very scenic drive, located in the south-western North Island of New Zealand. Built in 1849, it's one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world.

Located in the Canterbury region, on the South Island of New Zealand, Mount Cook Road is a very scenic drive along the turquoise coloured Lake Pukaki. It's one of the best coastal drives in the world.

Ohakune Mountain Road is a sealed road with sweeping views located in the North Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Summit Road is a very scenic yet challenging drive located in Canterbury, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Tasman Valley Road is a very scenic curvy but fairly paved drive located on New Zealand's South Island, that takes you out to Tasman Glacier.

Te Mata Peak is a mountain peak at an elevation of 389m (1,276ft) above the sea level, located in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. The drive is a real thrill and the views from the top are amazing.

Haast River Bridge is one lane bridge over the Haast River on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. 

Treble Cone is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.260m (4,133ft) above the sea level, located in Otago, a southeastern region on New Zealand's South Island.

Acheron Road, nestled in the picturesque Marlborough high country of New Zealand's South Island, offers a thrilling drive known for its evolving landscapes of shifting screes, vast grasslands, and steep hillsides. This route promises an unforgettable journey.

The Cape Palliser Lighthouse, set in the Wellington region on the southern coast of New Zealand's North Island, is not just a beacon for sailors but also the finishing point of one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.

Located in Dunedin, New Zealand, Baldwin Street is often cited as the world's steepest residential street. It has an incline of 35 per cent. Notably, the steepest section is made from concrete because asphalt would melt and flow down the hill on particularly hot days.

Porters Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 948m (3,110ft) above the sea level, located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island.

Located on the south-west of New Zealand's South Island, the Skippers suspension bridge over the Shotover River near Queenstown in Central Otago is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Located in the central South Island of New Zealand, the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road is a very scenic drive winding alongside the shimmering blue Lake Wakatipu, a deep glacial lake surrounded by soaring mountains, famous for its scenic beauty. It's one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Mount Dobson is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,748m (5,734 ft) above the sea level located in the Mackenzie region of the South Island in New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.