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.

Homer Tunnel is a high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 945m (3,100ft) above the sea level located in the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand.

Nugget Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse at Nugget Point in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. The road is 8.9km long.

Dobson Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.019m (6,624ft) above the sea level, located in the South Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Tukino Skifield is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.705m (5,593ft) above the sea level, located in the Waikato Region in the central area of the North Island, New Zealand. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Located south of Helena Bay on the east coast of Northland, New Zealand, the Mimiwhangata Road is a narrow and winding adventure. It still remains an adrenaline-pumping journey and is definitely not for the faint of lungs, heart, or legs.

Rough Ridge is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.040m (3,412ft) above the sea level, located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand.

Chard Road is the name of a very demanding cliff drive located in the Otago region of New Zealand.

Saddle Hill is a mountain pass at an elevation of 413m (1,354ft) above the sea level, located in the north end of the South Island of New Zealand.

Taumatamaire Road is the name of a very challenging drive located in the western North Island of New Zealand.

The largest city of New Zealand, Auckland, is also its most diverse one. Whether you are chasing natural like, a place to surf the waves, forests to stroll, or mountains to climb, Auckland offers you everything. The city also has an extensive coastline and numerous options for road trips.

Gebbies Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 161m (528ft) above the sea level, located in Canterbury, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Located in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, the defiant Dingle Burn Peninsula Track is one of the toughest tracks of the country.

It's time. We've all been cooped up in our homes for over two years because of the global pandemic. And since some restrictions have eased up a little, now is the best time for a quick escape, relaxation, and adventure.

The Great Alpine Highway is an unforgettable adventure running from Christchurch to the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. This beautifully scenic road trip promises a breathtaking experience, taking you through charming historic towns and a captivating array of landscapes.

Located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, Bealey Bridge is a crucial structure along the Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73). It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Jollies Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 845m (2,772ft) above sea level, located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. The rough road to the summit has very steep conditions.

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand? Renting a campervan can be the perfect way to explore the country and have a unique experience. You can do many things when you rent your own campervan — from visiting stunning national parks and beaches to taking part in fun activities like bungee jumping and skydiving.

If you’re getting ready for an upcoming holiday in the wild and woolly land of New Zealand, you’ve got a lot to look forward to. A self-driving trip might just be the best possible way to enjoy this stunning country.

Situated in the Marlborough region of New Zealand's South Island, the Cape Campbell Lighthouse stands as a testament to maritime history and engineering. Its striking black and white stripes are not only visually captivating but also serve a functional purpose for sailors navigating the nearby waters.

Crown Range Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,079m (3,540ft) above sea level, located in Otago in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island.

Located in Northern Coromandel in the Coromandel region, the unsealed, narrow, and winding road leading to Stony Bay is very challenging. Be prepared for larger traffic numbers over the summer period.

Broken River Ski Area is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,543m (5,062ft) above sea level, located on New Zealand's South Island. The ski field often claims to have the longest ski season in Australasia.

The Pohara Natural Bridge is located on the South Island of New Zealand, along the coast near the Tasman Sea. It lies between two islands and forms a natural passage through a rock formation. It’s one of the few roads in the world that runs through a cave.

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