7 great New Zealand road trips
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
Check out these breathtaking road trip suggestions by our Facebook followers!
A stunning array of rugged mountains, freshwater lakes and sandy beaches – New Zealand's landscape forms a track for the best road trips nature has to offer. Here are seven amazing road trips that you need to see to believe, recommended by our very own Facebook followers:
1. Te Anau
A mosaic of lakeside views and scenic mountain ranges, the road to Te Anau is the ultimate road trip experience. The gentle curves of this magnificent road takes you through the countryside, leading first to Lake Te Anau, followed by a rugged, glacier-covered view of densely forested mountains.
"A clean run on most of them is good, but the Milford tunnel in a rather loud v8 heading back to Te Anau at full song is good fun.." – Ben Dooley
Image copyright: Nathan McLatchey / Flickr
2. Mount Cook
An awe-inspiring landscape covered with different shades of mountains, the road from Tekapo to Mt Cook is perfect for a relaxed four-hour road trip. No visit to New Zealand is complete without a visit to Mt Cook – its highest peak is at 3,754 metres.
"Actually I think the pic is of my favourite drive. Tekapo to Mt Cook around Lake Pukaki. The scenery and road are top quality.." – Gary Knox
Image posted by Cornelia Schulz
3. Queenstown / Wanaka
One of the relatively shorter routes on this list, this drive can be covered in anything between 30 minutes to an hour. A late morning or early afternoon is recommended in order to catch the sunlight reflecting on the picturesque mountains and lakes.
"Wanaka thru to Bruce bay is pretty awesome especially the drive into Mt Aspiring National Park." – David Lee
Image posted by Ronnie Smit
4. Kaikoura
A fine drive along the coast, Kaikoura boasts small towns ideal for coastal walks, marine exploration and a plate of crayfish!
"Kaikoura coast on a fine day." – Rachael Wallace
Image copyright: Jullen Justamon / Flickr
5. Northland and Coromandel
Known mainly as a popular Tramping Track, the Brenderwyns provide a long and scenic road trip experience.
"As a Whangarei boy, that Brenderwyns run is a lifelong fave of mine Sonny, but also like the Coromandel loop. Thames, Coro, Whitianga back to Thames on a motorcycle." – Maurice J Te Brake
I
mage posted by Sonny Tom Gough
6. Wairarapa
A region with a spectacular coastline, arrays of valleys and colourful, sombre sunsets, Wairarapa is a natural wonder. Covered with countryside inspired small towns, it's a hub for all kinds of outdoor activities.
"Featherston to Cape Palliser lighthouse with a stop at the Pinnacles and seal colony and back via Martinborough." – Rosemary Rainer
Image copyright: Michael Schwab / Flickr
7. Manawatu-Wanganui / Taranaki
This region takes you through windy roadways with excellent views, such as the Orange Tower and Memorial Tower. A curvy road guides you along the sides of Mountains with views of the Mangawhero Gorge where the Mangawhero River flows.
"The 'Forgotten Highway' Taumarunui to Stratford! Or Taumarunui to Ahititi via Waitaangas. Be careful, it's breathtaking." – John Stuart
Image copyright: Michael Schwab / Flickr
A huge thank you for all your submissions and recommendations!