Best Scenic Drives

We asked Members to share their favourite New Zealand short scenic drive. Ruth Rivett shares why she loves driving past the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu.

"The best and most scenic drive for me is from Queenstown to Glenorchy along the side of Lake Wakatipu. At the beginning you have The Remarkables and views looking back to Queenstown. Then there’s lovely Wilson Bay, Bob’s Cove, beautiful bush with walks along the edge of the lake from the car park, and precipitous bluffs with great drop-offs to the lake. You may be lucky to see the TSS Earnslaw before you turn the corner where the head of the lake comes into view. The most spectacular spot is coming up Bennetts Bluff, named after the Earnslaw’s captain, Patrick Bennetts, when the road opened in 1962. From there, the scenery continues to showcase the wide valley, Pigeon and Pig Islands, and the lake mountains, which can have snow on them all year round. The 32km, tar-sealed road is worth the ride and Glenorchy’s restaurants will reward you with top-quality food after your journey. I just love this trip."

Have a favourite route? We’d love to hear. Email us at editor@aa.co.nz