{"id":697,"date":"2021-11-15T15:48:17","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T15:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/"},"modified":"2024-01-02T19:33:47","modified_gmt":"2024-01-02T19:33:47","slug":"most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Most Scenic Drives On The South Island Of New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#Whats_the_best_way_to_travel_around_New_Zealand\" >What&#8217;s the best way to travel around New Zealand?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#Rent_a_motorhome\" >Rent a motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#Rent_a_car\" >Rent a car<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#1_Lindis_Pass\" >1. Lindis Pass<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#2_Haast_Pass\" >2. Haast Pass<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#3_West_Coast_scenic_drive\" >3. West Coast scenic drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#4_Arthurs_Pass\" >4. Arthur&#8217;s Pass<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#5_Marlborough_Sounds_%E2%80%93_Queen_Charlotte_scenic_drive\" >5. Marlborough Sounds &#8211; Queen Charlotte scenic drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#6_Crown_Range_scenic_road\" >6. Crown Range scenic road<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#7_Blenheim_%E2%80%93_Kaikoura\" >7. Blenheim &#8211; Kaikoura&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#8_Te_Anau_%E2%80%93_Milford_Sound_scenic_drive\" >8. Te Anau &#8211; Milford Sound scenic drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#9_Twizel_%E2%80%93_Mount_Cook_NP_scenic_drive\" >9. Twizel &#8211; Mount Cook NP scenic drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#10_Queenstown_%E2%80%93_Glenorchy_scenic_road\" >10. Queenstown &#8211; Glenorchy scenic road<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#More_New_Zealand_travel_resources\" >More New Zealand travel resources<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/#Support_my_site\" >Support my site<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>New Zealand is one of the best countries in the World for a road trip. If you are\u00a0a <strong>sucker for beautiful views like me<\/strong> though, then be prepared to hire a professional driver, who will take you around these scenic drives on the South Island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will probably sit in the car\u00a0<strong>glued with your nose to the window and stare at the views for hours<\/strong>\u00a0at a time and scream every 15 minutes to stop the car so you can snap a photo. Luckily, I have a boyfriend who did the job for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If I wanted to include all the scenic roads on the South Island in this post I would probably end up writing a book, so to make it more readable, I decided to narrow them down to\u00a0only 10. Most of these roads feature on my\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/10\/26\/2-week-road-trip-itinerary-new-zealand-south-island\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Zealand 2-week travel itinerary for the South Island<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>My favorite road trip plan out of the 5 I designed! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_best_way_to_travel_around_New_Zealand\"><\/span>What&#8217;s the best way to travel around New Zealand? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"St Peter&#039;s lookout on the Twizel-Mount Cook scenic drive on the South Island of New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-12070\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traveling<\/strong> in your vehicle is the best way to see New Zealand. Since I spent over a year exploring\u00a0this beautiful country I have invested in a car. However, if you are coming here on short holidays renting is the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rent_a_motorhome\"><\/span>Rent a motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Road trips are meant to be spent outdoors and nothing will get you closer to that than hiring<strong> a campervan<\/strong>&nbsp;for the duration of your travel across New Zealand.&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorhomerepublic.com\/new-zealand-motorhome-rental\/?affiliate=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Motorhome Republic<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;is an awesome search engine for campers and motorhomes.&nbsp;Depending on your budget you can go as basic or as luxurious as you like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rent_a_car\"><\/span>Rent a car<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If however an idea of camping makes you cringe and you like the comfort of a hotel room, you can just rent a compact car. For that option, I highly recommend\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/new-zealand\/christchurch\/chc?a_aid=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Discover Cars.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>I hope you find my New Zealand posts useful. If you do I&#8217;d appreciate it <\/strong><\/em>if you use the affiliate links above if making any bookings. It won&#8217;t cost you anything extra, in fact,<em><strong> it will save you time and money!\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535422399\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Lindis_Pass\"><\/span>1. Lindis Pass<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-23-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Scenic drives on the South Island of New Zealand \" class=\"wp-image-13466\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-23-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-23-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-23-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-23.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lindis Pass in Winter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The main inland &#8220;highway&#8221; on the South Island of New Zealand that connects Christchurch with Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, Wanaka, and Wakatipu is a sight to behold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This entire stretch of road is spectacular but one location stands out more than any other &#8211; The Lindis Pass &#8211; a beautiful viewpoint of the tiny road dwarfed by the surrounding mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The drive from Lake Wanaka to Lake Pukaki should only take around 2 hours. That is two hours of continuous driving. If you were to stop every time you saw an amazing view this journey is going to take a hell of a lot longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535422599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Haast_Pass\"><\/span>2. Haast Pass<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-19-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13463\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-19-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-19-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-19-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-19.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lake Wanaka seen from the neck that connects it to Lake Hawea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"javascript:\"><\/a>Located in Mount Aspiring National Park, the Haast Pass joins the coastal town of Haast with the mountains of Wanaka and Queenstown. This breathtaking journey is a must-do for every keen driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just be warned\u2026.. This road WILL test your vehicle, make sure to take some extra supplies \ud83d\ude09 and a camera with a full battery and an empty memory card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535422799\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_West_Coast_scenic_drive\"><\/span>3. West Coast scenic drive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-12-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13464\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-12.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It kind of looks like Hawaii, don&#8217;t you think?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you know those bags on airplanes that are designed to throw up in? Take some of these if you plan on driving on the West Coast. It\u2019s like driving on a roller coaster, sort of, except you\u2019re probably going faster, it lasts hours and hours and your chances of vomiting are much higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sounds great I know!!!! But driving through what&#8217;s known as \u201cGlacier County\u201d is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535422999\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Arthurs_Pass\"><\/span>4. Arthur&#8217;s Pass<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Pearson-Autumn-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12330\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Pearson-Autumn-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Pearson-Autumn-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Pearson-Autumn-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Pearson-Autumn-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lake Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The road that connects Christchurch with Hokitika and Greymouth is a windy mountainous stretch of road that passes through, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful national parks in New Zealand &#8211; Arthur&#8217;s Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you drive along the Bealey River&nbsp;you will be surrounded by the peaks to your left and right. It&#8217;s hard to keep your eyes on the road.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arthur&#8217;s Pass Village is a great place to stop for lunch or even a night as there&#8217;s plenty to see and do there including The Bealey Spur Track, Avalanche Peak, and the Devil&#8217;s Punchbowl Waterfall.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535423199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Marlborough_Sounds_%E2%80%93_Queen_Charlotte_scenic_drive\"><\/span>5. Marlborough Sounds &#8211; Queen Charlotte scenic drive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Marlborough-Sounds-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12307\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Marlborough-Sounds-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Marlborough-Sounds-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Marlborough-Sounds-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Marlborough-Sounds-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Queen Charlotte scenic road<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Has anybody heard of that level on Mario Kart called Rainbow Road? Well, that&#8217;s a doddle compared to this monster. It\u2019s like driving down an overcooked piece of spaghetti wrapped around a fork. It\u2019s honestly a joke how windy it is and even more of a joke is how stunning it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535423399\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Crown_Range_scenic_road\"><\/span>6. Crown Range scenic road<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-21-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13465\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roads-And-Viewpoints-New-Zealand-21.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gandalf guiding us through the windy roads<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The mountain pass taken by the fellowship of the ring &#8230;pssssshhh&#8230;. simple compared to the Crown Range road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main road that connects Queenstown and Wanaka offers breathtaking views around every corner, which is a huge bonus if you have an overheating car like I did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can wait for it to cool down whilst admiring the views from the multiple viewpoints along the way. Central Otago, the region that Queenstown and Wanaka lie in, is home to some of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best hikes on the South Island of New Zealand.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535423599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Blenheim_%E2%80%93_Kaikoura\"><\/span>7. Blenheim &#8211; Kaikoura&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Kaikoura-Peninsula-Walkway-7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12111\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Kaikoura-Peninsula-Walkway-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Kaikoura-Peninsula-Walkway-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Kaikoura-Peninsula-Walkway-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Kaikoura-Peninsula-Walkway-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Seaward Kaikoura range<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This eastern coast road is not only stunning because of the natural landscapes but because of the wildlife, you\u2019ll see along the way. Seal colonies can be watched near Okiwi Bay beach, and seal pups hang out near Ohau Point lookout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>When you drive along this stretch make sure to slow down! Seal pups often travel upstream, where they hang out and play during the day. Too many fall victim to speeding drivers. Slowing down will only cost you an extra minute or two, but it might save lives<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recent earthquakes and storms have done a considerable amount of damage to this stretch of road but the New Zealand government has gone through considerable efforts to bring it back in a new and improved state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535423899\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Te_Anau_%E2%80%93_Milford_Sound_scenic_drive\"><\/span>8. Te Anau &#8211; Milford Sound scenic drive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12142\" style=\"width:750px;height:500px\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gertrude Valley in its Winter coat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you combine mountains, rivers, rainforests, and roads then you get the journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound. From the moment you leave Te Anau you will be cut off from the civilization\u00a0(no phone reception) but instantly connected to the surrounding nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to leave early as the viewpoints along the way get pretty crowded with the tourist buses. After all, Milford Sound is the top attraction in all of New Zealand. Here are<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/12\/13\/milford-sound-the-8th-world-wonder-in-8-beautiful-photos-tips-for-visiting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0more photos of Milford Sound that&#8217;ll inspire you to go<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the winter look out for weather reports. The crazy windy drive can sometimes be closed due to snowfall and you might have to carry snow chains with you. Don&#8217;t forget to make a stop for a short trek to Lake Marian or Gertrude Saddle &#8211; a couple of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">my favorite day hikes in NZ.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535424199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Twizel_%E2%80%93_Mount_Cook_NP_scenic_drive\"><\/span>9. Twizel &#8211; Mount Cook NP scenic drive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lake-Pukaki-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lake-Pukaki-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lake-Pukaki-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lake-Pukaki-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lake-Pukaki-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Insanely blue Lake Pukaki on the way to Mount Cook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you need that perfect picture from your Kiwi holiday to make everyone jealous after coming back home? I suggest you take a\u00a0drive to Mount Cook National Park but test your breaks before you do because you will be slamming on them every few minutes to stop and take a photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The icy blue lake Pukaki and the highest mountain in New Zealand, where Sir Edmund Hillary practiced before climbing\u00a0Everest, will certainly make your jaw drop.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This scenic drive leads to the trailhead of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Mueller Hut<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0&#8211; one of many incredible alpine huts that you should stay in whilst you&#8217;re in New Zealand.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10535424699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Queenstown_%E2%80%93_Glenorchy_scenic_road\"><\/span>10. Queenstown &#8211; Glenorchy scenic road<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Glenorchy-Scenic-Drive-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13469\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Glenorchy-Scenic-Drive-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Glenorchy-Scenic-Drive-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Glenorchy-Scenic-Drive-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Glenorchy-Scenic-Drive-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And now, last but not least &#8211; the road that leads to Paradise, both literally and figuratively speaking. This little gem that connects\u00a0Queenstown\u00a0and Glenorchy runs along the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is by far my favorite scenic drive on the South Island\u00a0because it has the bonus\u00a0of leading to Paradise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The aptly named place just outside of Glenorchy, surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains rivers, and ancient beech forests served as a backdrop to the infamous Isengard in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of orcs though, you&#8217;ll probably encounter loads of sandflies, so make sure to take some repellent with you. Don&#8217;t let those suckers spoil the view!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_New_Zealand_travel_resources\"><\/span>More New Zealand travel resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-medium-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-itineraries\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-itineraries\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Zealand Road Trip Itineraries<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-hiking-and-backpacking\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-hiking-and-backpacking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hiking and Backpacking in New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-travel-tips-and-activities\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-travel-tips-and-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Zealand Travel Tips and Activities<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-photography\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-photography\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Photography in New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#24ad9936\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Support_my_site\"><\/span>Support my site <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you found the articles in my <a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Zealand Guide<\/a> useful please consider supporting my work by booking hotels, rental cars, or activities through my affiliate links. The price for you stays the same and I receive a small commission. Thank you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"font-size:22px\">\n<li>Book a rental car with<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/new-zealand\/queenstown\/zqn?a_aid=inafarawayland\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/new-zealand\/queenstown\/zqn?a_aid=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Discover Cars<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reserve a campervan with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorhomerepublic.com\/new-zealand-motorhome-rental?affiliate=inafarawayland\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.motorhomerepublic.com\/new-zealand-motorhome-rental?affiliate=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Motorhome Republic<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find hotels with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=1188554\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=1188554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Booking.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book your tours &amp; activities with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=New%20Zealand&amp;customerSearch=true&amp;partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=info%40inafarawayland.com&amp;cmp=NewZealand\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=New%20Zealand&amp;customerSearch=true&amp;partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=info%40inafarawayland.com&amp;cmp=NewZealand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Get Your Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>P.S<\/strong>. If you have any questions, post them in the comments below. I answer all comments personally. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New Zealand is one of the best countries in the World for a road trip. If you are\u00a0a sucker for beautiful views like me though, then be prepared to hire a professional driver, who will take you around these scenic drives on the South Island. You will probably sit in the car\u00a0glued with your nose &#8230; <a title=\"10 Most Scenic Drives On The South Island Of New Zealand\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 10 Most Scenic Drives On The South Island Of New Zealand\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13461,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[119],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-697","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand-photography","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/697","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=697"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/697\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23400,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/697\/revisions\/23400"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13461"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}