Discovering 5 unforgettable scenic drives in New Zealand
New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from lush greenery to rugged mountains. For road travel enthusiasts, it offers some of the most picturesque drives in the world. This article explores five scenic routes that showcase New Zealand's diverse beauty, making every journey an unforgettable experience. Each route highlights different aspects of the country's natural splendor.
The Coromandel Peninsula loop
Starting and ending in Thames, this 160 km loop around the Coromandel Peninsula is a must-do. The drive offers stunning views of rugged coastlines and native forests. Highlights include the famous Hot Water Beach, where visitors can dig their own hot pool in the sand, and Cathedral Cove, a spectacular marine reserve accessible only by foot or boat.
The road to Milford Sound
The journey to Milford Sound on State Highway 94 is as remarkable as the destination itself. Stretching over 120 km from Te Anau to Milford Sound, this route passes through Fiordland National Park's dramatic landscapes. Travelers are treated to vistas of towering mountains, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Key stops include Mirror Lakes and The Chasm.
Crown Range Road
Linking Wanaka and Queenstown, Crown Range Road is New Zealand's highest main road. This 70 km drive offers panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Wakatipu Basin. It's a challenging route with sharp bends and steep drops but rewards drivers with unparalleled scenery. A stop at Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand's oldest pubs, is highly recommended.
Arthur's Pass National Park drive
Crossing from Christchurch to Greymouth, this drive spans approximately 150 km across the Southern Alps via State Highway 73. It traverses through Arthur's Pass National Park, showcasing a variety of ecosystems, from dense eastern beech forests to vibrant alpine meadows. Along the way, travelers encounter remarkable sights such as the Otira Viaduct lookout point and the majestic Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall, enhancing the journey's allure.
Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach
Traveling to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand involves a unique journey along Ninety Mile Beach, which is actually about 55 miles long. This unconventional route requires a suitable vehicle for beach driving, offering an extraordinary experience with vast ocean views on one side and sand dunes on another. Note that driving conditions can vary greatly with weather and tides.
