What are the most spectacular roads in 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.

Kiwi Road is a scenic narrow and rough track located in northern Taranaki, in the North Island of New Zealand.

Obelisk/Kopuwai is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.687m (5,534ft) above the sea level, located on the Old Man Range, in the Otago region of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Remutaka Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 556m (1,824ft) above the sea level, located in in the Wellington Region of New Zealand's North Island. The road is well known to NZ motorcyclists

The Waihoanga Road Bridge is located in the Manuwatu Region, in the southwestern North Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Cardrona Alpine Resort is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.660m (5,446ft) above the sea level, located in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Lake Road is an amazing unsealed road located in the North Island of New Zealand. The road leads to the Lake Waikaremoana, in the heart of Tuhoe country.

Harington Point Road is a coastal drive located at the northeastern end of Otago Peninsula, in New Zealand's South Island.

Tapotupotu Beach is an unspoilt beach located the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand.

Located in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island, Whaanga Coast Road is a rugged, rocky, gravel road that has become a legend.

Located in the north east of the South Island of New Zealand, the Sawcut Gorge is a lovely place to be on a hot day, with excellent swimming holes and towering rock faces.

Henderson Bay Road is a short metal road connecting Henderson Bay to the State Highway 1. This very quiet little road is 6km long and is located north of Kaitaia, the northern most city in New Zealand.

Nugget Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse at Nugget Point in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. The road is 8.9km long.

The Omarama Clay Cliffs are silt and gravel pinnacle formations near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island of New Zealand. The road is bumpy, drive slowly and avoid holes!

Located in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand, at an elevation of 1.648m (5,406ft) above the sea level, Cardrona Alpine Resort is one of most popular ski resorts of the country.

Homer Tunnel is a high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 945m (3,100ft) above the sea level located in the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand.

Dobson Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.019m (6,624ft) above the sea level, located in the South Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Tukino Skifield is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.705m (5,593ft) above the sea level, located in the Waikato Region in the central area of the North Island, New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Located south of Helena Bay on the east coast of Northland, New Zealand, the Mimiwhangata Road is a narrow and winding adventure. It still remains an adrenaline-pumping journey and is definitely not for the faint of lungs, heart, or legs.

Rough Ridge is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.040m (3,412ft) above the sea level, located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand.

Saddle Hill is a mountain pass at an elevation of 413m (1,354ft) above the sea level, located in the north end of the South Island of New Zealand.

Chard Road is the name of a very demanding cliff drive located in the Otago region of New Zealand.

Taumatamaire Road is the name of a very challenging drive located in the western North Island of New Zealand.

The largest city of New Zealand, Auckland, is also its most diverse one. Whether you are chasing natural like, a place to surf the waves, forests to stroll, or mountains to climb, Auckland offers you everything. The city also has an extensive coastline and numerous options for road trips.

It's time. We've all been cooped up in our homes for over two years because of the global pandemic. And since some restrictions have eased up a little, now is the best time for a quick escape, relaxation, and adventure.

Located in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, the defiant Dingle Burn Peninsula Track is one of the toughest tracks of the country.

Gebbies Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 161m (528ft) above the sea level, located in Canterbury, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

The Great Alpine Highway is an unforgettable adventure running from Christchurch to the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. This beautifully scenic road trip promises a breathtaking experience, taking you through charming historic towns and a captivating array of landscapes.

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand? Renting a campervan can be the perfect way to explore the country and have a unique experience. You can do many things when you rent your own campervan — from visiting stunning national parks and beaches to taking part in fun activities like bungee jumping and skydiving.

If you’re getting ready for an upcoming holiday in the wild and woolly land of New Zealand, you’ve got a lot to look forward to. A self-driving trip might just be the best possible way to enjoy this stunning country.

Situated in the Marlborough region of New Zealand's South Island, the Cape Campbell Lighthouse stands as a testament to maritime history and engineering. Its striking black and white stripes are not only visually captivating but also serve a functional purpose for sailors navigating the nearby waters.

Located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, Bealey Bridge is a crucial structure along the Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73). It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Crown Range Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,079m (3,540ft) above sea level, located in Otago in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island.

Located in Northern Coromandel in the Coromandel region, the unsealed, narrow, and winding road leading to Stony Bay is very challenging. Be prepared for larger traffic numbers over the summer period.

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