Looking for interesting places to visit and activities to see and do? Heading out on the road can be one big adventure. For a country with a small population, New Zealand’s road system is in excellent condition. Whether driving your own car, a hire car, taking a bus tour or riding a bike, you can discover this wonderful country by following a series of travelling routes. The beauties of New Zealand’s open spaces are well-documented and so are the road trips to get you from landmark to landmark. However, if it is an alternative route you are looking for then give these different dream trips a chance.
Digitally tripping through Middle Earth
Fan of the Hobbit movies – well, take a journey to the Middle Earth. The launch of the first movie has brought Google Maps and Warner Brothers to team up and create the useful and interactive map with the key regions from Tolkien’s story. Want to visit the picturesque Elvin spot Rivendell and walk through the beautiful green fields and magnificent waterfalls or make turn to the Lonely Mountain. You should definitely visit The Shire if the adventurous trip of The Hobbit company is not your thing.
Wellington to Kaitoke National Park
For your chance to visit a real part of Middle Earth, look no further than Kaitoke Regional Park. A scant 50 minute drive from downtown Wellington, or an hour and a half via scenic Pukerua Bay, Kaitoke Regional Park is the shooting location for Tolkien’s Rivendell, seat of the Half-Elves. Pristine rainforest and crystal clear rivers create the magical elvish tranquility of this Lord of the Rings filming location.
Picton to Christchurch via Marlborough Wine Country
This is one of the most fascinating drives in New Zealand taking you through the Marlborough Wine area to the home of seals and whales and on to Christchurch. One thing this drive has in common with other scenic drives in NZ is the incredible, otherworldly surrounds. One thing it doesn’t is a trip through the best sauvignon blan wine growing region in the world. Take a bottle for your designated driver to enjoy after the trip and resign yourself to stopping in at a winery or two.
Hawke’s Bay area
Though the area was put on the map by the longest place name in the world – Taumata whaka tangi hanga koauau o tamatea turi pukakapi ki maunga horo nuku poka I whenua kitana tahu (referred to as Taumata by the locals) there’s plenty to see and do in the Hawke’s Bay region. Take in an amazing food and wine tour, views of the surf-washed beaches or hang around for the view from Cape Kidnappers at sunset.
Forgotten World Highway
Last but not least aptly titled, the Forgotten World Highway is a throwback to another time. Featuring a meandering, uppsy-downsy style of route that hugs a rugged countryside, this one is best taken in at sunset. Plus, it’s short enough to get in before full dark!