If you’re behind the wheel of a motorhome in Aotearoa – New Zealand, you’re already in for a treat. This country is built for road trips, with winding roads that hug dramatic coastlines, pass through snowcapped mountains and cut across rolling farmland and misty rainforests. Whether you’re exploring the wild West Coast or the volcanic heart of the North Island, these scenic drives showcase the very best of the landscape — all from the comfort of your vehicle of choice.
From iconic highways to lesser-known gems, here are some of the most unforgettable drives to add to your itinerary.
Table of Contents
- The West Coast Road – SH6 from Westport to Haast
- Crown Range Road – Queenstown to Wānaka
- Forgotten World Highway – Taumarunui to Stratford
- Lindis Pass – Wānaka to Ōmarama
- Kaikōura Coast – SH1 from Blenheim to Christchurch
- Arthur’s Pass – West Coast to Canterbury
- Milford Sound Road – Te Anau to Piopiotahi
- The East Coast Explorer – Whakatāne to Gisborne
🌊 The West Coast Road – SH6 from Westport to Haast
Why It’s Special
This is one of the wildest, most untamed stretches of road in Aotearoa. Towering cliffs, rugged beaches and lush temperate rainforest create an ever-changing landscape as you cruise down the coast.
Highlights
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Hokitika Gorge
- Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
- Sunset at Gillespies Beach
Accommodation
Campgrounds: Freedom camp near Lake Mahinapua or stay at Franz Josef TOP 10.
Luxury Stay: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef – book here for a lush forest setting with spa pools.
Tip
Weather changes fast — always pack waterproof gear.
⛰ Crown Range Road – Queenstown to Wānaka
Why It’s Special
This is the highest sealed alpine road in the country, offering panoramic views and hairpin bends that will get your heart racing.
Highlights
- Historic Arrowtown
- Cardrona Hotel
- Iconic Wānaka tree and lake walks
Accommodation
Campground: Glendhu Bay Lakeside Camping.
Luxury Stay: Edgewater Hotel, Wānaka – check availability for lakeside luxury here.
Tip
Take your time — the road is narrow and steep.
🌿 Forgotten World Highway – Taumarunui to Stratford
Why It’s Special:
A rugged and quirky inland route full of history, tunnels and farmland that feels a bit like stepping back in time. While the drive is undeniably scenic, I personally find it a bit too windy and slow-going for my taste. That said, if you’ve got time on your side, it’s definitely a beautiful journey worth doing at a relaxed pace.
Highlights:
- Whangamōmona – NZ’s unofficial republic
- Moki Tunnel (“Hobbit’s Hole”)
- Scenic saddles and ridgelines
Accommodation
Campgrounds: Whangamōmona Domain or free camping at Tahora Saddle.
Rural Stay: TePopo Gardens Rural Retreat, Te Popo,Taranaki – view deal
Tip
No petrol stations en route. Fill up before leaving Taumarunui or Stratford.
🏜 Lindis Pass – Wānaka to Ōmarama
Why It’s Special:
This alpine highway weaves through golden tussock lands with huge skies and dramatic landscapes.
Highlights:
- Lindis Lookout
- Ōmarama Clay Cliffs
- Private soaks at Ōmarama Hot Tubs
Accommodation
Campgrounds: Ōmarama TOP 10 Holiday Park or Ahuriri DOC Reserve.
Luxury Stay: Matuka Luxury Lodge (29kms out of Ōmarama)– Lake Ōhau for comfort and starry skies.
Tip
In winter, check road conditions for snow and ice alerts.
🐬 Kaikōura Coast – SH1 from Blenheim to Christchurch
Why It’s Special:
One of the few places in the world where mountains meet the ocean this dramatically. Spot dolphins, seals and even whales from the roadside.
Highlights:
- Ohau Point seal colony
- Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
- Crayfish and seafood shacks (our favourite Nins Binn)
Accommodation
Campground: Kaikōura TOP 10 or Freedom camp at Pohowera
Scenic Views: The White Morph, Kaikōura – check prices for oceanfront views.
Tip
Wake early — this is one of the best coastal drives for sunrise views.
❄ Arthur’s Pass – West Coast to Canterbury
Why It’s Special:
This alpine pass carves through the Southern Alps and offers dramatic mountain views, waterfalls and native beech forests.
Highlights:
- Devils Punchbowl Falls
- Otira Viaduct lookout
- Arthur’s Pass village walks
Accommodation
Campgrounds: Avalanche Creek Shelter DOC site or Jacksons Retreat.
Scenic Stay: Arthurs Pass Alpine Motel – book here for mountain comfort.
Tip
Take your time — short walks and photo stops are worth it.
🎐 Milford Sound Road – Te Anau to Piopiotahi
Why It’s Special:
This world-famous drive through Fiordland is jaw-droppingly beautiful, with mossy forests, glacier-fed rivers and towering granite peaks.
Highlights:
- Mirror Lakes
- The Chasm
- Homer Tunnel and epic waterfalls
Accommodation
Campgrounds: Cascade Creek DOC Campground or Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park.
Luxury Stay: Fiordland Lodge or Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau
Tip
Go early or late to avoid the crowds.
🌅 The East Coast Explorer – Whakatāne to Gisborne
Why It’s Special:
This lesser-driven coastal highway winds past wild beaches, sleepy villages and a deeply spiritual Māori heartland.
Highlights:
- Ōpōtiki and the Motu Trails
- Anaura Bay
- Sunrise in Gisborne – first light in the world
Accommodation
Campgrounds: Tolaga Bay Holiday Park or freedom camp at Anaura Bay.
Treat Yourself: Matawhero Wines, Matawhero, Gisborne
Tip
Cell reception is limited — download offline maps.
🚐 Find the Perfect Campervan with Motorhome Republic
With dozens of trusted rental brands in one place, Motorhome Republic makes it easy to compare, choose and book the right campervan for your Aotearoa – New Zealand adventure. From budget-friendly options to premium motorhomes, you’ll find something that suits your travel style and trip length.
We love recommending them because their booking process is simple, their customer service is excellent and they work with top suppliers across the country. Whether you’re picking up in Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere in between — it’s a hassle-free way to get on the road faster.
“Booking was easy, support was great and we got the perfect camper for our road trip. It was exactly what we hoped for.”
— Feedback from a Motorhome Republic customer
🌿Looking for more travel inspiration?
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
Matua whakapai i tōhou marae, ka whakapai ai i te marae o etahi
First set in order your own courtyard before you clean up another’s