The Best New Zealand Road Trips: Ultimate North and South Driving Guide

New Zealand is one of the greatest destinations in the world for road trips. With jaw-dropping scenery and pristine roads, it’s a country designed for exploring by car. From volcanic landscapes and golden beaches to alpine passes and fjords, the best New Zealand road trips will leave you speechless at every turn.

What are the best road trips in New Zealand?

The best New Zealand road trips include the South Island Alpine Drive, Milford Sound Road, West Coast Glacier Route, North Island Thermal Explorer Highway, and the Bay of Islands coastal drive. The South Island is better for stunning scenery and long drives, while the North Island is better for shorter routes, beaches, and cultural stops.

Why New Zealand is perfect for road trips

New Zealand has long been considered one of the best countries for road trips, and it’s no great surprise. Distances are manageable, the scenery changes quickly, and there’s something to see no matter which route you take.

• Well-maintained roads and clear signage
• Frequent scenic viewpoints and rest areas
• Easy access to beaches, mountains, lakes, and national parks
• Flexible accommodation options for road trippers

It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a short driving holiday or a multi-week adventure, a New Zealand road trip guarantees memories that will last a lifetime.

North vs South Island: which is better for road trips?

One of the most commonly asked questions is: Is the North Island or South Island better for a New Zealand road trip? Here’s our verdict:

North Island road trip advantages

• Shorter driving distances
• Warmer climate and more beaches
• Geothermal areas and Māori cultural experiences
• Ideal for first-time visitors with limited time

South Island road trip advantages

• Incredible mountain scenery and alpine passes
• Long, scenic drives with fewer cities
• Famous routes like Milford Sound and the West Coast
• Better for adventure and photography

Final Verdict: The South Island is generally considered better for epic road trips and scenery, whereas the North Island is better for relaxed drives, beaches, and cultural highlights. If you have enough time, you can combine both islands by taking your car on the Wellington to Picton ferry with Interislander and Bluebridge.

Best North Island road trips

Thermal Explorer Highway (Auckland to Wellington)

One of the best North Island road trips, the Thermal Explorer Highway is a 640km drive that takes you from Auckland to Wellington through the heart of New Zealand. This scenic route takes around 8 hours without stopping, weaving past bubbling geothermal landscapes in Rotorua, the vast shores of Lake Taupō, and the volcanic scenery of Tongariro National Park.

The drive between Auckland and Rotorua takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on traffic. Then you can get from Rotorua to Lake Taupo in just 1 hour by following State Highway 5 for 80km. Wellington is located 4 and 50 minutes south of Lake Taupo, but there are a range of sights to see on the way including Mount Tauhara and Waipunga Falls.

You can also choose to extend this road trip by taking the ferry from Wellington Port to Picton Port and continue onwards to Queenstown.

Highlights

• Rotorua geysers and hot springs
• Lake Taupō viewpoints
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing access
• Volcanic landscapes and cultural stops

Bay of Islands coastal drive

This is widely considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in New Zealand, especially if you love beaches and relaxed seaside towns. The Bay of Islands drive begins in Auckland and heads north via State Highway 1 (SH1). The first major stop is Whangārei, around 160 km (2–2.5 hours) from Auckland, where you can detour just 10 minutes off SH1 to visit the Whangārei Falls.

From Whangārei, continue north on SH1 for 70 km for 1 hour to Kawakawa, then turn east onto State Highway 11 (SH11) for the final 30 km (40 minutes) into Paihia, the main gateway to the Bay of Islands. From Paihia, a 15-minute ferry ride takes you to the historic town of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, while the Waitangi Treaty Grounds sit just 2 km south of Paihia and can be reached in 5 minutes by car or via a coastal walk. Along the way, the drive passes rolling farmland, sheltered coves, and subtropical coastline, eventually opening up to the famous bay dotted with over 140 islands, best explored by boat once you arrive.

Highlights

• Golden beaches and turquoise water
• Boat trips and dolphin encounters
• Historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Coromandel Peninsula Loop

Compact yet incredibly scenic, the Coromandel Peninsula loop is perfect for a short road trip, with around 3 to 4 hours of driving time (not including stops). The loop typically starts in Thames, where you head north on State Highway 25 (SH25). The coastal drive from Thames to Coromandel Town is 55 km and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, winding along the Firth of Thames with continuous ocean views. Just before reaching Coromandel Town, turn inland onto Colville Road and then Tokatea Hill Road for the steep but rewarding Tokatea Hill Lookout, which offers sweeping views over the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding ranges.

From Coromandel Town, continue southeast on SH25 for 1 hour across the peninsula’s interior to Whitianga, a drive of 50 km through native forest and over the Coromandel Range. Whitianga makes a great lunch stop and is also the jumping-off point for Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Continue south on SH25 for 30 km (35 to 40 minutes) to Tairua, then follow the same road for another 20 km to Whangamatā, one of the peninsula’s most popular surf beaches. 

The loop finishes by heading inland on SH25 over the Karangahake Gorge to Waihi, a dramatic 45 km drive taking about 1 hour, passing historic gold-mining tunnels, river gorges, and cycling trails before reconnecting with State Highway 2.

Highlights

• Cathedral Cove
• Mercury Bay
• Hot Water Beach
• Karangahake Gorge
• Scenic coastal roads

Best South Island road trips

The South Alpine Drive (Christchurch to Queenstown)

Widely regarded as one of the best road trips in New Zealand, the Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73) crosses the Southern Alps from coast to coast, delivering an extraordinary variety of landscapes in a single day. The route typically runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, covering 245 km with a realistic driving time of 4 to 5 hours without extended stops, though most travelers should allow a full day.

Starting in Christchurch, follow SH73 west across the Canterbury Plains for 95 km (about 1.25 hours) to Springfield, where the mountains begin to rise dramatically. From here, the road climbs through the Waimakariri River valley to Arthur’s Pass Village, a further 85 km taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes, passing alpine beech forest, braided rivers, and short roadside walks. Arthur’s Pass Village sits at 920 metres and is the highest point of the highway, making it an ideal stop for a walk to Devils Punchbowl Falls, just 1 km from the village.

Beyond Arthur’s Pass, SH73 descends into the West Coast via steep mountain roads and river gorges, with frequent waterfalls after rain. The drive from Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth is 65 km and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, passing through Otira Gorge and dense temperate rainforest before reaching the Tasman Sea. Many travelers choose to detour 30 km south on SH7 to visit Lake Brunner (Moana), or continue north or south along State Highway 6 once they reach Greymouth.

Highlights

• Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
• Arthur’s Pass National Park
• Mount Cook National Park
• Stargazing and alpine hiking

Milford Sound Road (Te Anau to Milford Sound)

The Milford Sound Road is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand. The route runs from Te Anau to Milford Sound along State Highway 94 (SH94), covering 118 km through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the drive takes around 2 to 3 hours one way without stops, most travelers should allow at least 5 to 6 hours to fully appreciate the scenery and short walks along the way.

Departing Te Anau, follow SH94 west for 30 minutes to Te Anau Downs, where the road begins tracing the edge of Lake Te Anau. Continuing for another 45 minutes brings you to Mirror Lakes, a short boardwalk stop offering classic reflections of the Earl Mountains. From here, the road climbs steadily through ancient beech forest and broad alpine valleys, passing Lake Gunn and Cascade Creek, both popular picnic and short-walk stops.

The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as SH94 enters the Hollyford Valley, before climbing to The Divide, the highest point on the road, 85 km from Te Anau (around 1.75 hours driving time). From The Divide, the highway descends toward The Chasm, located 18 km further on, where a short walk leads to powerful waterfalls carving through smooth rock formations. The road then makes its final ascent to the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2 km-long tunnel carved directly through the Southern Alps, emerging into the steep-sided Cleddau Valley.

Highlights

• Mirror Lakes
• The Chasm
• Homer Tunnel
• Milford Sound cruises

West Coast Glacier Route

The West Coast Glacier Route is one of the most diverse road trips in New Zealand, running parallel with the rugged South Island West Coast between Punakaiki and Haast. This scenic drive showcases a rare mix of wild coastline, dense rainforest, and towering mountains, with the Southern Alps rising sharply just inland.

The route’s main highlights are Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, two of the few glaciers in the world that descend close to sea level and are easily accessible by short walks from the road. Travelers can stop at natural landmarks such as the Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki and remote beaches where the sunsets will you’re your breath away.

• Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
• Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
• Coastal sunsets and rainforest walks

Queenstown to Dunedin via the Southern Scenic Route

The Queenstown to Dunedin drive is one of New Zealand’s most underappreciated road trips, with a vast array of alpine landscapes, rugged coastline, and historic towns. Beginning in the adventure capital of Queenstown, the route takes you through the rolling countryside of Southland and Otago, passing highlights such as Lake Wakatipu, The Catlins, and windswept coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

This drive usually takes between 5 to 7 hours without stops, but most people take much longer to appreciate all the sights. These include the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, hidden waterfalls, native forest walks, and wildlife hotspots where seals, sea lions, and rare yellow-eyed penguins can sometimes be spotted.

• Nugget Point lighthouse
• Coastal wildlife spotting
• Quiet, scenic driving stretches

New Zealand Road Trip Itineraries

7-day South Island road trip

• Day 1–2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
• Day 3: Mount Cook National Park
• Day 4: Lake Pukaki to Queenstown
• Day 5: Queenstown activities
• Day 6–7: Milford Sound day trip

10-day North Island road trip

• Day 1–2: Auckland
• Day 3–4: Bay of Islands
• Day 5–6: Rotorua
• Day 7: Lake Taupō
• Day 8–10: Wellington

Advice for Road Trips in New Zealand

Plan for time, not distance

New Zealand roads are often narrow, winding, and scenic. A 200 km drive can easily take 4–5 hours once you factor in terrain, weather, slow vehicles, and photo stops.

Drive less, experience more

One of the biggest mistakes is trying to cover too much ground. Fewer driving hours per day (ideally 3–5) leaves enough time for short walks, viewpoints, and spontaneous stops.

Always check road and weather conditions

Mountain passes, alpine roads, and coastal routes can close due to adverse weather conditions. Check conditions every morning, especially in Fiordland, the West Coast, and central South Island.

Fuel up whenever you can

Petrol stations can be far apart in rural areas. Make sure that you fill up in major towns before heading onto scenic routes.

Start early for iconic drives

Routes like Milford Sound Road, Mount Cook Highway, and the Bay of Islands coastal roads are quieter and more atmospheric early in the day, with better light and fewer tour buses.

Use scenic pull-offs, not the roadside

Stopping on the shoulder is dangerous and illegal in many places. New Zealand provides frequent, clearly marked viewpoints.

Expect changing conditions

You can experience all four seasons in a single day. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sun protection year-round, especially on longer road trips.

Download maps and playlists offline

Mobile signal is often unreliable in remote regions. Download navigation, accommodation details, and entertainment before you leave.

Watch for wildlife and livestock

Sheep, cattle, and other wildlife frequently cross rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down and stay alert when driving outside urban areas.

FAQs

Which island has the best road trips in New Zealand?

The South Island is generally considered better for road trips due to its dramatic landscapes and scenic highways, whereas the North Island offers shorter routes that can be done in a single day.

How long do you need for a New Zealand road trip?

This really depends on how much you want to see and how relaxed you want the trip to feel, but New Zealand rewards slow travel more than almost anywhere else. Here's a realistic guideline:

• 7–10 days per island is the minimum to enjoy a road trip without feeling rushed. 
• 10–14 days per island is ideal if you want scenic detours, short hikes, and spontaneous stops. 
• 3+ weeks total is perfect if you want to do both islands properly.

Is New Zealand easy to drive?

Yes, New Zealand is very easy to drive, even for first-time road trippers. Here are some of the things that make driving in New Zealand easy:

• Well-maintained roads and clear signage 
• Minimal traffic outside major cities 
• Friendly driving culture and good rest stops 
• English road signs and simple road rules 

Book Your New Zealand Road Trip

New Zealand road trips give you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace and witness its beauty from the comfort of your car seat. You can even extend your itinerary by booking a ferry to the surrounding islands. Whether you choose the North Island, the South Island, or both, driving through New Zealand is a journey you’ll remember long after the road ends.