There is no better way to experience Aotearoa than hitting the open road. We’re rounding up locals’ favourite journeys across both islands, sharing the secret spots, scenic detours, and beloved local haunts you won’t find in standard guidebooks. Dive into our handpicked routes below and start planning your ultimate Kiwi road trip.
Greymouth to Wanaka via the West Coast traces rainforest, glacier-fed rivers, and the dramatic Haast Pass — New Zealand’s wildest, least-populated coastline. Franz Josef and Fox Glacier anchor the trip, with valley walks framed by rainforest growing improbably close to ice. Best for adventure travellers wanting raw, undeveloped wilderness.
From Auckland to Cape Reinga and back, the Far North Loop pairs the historic Bay of Islands with New Zealand’s northernmost point and ancient kauri forests. Expect twin coastlines, Waitangi’s treaty history, and Tāne Mahuta’s 1,500-year-old presence. Best for first-time visitors wanting an accessible, four-day taste of Northland.
The Forgotten World Highway runs 150km between Taumarunui and Stratford through New Zealand’s most remote back country, passing the self-declared Republic of Whangamōmona and the hand-carved Moki Tunnel. Best for adventurous drivers and history enthusiasts wanting a genuinely off-the-beaten-path day on the North Island.
