The Most Adventurous Road Trips to Take in New Zealand
New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise, with beautiful scenery, untouched wilderness, and plenty of activities to do both in nature and on the water. If you’re planning a trip there and want to get the most out of your vacation, these adventurous road trips can help you experience New Zealand in a whole new way.
Forgotten World Highway
One of the most scenic and picturesque highways in New Zealand is the Forgotten World Highway. The natural beauty of this place is unrivaled, and it’s a great place to take an adventurous road trip. The highway winds through mountains, forests, and farmland, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, the Forgotten World Highway is definitely worth checking out. You’ll never forget your time driving these roads, seeing some of the natural beauty New Zealand has to offer.
It will surely be a day to remember. Picturesque scenes are everywhere, so you should make sure to pack your camera or phone with a great camera to capture them all. Be sure not to miss all the natural beauty New Zealand has to offer- especially if you’re taking on one of the most adventurous road trips in New Zealand!
East Cape Coastal Drive
East Cape is one of the most beautiful and remote areas in New Zealand. The East Cape Coastal Drive takes you along the coast from Opotiki to Gisborne, with plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and local culture. This is a great trip for those who want to get off the beaten path and explore some of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
You’ll be driving through volcanic landscapes, past lush forests and rolling hills. The best part about this drive is that it’s possible to do it without any prior knowledge or planning- just make sure you fill up your tank before leaving! If you’re looking for an adventure that doesn’t require as much physical exertion, then this may not be the road trip for you.
But if you’re willing to put in some work and are happy doing so, then it’s worth checking out. Along the way, you can stop at many small towns where people still live as they did hundreds of years ago. So take a day or two off and head to East Cape for an unforgettable experience.
Milford Road
The Milford Road is one of the most popular tourist routes in New Zealand. The road winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including Milford Sound, one of the most photographed places in the world.
There are plenty of spots to stop and explore on your way down from Queenstown. There are trails like Routeburn Track that will take you a few days but it’s worth it! You’ll walk past streams, rivers, waterfalls and lakes with amazing views of Mount Aspiring National Park. You can also get off the beaten path and camp at Lake Alta along the way. We recommend spending the night so you can wake up early and hike over Bishop Pass and enjoy sunrise on Snowdon Peak.
Once you’ve made it back to Milford Sound, hop on a boat tour or kayak out into open waters. It doesn’t matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for – we’ve got it all!
Bay of Islands Scenic Drive
And for good reason – the area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. From the turquoise waters of the bay to the lush green hills, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for an adventurous road trip, then this is definitely the place for you. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing. You’ll be able to find a wide variety of food too – from seafood to Thai cuisine. It doesn’t matter what kind of cuisine you’re craving; chances are you’ll find it on the Bay of Islands Scenic Drive.
1) One of the things we loved about this drive was how safe it felt.
2) We drove with our two-year-old and didn’t have any concerns about her safety or ours as pedestrians.
3) It was also nice because people were always around us: they’d be hanging out on their balconies watching us go by or they’d walk past us with their dogs while we were taking pictures next to their house.
Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is a 60km loop that takes about three to four days to complete. It’s located in Fiordland National Park on the South Island and is one of the most popular tracks in New Zealand. The track passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including alpine forests, lakes, and mountains.
There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, including birds, deer, and even dolphins. One of the best things about this trip is you can start anywhere along the trail, so it doesn’t matter where you start your journey. But it’s best to pack in layers because you never know what kind of weather might come up.
If this sounds like an adventure you want to take, be sure to book ahead! A permit is required for camping within Fiordland National Park, which must be booked at least 48 hours before entering the park.
From sweeping landscapes to tumbling waterfalls, there is something here for everyone.
Queen Charlotte Drive
For a truly unique experience, consider taking a trip on the Forgotten World Highway. This remote road takes you through some of New Zealand’s most untouched landscapes. If you’re looking for an adventure, this is the perfect road trip for you!
The 140-mile long route goes from Wairoa to Taumarunui and winds through thick rainforest and rugged mountain passes with breathtaking views. You’ll get a sense of what it was like when pioneers traveled back and forth between Wellington and Auckland before there were any roads here. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too.
Along the way, you can stop at one of many charming villages or take a side trip up north to Tongariro National Park where Mt Ruapehu still has snow on its summit in summertime. You may want to stop in Whanganui and check out their famous statue of Te Rauparaha by Andy Scott, Ngā ākonga o te motu (Children of the Land).
Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is one of the most popular multi-day walks in New Zealand. The track passes through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, including native bush, volcanic landscapes and alpine meadows. The walk can be challenging at times, but it’s well worth it for the incredible views.
If you’re looking for an adventure, this is definitely the trip for you. Experienced hikers will love this hike, but if you don’t feel like trekking too far, there are shorter routes available as well. For example, there’s a 3-hour roundtrip hike that takes visitors around Lake Rotopounamu and Mount Ngauruhoe. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore nearby geothermal areas before returning back to your car.
One route I’d recommend would be to head over to Taranaki where you can stop by Egmont National Park and then climb Mt Taranaki. Along the way, make sure not to miss out on all the scenic lookout points as they offer excellent views of NZ’s diverse landscape.
Piopiotahi Walkway
The Piopiotahi Walkway is a short, easy walk with a stunning payoff: a viewpoint over Milford Sound. The track begins just minutes from the car park at the end of the Milford Road. From the lookout, you can see all the way down the fiord to Mitre Peak, one of New Zealand’s most iconic mountains. If it’s been raining, there will be waterfalls cascading down either side of the mountain.
In addition to some spectacular views, visitors might also spot kea (parrots), kaka (native parrots) and even dolphins or seals on their journey through this wilderness paradise. For an even more rewarding hike, follow the track for 3km along valley floors to Puzzling World near Te Anau.
Fiordland National Park offers plenty of scenic walks and trails to explore. One of the best known is probably Arthur’s Pass National Park. It includes a range of landscapes including lush forested areas, fast-flowing rivers, snow-capped peaks and lakeside beaches.
