1. Twin Coast Discovery, Northland
Auckland to Dargaville, via Whangārei and Cape Rēinga. 770km.
This mighty road trip connects the little coves, beaches and bays of the east coast of the North Island and the immense dunes, wild coastline and vast, sweeping harbours out west. With nearly 800km of distinct and spectacular scenery, driving this highway, in part or whole, is one of the best ways to experience as much of the Northland region as possible.
From Auckland head up the east coast. You can stop to stretch your legs in Whangārei on the loop around the upper river, and easy 4.2km for walkers and cyclists. Drive further north and you can explore any one of the hundreds of pristine bays from Mangawhai Heads in the south to the Tutukākā Coast in the north.
In the Bay of Islands, drop by the gentle seaside village of Russell, once the seething 'hellhole' known as Kororāreka, visit Paihia for ancient churches and modern dining and, of course, Waitangi, the spot where the nation’s founding document was signed.
Take your time while you explore popular beaches around Whangaroa Harbour, explore the sweeping arc of Doubtless Bay and be sure to stop for fish and chips at Mangōnui.
At Cape Rēinga breathe in the awe and majesty of two oceans colliding, then from this northernmost point you’ll make your way back down the west coast.
On this side of the motu you can stand amongst mighty kauri in the Waipōua Forest, marvel at the colours and landscapes of the Hokianga Harbour, home to the twin settlements of Ōmāpere and Ōpononi and relax at gentle coastal lakes. On the Twin Coast Discovery, there’s not just something for everyone: there’s everything for anyone.
2. Southern Scenic Route, Southland
Bluff to Nugget Point. 193km
This is a drive of unparalleled beauty, an almost contradictory mix of dense woodlands and wild southern coast, battered with sea spray.
All of it is invigorating, awe-inspiring and able to be taken as you choose. As long as you’ve got a car, though. The Catlins – an area in the southeast corner of the country that includes a conservation park of quiet beauty – makes for a wild and wonderful road trip route from the deep south.
State Highway 92will twist and turn you while bewildering you with beauty of both the beach and beech kind.
Wildlife abounds – there are penguins, Hooker’s sea lions, fur seals and, further out in the cold depths, Hector’s dolphins and even whales can occasionally be spotted.
In the Catlins you’ll travel all the way from Waipapā Point in deepest Southland to the lighthouse at Nugget Point which marks the return to Otago, and a different way of life altogether.
3. Pacific Coast Highway, Tairāwhiti
Gisborne to Opotiki. 249km
This winding, narrow slice of bitumen is a revelation. It’s one that you’ll want to take time to explore: more than a highway, this is a gateway. While the Tairāwhiti region has taken a battering recently, if you’re prepared to take your time, this road trip will be truly rewarding.
Curving around the East Cape, the Pacific Coast Highway (mostly) hugs the coast and embraces an array of experiences and environments along the way.
Driftwood-strewn beaches abound on the exterior reaches of the highway, while the hidden interior is a completely different prospect, a place of dense bush, rushing, clear rivers and sheer gorges.
This is a part of New Zealand where a true, strong and hard-kept Māori presence can be experienced: it’s distinctive, rural and worthy of respect.
It’s technically possible to knock off those 300km in six to eight hours, but why would you want to? There is so much here that’s so different to anywhere else in the country, you’re going to want to slow down and soak it up.
4. Piopiotahi Highway, Fiordland
Te Anau to Milford Sound. 119km.
If you want your senses drenched in Fiordland’s wilderness, vastness and beauty, take a top road for unbeatable scenic highs: the Piopiotahi Highway from Te Anau to Milford. You’ll also want to take your time: it’s only two hours. Start at pretty little Te Anau, and roll past the farmland on one side, the second largest lake in the country on the other, snow-capped peaks in the distance.
You’ll head past Te Anau Downs, the launch point for the famous Milford Track, which also marks the beginning of Fiordland National Park. There are so many amazing lookouts along the way you’ll likely double that estimated travelling time. The Mirror Lakes are unlike anything you’ve ever seen or had reflected back at you, almost dreamlike in their quality.
Then you’re at The Divide, totally appropriately named, being an east-west pass through the Southern Alps. You’re very clearly, and quite suddenly, in mountain territory here, with sheer slopes crowding down on seemingly all sides (they seem close enough to touch).
Another highlight is the Homer Tunnel. Rough-hewn, functional but far from modern, it is in keeping with the eeriness of the whole place. It’s 1.2km long and climbs steadily until you emerge at Cleddau Canyon on the other (Milford) side.
5. Thermal Explorer Highway, North Island
Auckland to Napier, via Rotorua and Taupō. 453km
How about a classic roadie straight down the middle of the North Island from where the languid meandering of the mighty Waikato gives way to the hiss of steam in Rotorua, before winding through to the land of vineyards in Hawke’s Bay.
On the Thermal Explorer Highway you’ll leave the buzz of our largest metropolis behind for a gentler energy as you head through Waikato and Hamilton. The Waikato has it all: bucolic rolling hills, wild coastline, subterranean limestone caverns and, of course, the mighty Waikato River. Hamilton is square on your path on the way south. Stretching your legs and taking a stroll through the Hamilton Gardens, an oasis of curated spaces that are a kind of living, breathing horticultural museum, is a given.
In Rotorua, take to the waters, head for the hills, rivers or valleys: bikes, two legs and boats are all de rigueur modes of transport here. Onwards to Taupō, the largest freshwater lake in the southern hemisphere, where the Waikato begins in the rush and crush of the amazing Huka Falls.
Once you get to Hawke’s Bay be sure to take in majestic sleeping giant Te Mata Peak, discover the striking shark tooth peninsula of Cape Kidnappers and its resident gannet colony, and explore New Zealand's art deco capital, super-sunny Napier.