New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes, but beyond the popular tourist spots lies a network of lesser-known roads. These routes offer a chance to explore the country’s rugged beauty without the crowds. Winding through remote forests, rugged mountains, and dramatic coastlines, they provide an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure or serenity, these hidden roads promise stunning views and quiet solitude. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through New Zealand’s most scenic and untouched roads.
West Coast Wilderness Trail (South Island)
This 139 km cycling trail connects the towns of Greymouth and Ross on the South Island’s West Coast. It cuts through lush rainforests, past sparkling lakes, and beside the stunning Tasman Sea. As you pedal, you’ll encounter dramatic mountain views, historic gold-mining towns, and wild beaches. It’s an area rich in birdlife, and you might spot a few local kiwi birds. The trail also takes you past wetlands, deep gorges, and through tunnels, offering an immersive adventure in New Zealand’s natural beauty.
The Forgotten World Highway (North Island)
Running from Taumarunui to Stratford, this 155 km stretch of road is a true adventure through history and remote landscapes. You’ll pass through old tunnels, historic bridges, and lush farmland with rugged mountains looming in the distance. The road takes you deep into the heart of rural New Zealand, where you can spot local wildlife and pristine forests. Keep an eye out for the iconic Whangamomona, a self-declared republic, offering a quirky stop along the way. The remote nature of this route makes it feel like a journey back in time.
The Southern Scenic Route (South Island)
This 610 km route spans from Dunedin to Queenstown, offering a mix of coastal and mountain landscapes. You’ll drive through quaint coastal towns, and you’ll pass through rolling farmland, stunning lakes, and secluded beaches. Along the way, enjoy views of the Otago Peninsula, famous for its wildlife like albatrosses and sea lions. The road also brings you to Fiordland, with stops at the iconic Milford Sound and scenic Te Anau. The diversity of terrain—from beaches to towering mountains—makes this a road trip like no other.
Routeburn Road (South Island)
Stretching between the majestic Routeburn Track and Glenorchy, this 40 km drive is set amidst some of the South Island’s most beautiful wilderness. The road takes you past pristine lakes, dense forests, and towering mountains that seem to touch the sky. As you drive, you’ll see glimpses of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, which winds through alpine meadows and dramatic valleys. Along the way, enjoy secluded spots perfect for a picnic or a quick dip in alpine lakes. The drive is peaceful, offering a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Norsewood to Dannevirke (North Island)
This scenic drive takes you through the heart of New Zealand’s rural Hawke’s Bay region. The road is known for its rolling hills, farmland, and ancient forests. Norsewood, a small village, is known for its Scandinavian roots, and the journey to Dannevirke will take you through quaint towns and past expansive farmlands. Along the way, you’ll spot farmland, patches of native bush, and the occasional vineyard. It’s a peaceful and quiet road, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway (North Island)
While this is primarily a walking track, the drive to the start of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway offers a stunning introduction to one of New Zealand’s most scenic areas. The 9 km track is perched above steep cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean below. You’ll see beautiful beaches, dramatic rock formations, and native forest as you follow the coastline. The drive up to the track is winding and takes you through farmland and coastal forests. Once you start walking, it’s hard not to be struck by the tranquility of the place.
The Queen Charlotte Drive (South Island)
This 40 km coastal route runs between Picton and Havelock, with some of the most striking views in New Zealand. You’ll pass through lush green hills, look out over sheltered bays, and spot little coves where you can stop and swim. The road winds along the shoreline of the Marlborough Sounds, offering panoramic views of the waterways and islands. It’s a peaceful route, often missed by those heading directly to nearby towns. Keep an eye out for wildlife like dolphins and seals, and take time to explore the small, hidden beaches along the way.
The Old Dunstan Road (South Island)
This 50 km route was originally a 19th-century gold miners’ trail, winding through rugged, remote landscapes. Starting in the Otago region, the road takes you into the dry, dusty heart of New Zealand’s historic gold rush area. As you pass through, you’ll come across old gold-mining huts, scattered ruins, and stunning high-country landscapes. The road is quite isolated, providing a sense of being far from civilization. The Dunstan Mountains in the distance, with their stark beauty, make this drive truly unique.
The Napier-Taupo Highway (North Island)
This 145 km route takes you from the Art Deco city of Napier to the geothermal wonderland of Taupo, offering a blend of coastal, rural, and volcanic landscapes. You’ll pass through lush forests, rolling farmland, and dramatic volcanic terrain. Keep an eye out for the striking Huka Falls and the shimmering waters of Lake Taupo as you approach the town. The road cuts through the foothills of the Central Plateau, with breathtaking views of volcanic cones and thermal areas. It’s an underappreciated gem for those who enjoy diverse landscapes.
Arthur’s Pass (South Island)
A stunning 100 km stretch through the Southern Alps, this road connects the West Coast to Canterbury, offering some of the most dramatic mountain views in New Zealand. You’ll pass through deep gorges, alongside crystal-clear rivers, and over the iconic Arthur’s Pass itself, which sits at 900 meters. Along the way, look out for alpine flora and fauna, including the native kea bird. The road is a great route for those seeking adventure, with winding curves and spectacular views that make for a memorable drive. It’s an absolute must-do for anyone interested in New Zealand’s mountainous landscapes.
The Taranaki Road (North Island)
This road runs through Taranaki, an often-overlooked region with rich farmland and dramatic volcanic peaks. At 150 km long, it connects the small coastal towns and takes you right up to the base of Mount Taranaki. The active volcano, often referred to as the most symmetrical in the world, dominates the landscape, and the surrounding forests offer scenic walks. Along the way, you can also visit the Egmont National Park, with its diverse landscapes ranging from lush rainforest to alpine meadows. The drive is a great mix of volcanic history and natural beauty.
Haast Pass (South Island)
This 563 km stretch connects the West Coast to the Southern Lakes region, offering scenic views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. Haast Pass is one of the most rugged and isolated routes, with dense rainforests and cascading waterfalls lining the road. As you pass through, you’ll encounter a series of deep river gorges and glacial-fed lakes that sparkle in the sunlight. The road is the perfect gateway to Fiordland National Park, and you’ll feel the raw power of the Southern Alps all around you. It’s a remote, unforgettable drive through some of New Zealand’s wildest terrain.
Molesworth Station Road (South Island)
A 140 km gravel road through New Zealand’s largest high-country farm, Molesworth Station offers a journey through a remote, scenic part of Marlborough. The road is open seasonally and takes you across expansive farmland, surrounded by rugged mountains and deep valleys. Along the way, you’ll see historic huts, remote rivers, and a variety of wildlife, including sheep and native birds. The road is incredibly quiet, offering a sense of isolation and freedom. The landscape feels almost otherworldly, with vast open spaces and stunning mountain vistas.
The Golden Bay to Abel Tasman Drive (South Island)
This 120 km route through the top of the South Island offers views of golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. The drive takes you through small towns and past scenic spots like Takaka and the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Here, you’ll find golden sand beaches, turquoise bays, and towering cliffs. There are many hidden coves to explore and places to hike along the way, with beautiful coastal views. The road is peaceful and less traveled, making it a hidden gem for those seeking solitude in nature.
Doubtful Sound Road (South Island)
The 36 km road to the edge of Doubtful Sound is one of the more secluded routes on the South Island. This journey takes you deep into Fiordland, an area known for its wild beauty and isolation. The road winds through dense forest and along the shores of lakes and rivers. As you approach the sound, you’ll encounter dramatic views of mist-covered mountains and crystal-clear waters. The sound itself is often shrouded in mist, giving it an eerie, untouched beauty that’s far removed from more tourist-heavy areas.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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