What are the most spectacular roads in New Zealand?

Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is an island country that comprises two main landmasses: the North Island and the South Island, with around 700 smaller islands. Similar in size to Italy or Japan, it covers an area of 268,680 km2 (103,740 sq mi).

Due to its geography, with mountain ranges, fjords, volcanic plateaus, and coastal plains, it features some of the most spectacular roads in the world. When traveling to New Zealand, you can not miss driving Skippers Canyon Road. Tucked away in the southwest of the South Island, it is now one of New Zealand's better-known scenic roads and is unbelievably scary, being extremely narrow and difficult to maneuver.

For those who prefer scenic drives, the Forgotten World Highway is one of the world's top drives. It’s also worth driving the scenic Crown Range Road, an exhilarating road with hairpin bends, serpentines, and steep grades on the South Island. And if you prefer mountain roads, you can not skip the sensational road to the Remarkables in Queenstown, a ski resort at 1,622m (5,321ft) above sea level. And do not forget to check out our content about the highest roads in the country, where altitude and adventure pose a breathtaking challenge.

Tucked away on the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, Skippers Canyon Road is now one of New Zealand's better-known scenic roads and is unbelievably scary, being extremely narrow and difficult to maneuver. It’s a road so dangerous that your rental car insurance won’t be honored if you drive on it.

Forgotten World Highway is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. This highly memorable driving journey is extremely remote and mysterious. It’s considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Crown Range Road is a memorable journey in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s an exhilarating road with hairpin bends, serpentines, and steep grades.

The Remarkables is a ski resort situated at an elevation of 1,622m (5,321ft) above sea level, located in Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Takaka Hill is a mountain pass at an elevation of 823m (2,700ft) above sea level, located at the southeastern end of Golden Bay in the Nelson Tasman region, on New Zealand's South Island.

Danseys Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 910m (2,985ft) above sea level, located on the boundary of the Canterbury and Otago regions on New Zealand's South Island.

Lindis Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 966m (3,169ft) above sea level, located in New Zealand’s South Island. The pass crosses a saddle between the valleys of the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers.

Arthur's Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 739m (2,425ft) above sea level, located in the South Island of New Zealand.

Located in New Zealand's North Island, the Desert Road is a section of State Highway 1 running across Rangipo's Desert.

Milford Road is an awe-inspiring scenic drive in South West New Zealand that offers a dramatic and beautiful journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

State Highway 38 is a very scenic drive, a true wilderness experience, in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand.

Lying in the south-western Pacific Ocean, most of the landscape of New Zealand is mountainous. The country consists of two main islands a number of smaller islands. New Zealand's geography includes glaciers, fiords, mountains, plains, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau, and miles of coastline, all within easy reach of each other.

New Zealand is an amazing country with vibrant cities, rugged countryside, and amazing places to visit and things to do. It is purpose-built for road trips but be warned, some of the most dangerous roads in the world are here. Take a look.

Port Jackson is a beach town located on the North Island of New Zealand. The road to the town, renowned for its campsite, is remote, narrow, winding, and gravel, making it one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Located in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand's South Island, Queen Charlotte Drive is a spectacular winding road that links the towns of Havelock and Picton. It's one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Nevis Road is an absolute classic drive located in Otago, New Zealand. The road has steep sections and crosses several fords.

Old Dunstan Road, situated in the Otago Region of New Zealand's South Island, is a rugged 4x4 track renowned for its challenging terrain and historical significance.

French Pass is a quiet fishing and tourist village at the north end of the South Island of New Zealand. The road to the small and timeless seaport is said to be one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Mt Hutt Ski Area is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.597m (5,239ft) above sea level located in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. The road to the resort can be pretty daunting.

Haast Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 569m (1,866ft) above sea level, located in the South Island of New Zealand. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful alpine scenic routes in the country.

Located in the Canterbury region, on the South Island of New Zealand, Mount Cook Road is a very scenic drive along the turquoise coloured Lake Pukaki. It's one of the best coastal drives in the world.

Whakapapa is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,624m (5,328ft) above sea level, located in Manawatū-Whanganui, a region in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Paekakariki Hill Road is the name of a very scenic drive located in the south-western North Island of New Zealand. Built in 1849, it's one of the best coastal drives in the world.

Summit Road is a very scenic yet challenging drive located in Canterbury, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Tasman Valley Road is a very scenic curvy but fairly paved drive located on New Zealand's South Island, that takes you out to Tasman Glacier.

Ohakune Mountain Road is a sealed road with sweeping views located in the North Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Te Mata Peak is a mountain peak at an elevation of 389m (1,276ft) above sea level, located in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. The drive is a real thrill and the views from the top are amazing.

Haast River Bridge is one lane bridge over the Haast River on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. 

Acheron Road is a very scenic and adventurous trip located in New Zealand's Marlborough high country.

Treble Cone is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.260m (4,133ft) above sea level, located in Otago, a southeastern region on New Zealand's South Island.

The Cape Palliser Lighthouse, located in the Wellington region on the southern coast of New Zealand's North Island, marks the end of one of the country's most scenic drives.

Baldwin Street, located in Dunedin, in New Zealand, is often recognized as the world's steepest residential street with a gradient of 35 percent. The steepest part of the street is surfaced with concrete to prevent asphalt from melting and flowing downhill on hot days.

Porters Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 948m (3,110ft) above sea level, located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island.

Located on the south-west of New Zealand's South Island, the Skippers suspension bridge over the Shotover River near Queenstown in Central Otago is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Located in the central South Island of New Zealand, the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road is a very scenic drive winding alongside the blue Lake Wakatipu, a deep glacial lake famous for its beauty. It's one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Mount Dobson is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,748m (5,734 ft) above sea level located in the Mackenzie region of the South Island in New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

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