What are the most spectacular roads in New Zealand?
Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is an island country that comprises two main landmasses: the North Island and the South Island, with around 700 smaller islands. Similar in size to Italy or Japan, it covers an area of 268,680 km2 (103,740 sq mi).
Due to its geography, with mountain ranges, fjords, volcanic plateaus, and coastal plains, it features some of the most spectacular roads in the world. When traveling to New Zealand, you can not miss driving Skippers Canyon Road. Tucked away in the southwest of the South Island, it is now one of New Zealand's better-known scenic roads and is unbelievably scary, being extremely narrow and difficult to maneuver.
For those who prefer scenic drives, the Forgotten World Highway is one of the world's top drives. It’s also worth driving the scenic Crown Range Road, an exhilarating road with hairpin bends, serpentines, and steep grades on the South Island. And if you prefer mountain roads, you can not skip the sensational road to the Remarkables in Queenstown, a ski resort at 1,622m (5,321ft) above sea level. And do not forget to check out our content about the highest roads in the country, where altitude and adventure pose a breathtaking challenge.
Skippers Canyon Road is New Zealand's Unbelievably Scary and Historic Drive
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 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 extremely remote and mysterious. It’s considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Driving the sensational road to the Remarkables in Queenstown
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.
The scenic Crown Range Road in NZ is often covered in snow
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 an unforgettable drive in NZ
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.
Driving the wild Danseys Pass in NZ
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.
Road trip guide: Conquering Lindis Pass in NZ
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.
A legendary drive to Arthur's Pass in NZ
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 a truly epic road in 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.
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 across Rangipo's Desert.
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.
What are the highest roads in 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.
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.
Driving the terrifying coastal road to Port Jackson in NZ
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.
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.
Nevis Road in NZ: Not Suitable for 2WD Vehicles
Nevis Road is an absolute classic drive located in Otago, New Zealand. The road has steep sections and crosses several fords.
Old Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ
Old Dunstan Road, situated in the Otago Region of New Zealand's South Island, is a rugged 4x4 track renowned for its challenging terrain and historical significance.
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 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 sea level, located in the South Island of New Zealand. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful alpine scenic routes in the country.
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.
Take the Scenic Bruce Road and Discover Whakapapa ski field
Whakapapa is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,624m (5,328ft) above 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 in 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 best coastal drives in the world.
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.
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.
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.
A drive up the legendary Te Mata Peak on the North Island of New Zealand
Te Mata Peak is a mountain peak at an elevation of 389m (1,276ft) above 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.
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.
Acheron Road is an unforgettable drive in New Zealand
Acheron Road is a very scenic and adventurous trip located in New Zealand's Marlborough high country.
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 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, located in the Wellington region on the southern coast of New Zealand's North Island, marks the end of one of the country's most scenic drives.
Is Baldwin Street in New Zealand the world's steepest residential street?
Baldwin Street, located in Dunedin, in New Zealand, is often recognized as the world's steepest residential street with a gradient of 35 percent. The steepest part of the street is surfaced with concrete to prevent asphalt from melting and flowing downhill on hot days.
Travel guide to the top of Porters Pass in New Zealand
Porters Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 948m (3,110ft) above 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 the central South Island of New Zealand, the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road is a very scenic drive winding alongside the blue Lake Wakatipu, a deep glacial lake famous for its beauty. It's one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.
Driving the unpaved road to Mount Dobson in NZ
Mount Dobson is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,748m (5,734 ft) above sea level located in the Mackenzie region of the South Island in New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.