10 Most Scenic Drives in New Zealand

The South Island is where New Zealand's scenery turns cinematic. Towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and windswept coastlines make it a playground for nature lovers. If you search for ‘scenic drives near me' while travelling through this part of the country, you'll have plenty to choose from! To help narrow it down, this section covers six iconic South Island road trips, perfect for those discovering New Zealand by camper or motorhome. 

1. Queenstown to Glenorchy (Lake Wakatipu edge)

Easily one of the most breathtaking Queenstown scenic drives, this short but mighty route along the edge of Lake Wakatipu is a must-do. Winding just 45 minutes from Queenstown to Glenorchy, the road hugs the lake's turquoise shoreline and offers sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks. Along the way, make sure to stop at Bennett’s Bluff and Bob’s Cove for a few short walks and plenty of epic photo opportunities. Feeling adventurous? Try jet boating or set off on a section of the world-famous Routeburn Track. This is a perfect half-day detour if you’re exploring Queenstown. 

Where to stay: The Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park is a perfect spot to stay for an alpine setting with modern facilities, just seven minutes from town. 

2. Haast Pass (Wanaka to Haast)

If you're craving an alpine-to-coast adventure, Haast Pass delivers some of the most varied scenic drives in New Zealand. Starting in Wanaka, you’ll cruise through lush valleys, misty mountains, and end up at the wild West Coast. The drive is dotted with short walks to natural wonders like the striking Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, and Fantail Falls — perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike. 

Where to stay: Rest up at Haast River Motels & Holiday Park, a peaceful base right at the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park  

3. Milford Road (Te Anau to Milford Sound)

Ask anyone, “What are the best scenic drives in New Zealand?”, and the Milford Road is almost guaranteed to top the list. This is arguably the most iconic drive in the country, and it’s not hard to see why. Starting from Te Anau, the route winds deep into Fiordland, one of the most remote and dramatic parts of New Zealand. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs at Mirror Lakes, marvel at The Chasm, and drive through the epic 1.2 km Homer Tunnel before reaching world-famous Milford Sound. 

Where to stay: For camper travellers, Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a central, spacious stay with all the essentials.   

4. Queenstown to Mount Cook via Lindis Pass 

Another unforgettable Queenstown scenic drive, this time heading north to the majestic Mount Cook. The road winds through the Lindis Pass, a surreal landscape of golden tussock hills and wide-open valleys. It’s quiet, remote, and filled with all the rustic Lord of the Rings landscapes you could ask for.  

Highlights include the shimmering Lake Pukaki, often reflecting the Southern Alps on a still day, and the alpine outpost of Mount Cook Village. Travellers with a love for the night sky will also want to stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, which is easily one of the best places on Earth for clear, star-filled skies. 

Where to stay: Park your wheels at Lakes Edge Holiday Park in Lake Tekapo. While this spot boasts some great amenities, it is hands down the views that make this a must-visit on any road trip along the Lindis Pass.  

5. West Coast Drive (Greymouth to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier)

If wild and off-the-beaten-track sounds like your vibe, the West Coast Drive is probably for you. Stretching from Greymouth to the glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox, this route takes you through lush rainforest, rugged cliffs, and raging surf. Must-see stops include the surreal blue waters of the Hokitika Gorge, the mirrored reflections at Lake Matheson, and the otherworldly Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. It’s a dream route for freedom campers and those looking to escape the crowds.  

Where to stay: Hokitika Holiday Park is a perfect stopover on this route, offering a warm West Coast welcome and easy access to all the region’s treasures. 

6. Christchurch to Kaikōura via the inland route

Prefer mountains to motorways? The inland route from Christchurch to Kaikōura is a quieter, more scenic alternative to SH1, with rolling vineyards and alpine backdrops guiding your way. The Waipara wine region is perfect for a long lunch stop, and Kaikōura is a paradise for marine life lovers looking to spot anything from whales and dolphins to seal colonies. This route offers the best of both worlds: peaceful drives and world-class wildlife encounters. 

Where to stay: Settle in for the night at Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park, where you’ll find everything you need to recharge for the next leg of your campervan travel itinerary. 

North Island stunning roadtrips

The North Island of New Zealand offers an entirely different kind of scenic magic. Think lush rolling hills, golden beaches, geothermal hotspots, and national cultural treasures. Whether you're after tropical-looking coves or bubbling thermal landscapes, there’s a drive here for every kind of explorer.   

7. Auckland to Bay of Islands (via twin coast discovery highway)

Heading north from New Zealand’s largest city, this drive takes you along one of the top scenic drives in Northland, the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. It’s the perfect North Island introduction for international travellers and a gentle start to any New Zealand travel itinerary. The road threads its way past peaceful coves, rolling farmland, and pockets of ancient kauri forest, leading to cultural highlights like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With golden beaches and warm weather year-round, this is a great option for a relaxing campervan road trip away from the crowds. 

Where to stay: Park up for the night at the Bay of Islands Campervan Park, just a short stroll from the town centre and a perfect launchpad for dolphin cruises, fishing trips, or just kicking back by the water. 

8. Coromandel Peninsula Loop (Thames to Whitianga and back)

The Coromandel Peninsula is home to some of the most iconic scenic drives near Auckland, offering a compact but adventure-packed loop. Ideal for a weekend escape, this route winds along dramatic coastlines and through native bush, with heaps of stops worth pulling over for. 

Highlights include the Insta-famous Cathedral Cove, the natural spas of Hot Water Beach, and several hidden waterfalls tucked away in the hills. It’s one of those drives where every bend in the road reveals something new, making it a gem of scenic drives in New Zealand. The only caution? Plan your trip outside of the peak summer season to avoid traffic, and take advantage of the freedom camping spots dotted around the peninsula.  

Where to stay: Stay overnight at Hahei Beach Resort for beachfront bliss and easy access to Cathedral Cove first thing in the morning. Or choose from one of the numerous DOC campsites around the Coromandel Peninsula.  

9. Napier to Taupō via thermal explorer highway

This drive connects two of the North Island’s most fascinating destinations via the Thermal Explorer Highway, and it’s an absolute must for anyone looking to sample their way through the New Zealand geothermal hotspots and fine wine. Start in Napier, an Art Deco delight, and make time for tastings at world-class vineyards and strolls through the retro town centre. 

Then, drive inland through steaming vents and volcanic plateaus. Stop to explore Craters of the Moon, take a photo at thundering Huka Falls, and finish at the glistening shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupō. 

Where to stay: Kennedy Park in Napier is a great option for overnight stays and offers everything from powered sites to family-friendly facilities, set in 5.7 hectares of peaceful green space. 

10. Forgotten World Highway (Taumarunui to Stratford)

This is one for the adventurers. Winding through remote countryside and steeped in history, the Forgotten World Highway is one of the quirkiest and most memorable scenic drives that the New Zealand North Island has to offer. There are no fuel stops for long stretches, some parts of the road are unsealed, and phone reception is patchy, but that’s all part of the charm. The highlight? A stop in the self-declared “Republic of Whangamomona”, where you can even get your passport stamped. With tunnels, historic railway lines, and rugged farmland, this route is made for campervan hire explorers looking to go off-grid for a bit.  

Where to stay: Spend the night at the Whangamomona Camping Ground, a rustic gem just down the road from the local pub. 

Planning your scenic New Zealand travel itinerary

Whether you're winding your way around snow-dusted peaks on the Milford Road, gazing over lake reflections near Mount Cook, or soaking in a geothermal wonderland on the Thermal Explorer Highway, there’s no shortage of unforgettable drives across New Zealand. The real magic lies in the freedom: stopping when and where you like, meeting new people, and soaking in the scenery from your own little home on wheels. 

If you’re planning your New Zealand road trip, there’s no better way to explore than in a campervan. Ready to lock in your very own NZ escape? You can book your maui motorhome online and pick it up from any of the convenient maui branch locations around the country. Wherever you choose to roam — north, south, or both — one thing is guaranteed: the open road in New Zealand is anything but ordinary.