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.

Skippers Canyon Road: New Zealand's Unbelievably Scary and Historic Scenic Drive

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

Forgotten World Highway in NZ is a world's top drive

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

The sensational Remarkables Road in NZ

The Remarkables is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.622m (5,321ft) above the sea level, located in Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

The scenic Crown Range Road in NZ is often covered in snow

Crown Range Road is the name of 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 an unforgettable drive in NZ

Takaka Hill is a mountain pass at an elevation of 791m (2,595ft) above the sea level, located at the south eastern end of Golden Bay in the Nelson Tasman region, at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island.

Road trip guide: Conquering Lindis Pass in NZ

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

Driving the wild Danseys Pass in NZ

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

A legendary road to Arthur's Pass in NZ

Arthur's Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 739m (2,425ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between the West Coast and Canterbury regions, in the South Island of New Zealand.

Milford Road is a truly epic road in New Zealand

Milford Road is the name of an awesome scenic drive in South West New Zealand that offers a dramatic and beautiful journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

Road trip guide: Conquering State Highway 38 in NZ

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

Highest roads 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.

Desert Road is a rather remote drive of NZ

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

Port Jackson Road is a terrifying coastal drive in NZ

Located at the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand, Port Jackson Road is a very rugged road with stunning views. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Nevis Road is not at all suitable for 2WD vehicles

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. 

Queen Charlotte Drive is a scenic coastal road in NZ

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.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Roads in New Zealand

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.

Old Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ

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

Take the Scenic Road and Discover French Pass in NZ

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.

A steep single-lane dirt road to Mount Hutt in NZ

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 beautiful alpine scenic road in NZ

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.

Take the Scenic Bruce Road and Discover Whakapapa ski field

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 in NZ is one of the most beautiful coastal drives

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.

Driving the road to Mount Cook is an absolute must in NZ

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.

Driving the Alpine Ohakune Mountain Road in NZ

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 narrow scenic drive in New Zealand

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

A drive up the legendary Te Mata Peak

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.

Driving the scenic Tasman Valley Road in NZ

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.

The narrow Haast River Bridge of NZ

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. 

How to get to Treble Cone ski resort in NZ?

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.

The road to Cape Palliser Lighthouse is one of NZ's best coastal drives

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.

Baldwin Street in NZ is said to be the world's steepest residential street

Baldwin Street is located in Dunedin, New Zealand. It’s considered the world's steepest residential street. The angle is 35 per cent - but the steepest section is made from concrete because asphalt would run down the hill on a hot day.

Acheron Road is an unforgettable journey in NZ

Located in the beautiful Marlborough high country on the South Island of New Zealand, Acheron Road is a very exciting drive that runs between Blenheim and Hanmer Springs. It can be closed due to weather or fire danger at any time.

Travel guide to the top of Porters Pass

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.

The spectacular Skippers bridge in NZ

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.

Glenorchy-Queenstown Road is a great drive with spectacular views

Located in 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.

The unpaved access road to Mount Dobson in NZ

Mount Dobson is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.748m (5,734 ft) above the sea level located in the Mackenzie region in the South Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.