10 Must-Do New Zealand Road Trips

Highway Life: It's time to take in the scenery on 10 of the very best road trips in New Zealand.

There's no better feeling than hitting pedal to the metal and taking off on a long journey in the picturesque New Zealand countryside. Whether it's North or South Island vistas that you are taking in, there are so many great scenic highways and byways in this country to explore and discover. And there's no better time to experience the freedom of life on the road than during a classic Kiwi summer. That's why we've put together 10 of the greatest New Zealand road trips to embark on this season. Go on, get out there - it's time to hit the open road!

One of my favourite places in New Zealand. History, geological wonderland, awe inspiring, native bush and birds, boulders the size of buildings, peace, serenity, fresh air, wonderful owners, Rita & Felix, who are passionate about this natural wonder which is also baffling and amazing geologists the world over as they flock here to marvel at this natural national treasure. Said to be over 2.8 million years old....I won't give away much more. A must visit. Kiwi or tourist put this on your top 5 things to do in NZ. The drive here is remarkable. Take a packed lunch. Stop in to the Horeke Pub afterwards for a cold pint and some good pub grub, have a laugh with the locals and watch the sunset over the inlet. Truly unforgettable.

One of the best road trips in New Zealand is to travel to the Far North in a 4 x 4 and hit the long, white stretch of sand that is the gorgeous (and ecologically superior) Ninety Mile Beach. In the height of summer, there's no need to even take a tent - just pack some good sleeping bags and a shovel (in case you need to dig your 4 x 4 out of any soft sand) and nestled in for two or three nights under the stars. This is one of the most magical parts of New Zealand and a great example of an awesome off-road adventure!

Not only is this one of the coolest DOC campgrounds in all of New Zealand but a roadtrip to Port Jackson on the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula is something any Kiwi should have to do on their bucket list. The drive to Port Jackson begins around the pohutukawa-drenched Thames Coast and ends up transporting you into the depths of one of the most untouched parts of the Coromandel Ranges. And once you come across the crest of the hill atop the Ranges and look out towards Great Barrier Island in the distance, you know you've travelled to a very special, spiritual place. Just make sure your car is nice and road-worthy because the gravel stretch on the Coromandel side is pretty gnarly!

If you're driving the coast road around to Gisborne, stopping of here after you drive through Ohope is a must do. A proper little fish and chip takeaways you can get a full meal if you like and sit and look out over the oyster farm. Or just grab a few oysters at $1 each. I stop every time - it's tradition!

Take a roadtrip along Taranaki's long and winding Surf Highway 45 to experience the raw and rugged beauty of the North Island's bejewelled, black-sand West Coast. Along with the legendary Stent Rd surf spot where you can either jump in the water and catch a wave or check out the seriously good-looking surfers who rock up to this well-known break on a regular basis, the most iconic stop on any Taranaki roadie is to see Cape Egmont Lighthouse. Perched out on a point, the wind-swept piece of coastline is punctuated by this beautiful, white historical lighthouse that is one of New Zealand's most legendary landmarks.

I love a good Kiwi roadtrip and one I have on my to-do list is a roadie that a few of my close friends can't stop raving about. It's the coast road that runs from Napier to Wellington and takes in the beautiful sights from Masterton's iconic Castlepoint Beach and right around the east coast to Palliser Bay. Long, flat stretches of road give way to beautiful beach vistas and it's one of the most untouched parts of the North Island. I can't wait to pack my car and leave!

One of the best South Island roadtrips is to get off the ferry at Picton and head straight up the guts through the middle of the Mainland from Nelson down to the picturesque West Coast. You'll weave through beautiful pine forests and mountainous landscapes before finding your way to the most remote hot springs in all of New Zealand. Don't drive past, stop, put your togs on and take a dip because this place truly has one of the most majestic, relaxing views of any hot springs in New Zealand. They are pools in their natural state and the perfect way to soak away sore limbs after hours spent in the car.

There are many campsites along Arthur’s Pass, and Lake Pearson is one among a bunch that are all spectacular. This particular spot has any number of sites lining a small lake that you can pitch your tent next to, with improvised fires from previous campers you can use and fend your snacks off from families of ducks.

One of my favourite South Island roadtrips is to take in the whole of State Highway 6 from Karamea (the northern most town on the West Coast), down through Hokitika, onto the Haast Highway and inland towards Central Otago's jaw-droppingly divine Lake District. While Queenstown is great for tourists, my all-time favourite lake is Lake Wanaka and it's well worth pitching a tent and stopping for a few nights here. There's lots of great hikes that work well in summer in the mountains surrounding the Wanaka and, in winter, you can get your snow bunny on and hit the slopes. I also love the fact that there's many amazing local food producers so you are never short of a fantastic bite to eat.

The Catlins Coast may be less travelled, but that just makes places like Nugget Point all the more special. Along a small peninsular, there are opportunities to see seals as you walk out to a picturesque lighthouse at its point.

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