AOTEAROA (NEW ZEALAND) – Road tripping New Zealand may be one of the best things I’ve ever done. The people, the culture, and the landscape are uniquely brilliant. Driving the winding roads of this small yet vast country really does give you the feeling that you’re exploring Middle Earth. The countryside is incredibly scenic and diverse, and genuinely breathtaking even if you’re not a self-professed nature lover. Whether you are exploring the North Island or the South Island, you can throw a rock in any direction and hit something cool to look at.
Renting a car and exploring New Zealand on a self-guided road trip is simply the best way to see as much of this wonderful country as possible. This country is rife with national parks, unique rock formations, scenic reserves, glaciers, caves, and mountains to explore at your leisure. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to stop as often as you want, and to really enjoy interacting with the scenery.
As I was road tripping about, I came across three areas with which I unexpectedly fell in love. Make sure you add them to the itinerary on your next Kiwi road trip.
#1 – The Northlands (North Island)
Cape Reinga is located at the northernmost tip of New Zealand, and is marked by a lighthouse with an epic view. Here you can witness where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, marked by a churn of whitecaps and waves.
The Te Paki Sand Dunes were one of my absolute favourite places in New Zealand. You can go sandboarding, or if you don’t like getting sand in your mouth, you can go for a long hike out into the dunes. Once you’re past the sandboarders, you can walk for hours feeling like you’re the only person on Mars. The dunes are part of Ninety-Mile Beach, which is a cool area to explore along the coast.
The Bay of Islands is probably the most popular destination in the Northlands, and taking a cruise out into the bay is definitely worth your time. I did the Cream Trip with Fullers Great Sights and had a spectacular time cruising out to the Hole in the Rock, and sighting dolphins (including babies!) all day.
For any tree-lovers, the Northlands is also where you can encounter stands of ancient kauri trees, the largest trees in New Zealand. Some trees are over 1000 years old, and carry a feeling of deep wisdom. Check out Waipoua Forest or Manginangina Scenic Reserve.
Pro tip: There aren’t a lot of places to stay when you get deep into the Northlands, so I suggest you check out AirBNB (referral link) and do a homestay on a local farm.
#2 – Vanished World Trail & Oamaru (South Island)
I went to Oamaru for one reason: the blue fairy penguins. But what I encountered was an area known for more than just adorable birds. Oamaru is a whimsical town steeped in steampunk, with a flair for Victorian renaissance. There is good beer, whiskey, cheese, restaurants, accommodations, architecture, and lots to do.
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is not to be missed, and it is absolutely worth it to pay for the evening view premium seating tickets. The blue penguins are only active at night, and you will be able to see rafts of them coming in from hunting out at sea starting at dusk. I advise you to be patient…this process takes two hours or more, but once the penguins are all in, you will be able to get up close and personal. When I was there, most people left after an hour, and they missed the best part: when the babies came out to play after full dark. It was so beautiful I actually cried.
The most famous attraction along this stretch of land is the Morecai Boulders, which is part of the Vanished World Trail. Arrive early to check out these naturally-formed, perfectly spherical rocks along the beach before the tour buses arrive and the beach fills up.
Pro tip: Walk along Moeraki beach for a while and you’ll encounter more boulders away from the crowds of other visitors.
#3 – Highway 73 (South Island)
Arthur’s Pass is an incredibly scenic area filled with unending kilometres of wildflowers, mountain views, and little stops to make for river and waterfall views. This area is really about the journey, and not the destination.
The Cave Stream Scenic Reserve doesn’t look like much from the road, but once you walk down into the canyon you’re in for a treat. There is a great walking trail through the rocky canyon, and you can also go down into the cave and check out the river which runs through. If you’re an experience caver, you can do self-guided caving here, but come prepared as you’ll be going waist-high in cold running water.
Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill Conservation Area) is home to a natural rock formation that looks like the ruins of an ancient castle or city. Hike your way through the outcrops of limestone, and enjoy pondering how nature can create such perfect art.
If you’re hungry at the end of long day adventuring along Highway 73, make sure you stop at Sheffield’s Pie Shop for a lamb pie before you get into Christchurch. The pies here are famous in the area and are among some of the best I had in New Zealand.
Pro tip: Make sure you travel with your hiking boots and rain jacket at the ready. Travelling New Zealand at any time of year can yield sporadic rain showers, and it’s good to be prepared for anything as you head out adventuring.
The Travel Binder 