New Zealand’s Most Scenic Drives You Can’t Miss: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Few countries do road trips better than New Zealand. With dramatic alpine passes, ancient volcanoes, wild coastlines, and twisting forest highways, Aotearoa delivers some of the world’s most breathtaking drives, all packed into two compact islands. Whether you’re planning a week-long journey or a weekend escape, some routes simply cannot be missed.

In this guide, we explore New Zealand’s most scenic drives, from legendary icons like the Crown Range Road to remote treasures such as the Forgotten World Highway. We also share insider tips from RaD Car Hire teams across the country, giving you local knowledge you won’t find in standard guidebooks.

1. Haast Pass (State Highway 6): Alpine Peaks to Wild West Coast Wilderness

One of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine crossings, Haast Pass/Tioripatea links Wānaka with the rugged West Coast. The pass is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Te Wāhipounamu region, considered one of the Earth’s most pristine wilderness areas (UNESCO).

Why It’s One of NZ’s Best Drives

  • Towering Southern Alps landscapes
  • Glacier-fed rivers and deep valleys
  • Iconic stops like Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and Blue Pools

The pass reaches an elevation of 562m, making it lower than Arthur’s Pass or Lewis Pass and more reliable in winter, though heavy rain can impact conditions. Always check NZTA travel updates before you go.

Best Time of Year to Drive Haast Pass

Summer and early autumn (December–April) offer stable weather, clearer walking tracks, and longer daylight hours. Winter brings crisp, beautiful views but requires cautious driving due to ice.

RaD Team Tip – Queenstown Branch

“If you’re heading over the Haast Pass in summer, stop at the Gates of Haast early in the morning. The light hits the gorge perfectly, it’s one of the best photo spots on the whole West Coast route.” – RaD Queenstown

2. Crown Range Road: New Zealand’s Highest Main Highway

At 1,076m above sea level, the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wānaka is New Zealand’s highest sealed main road. The drive is renowned for sweeping alpine panoramas and dramatic switchbacks, rewarding patient drivers with some of the best views in the Southern Lakes region.

Scenic Highlights

  • Cardrona Valley
  • Crown Terrace lookout
  • Arrowtown detour
  • Historic Cardrona Hotel (est. 1863)

Best Time of Year to Drive the Crown Range

  • Summer/Autumn: Safest conditions, warm temperatures, great visibility.
  • Winter: Chains may be required. Snow and ice are common - follow NZTA alerts.

RaD Team Tip – Te Anau Branch

“Travellers often rush this drive, but the secret is to go slow. Pull over at the Crown Terrace lookout, it's an unbeatable angle over the Wakatipu Basin and not as busy as the main viewpoints.” – RaD Te Anau

3. Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43): Remote, Rugged, and Remarkably Peaceful

Running between Stratford and Taumarunui, the Forgotten World Highway is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most isolated heritage roads. Built along colonial bridle paths, it winds through 155 km of dense native forest, saddles, tunnels, and quiet farmland.

Why It’s a Must-Drive

  • The famous Strathmore, Whangamōmona, and Tahora saddles
  • The 180m Moki Tunnel (“Hobbit’s Hole”)
  • The quirky Republic of Whangamōmona
  • A rare chance to experience true rural isolation

According to Waka Kotahi, parts of SH43 are unsealed, making it one of the least-travelled state highways in the country, an ideal match for travellers seeking a unique, crowd-free experience.

Best Time of Year to Drive

Late spring through autumn (October–April). Winter is stunning, but can be slippery.

RaD Team Tip – Stratford Branch

“Stop in Whangamōmona for a meal, you’ll get great stories from locals, especially about their tongue-in-cheek ‘republic’. If you’re travelling on a weekend, call ahead as hours can vary.” – RaD Stratford

4. Great Coast Road: Greymouth to Westport

Named one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the World by Lonely Planet, the Great Coast Road is a 90-km journey of cliffs, beaches, blowholes, and limestone formations.

Highlights

  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes
  • Rapahoe Beach
  • Paparoa National Park
  • Truman Track

The West Coast receives some of the highest rainfall in the world, over 6,000 mm annually in parts (NIWA), which is why the landscapes here are so lush.

Best Time of Year

Summer and autumn are ideal, though mist and stormy seas make winter spectacular in a different way.

RaD Team Tip – Greymouth Branch

“Plan your stop at Pancake Rocks for high tide to see the blowholes at their best. The timing makes a huge difference.” – RaD Greymouth

5. Rotorua to Taupō Thermal Explorer Highway (SH 5)

This geothermal corridor between Rotorua and Taupō is one of the North Island’s top scenic drives, filled with volcanic landscapes, steaming valleys, and geothermal features unique to the region.

Scenic Stops

  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley
  • Huka Falls
  • Craters of the Moon

The region lies within the Taupō Volcanic Zone, one of the world’s most active geothermal systems (GNS Science), making the drive a rare geological experience.

Best Time of Year

Year-round. Winter mist often enhances the geothermal atmosphere.

RaD Team Tip – Rotorua Branch

“Waimangu is the quieter alternative to Wai-O-Tapu. If you want fewer crowds and an easier walk, it’s the perfect stop.” – RaD Rotorua

6. Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula (SH 25)

One of the most popular scenic drives in the North Island, the coastal journey to the Coromandel offers white-sand beaches, pohutukawa-lined roads, and notable stops like Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.

Highlights

  • Thames Coast Road
  • Whangamatā and Whitianga
  • Hahei & Cathedral Cove (seasonally accessible)
  • Coromandel Town & Driving Creek Railway

Best Time of Year

Late summer to early autumn (February–April) avoids peak holiday congestion and offers ideal swimming weather.

RaD Team Tip – Auckland Branch

“Avoid leaving Auckland during Friday peak hours. A Saturday morning departure is far smoother and gives you time to enjoy the Thames Coast at your own pace.” – RaD Auckland City

7. Christchurch to Akaroa (Banks Peninsula)

Less discussed than the big alpine passes, the drive to Akaroa is one of Canterbury’s best short road trips.

Why It’s a Scenic Standout

  • Crater rim lookout points
  • Harbour views
  • French-influenced village atmosphere
  • Wildlife cruises with dolphins and penguins

Best Time of Year

Summer and early autumn, though winter skies can be stunningly clear.

RaD Team Tip – Christchurch Branch

“Take the Summit Road detour if you’re comfortable with narrow roads, it has unbeatable harbour views and far fewer cars.” – RaD Christchurch

8. Milford Road: Te Anau to Milford Sound

Often called the most beautiful road in New Zealand, Milford Road passes mirror lakes, towering rainforest walls, and the iconic Homer Tunnel.

Best Time of Year

  • Summer: long daylight, accessible hiking tracks
  • Winter: stunning snow scenes, but road can close due to avalanche risk - check DOC & NZTA alerts

RaD Team Tip – Te Anau Branch

“Stop at Lake Gunn for a short nature walk. It’s quieter than Mirror Lakes but just as beautiful.” – RaD Te Anau

Conclusion: Start Your Scenic Adventure with RaD Car Hire

New Zealand’s landscapes are made to be explored by road, and each of these iconic drives offers something different, whether it’s alpine peaks, wild coastlines, ancient forests, hidden geothermal wonders, or peaceful rural towns. Together, they form a collection of routes that showcase the very best of Aotearoa.

With RaD Car Hire branches located across the country and expert local teams ready to help you plan your journey, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable, safe, and scenic adventure. Choose your route, pick up the keys, and hit the road. The most beautiful drives in New Zealand are waiting.

FAQ: Scenic Drives in New Zealand

What is the most scenic drive in New Zealand?

Many consider Milford Road the most dramatic, while Haast Pass, the Crown Range, and the Great Coast Road all rank among New Zealand’s top scenic routes.

Are these scenic drives suitable for 2WD rental vehicles?

Yes, most are fully sealed or safely accessible in standard rental cars. Unsealed segments (such as parts of the Forgotten World Highway) require slower driving.

When is the best time of year to road trip in NZ?

Summer and autumn offer the most reliable weather. Winter provides stunning alpine views but requires caution on high passes.

What should I check before driving alpine or remote highways?

Monitor conditions using NZTA’s live traffic updates, take extra water and fuel, and be prepared for limited mobile coverage on rural and coastal roads.

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