What can we say that hasn’t already been said about New Zealand? Lush nature and diverse scenery are found around every turn. The country is a mecca for adventure travel and driving around the island is a rite of passage for most travelers. Kiwis are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet and visiting the Land of the Long White Cloud is perfect at any time of year.
Here, the mountains meet the sea and you can appreciate NZed’s open roads, starry night skies, and famous great walks. We stuck to the South Island so we wouldn’t have to drive much each day. Of course, you’ll have plenty of ideas of what you’ll want to see when you’re here, but just in case you need some extra inspiration…Here are the Bro’s picks for 10 epic stops to make when road tripping New Zealand’s South Island.
10. The Moeraki Boulders, The World’s Steepest Street & Tunnel Beach
The Moeraki Boulders. A strange phenomenon of unusually large and spherical rocks lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Wave action mixed with mudstone, local bedrock, and landslides frequently led to exposing the embedded boulders.
Occurring isolated and in clusters, their unique shape was formed through erosion over a very long period of time. Around 60 million years ago to be exact! Check these bad boys out at low tide. Nature sure is neat!
Here’s the location on Google Maps: Moeraki Boulders
Just one hour south of the boulders you’ll find Baldwin Street, located in the residential suburb of the North East Valley, Dunedin. Baldwin Street is no ordinary road because it holds the Guinness World Record title as the World’s Steepest.
A short straight street that is around 1,150 ft long (350 meters), its steepness was actually unintentional. A quick stop here and you’ll be questioning what it’s like to live on a street that has a gradient of 35% at its steepest point.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: Baldwin Street
Road tripping New Zealand will lead you to encounter so many unique landscapes and 5 miles southwest of Dunedin is the one-of-a-kind Tunnel Beach. The most romantic spot around the city gained its fame from the hand-carved tunnel that leads you down to a secluded beach.
One of the most beautiful short walks on the South Island will reward visitors with majestic views of the sandstone cliffs sculpted by the South Pacific Ocean. As a bonus, you can even walk the arch.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: Tunnel Beach
On your route, you can hit up all three of these epic stops because they are within a 1-hour drive of each other. Here’s the route on Google Maps: The Trifecta Tour – All 3 Stops
9. Visit the Sea Lions of Cannibal Bay
True nature, this stop is home to flocks of sea lions. Ones who bask and relax on the unspoiled white sand beach. Crashing waves and blue-green water make for the complete backdrop as you get up close and personal with some new friends.
But not too close! All visitors must stay more than 50 feet (15meters) away but once you hear them bark, that won’t be too hard.
Cannibal Bay received its name due to human remains that were once found on the beach by a surveyor. You don’t have to worry about getting eaten here, maybe only by a sea lion if you don’t keep your distance.
Try not to come between a seal’s path to the sea or approach their cubs. Have yourself a nat geo experience because when road tripping New Zealand there will be no shortage of wildlife encounters.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: Cannibal Bay. While you’re here be sure to check out #5, Nugget Point: Just a 40 minute drive away!
8. That Wanaka Tree
Ahhh the alluring lone tree of Wanaka…The 100-year old willow tree stands by itself in the crisp water of Roys Bay at Lake Wanaka. Said to be one of the most photographed trees in all of New Zealand and maybe even the world.
We are not really sure why it is so popular and neither are residents of the area. But one thing is for certain, the tree’s location in the lake makes it truly unique. Add the mountain background and you’ve got yourself one incredible photo. Instagram and geotags have surely drawn photogs from all of the world to capture the iconic image.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: That Wanaka Tree
7. The Pancake Rocks
For #7 we’re switching it up and road-tripping over to the West Coast to discover Punakaiki. A village in the South Island, home to the Pancake Rocks and blowholes. A stunning walking trail where columns of water shoot skyward and form rainbows from rocks sculpted by wind, rain, and sea.
Nature strikes again, somehow creating these sick sculptures that resemble giant stacks of johnnycakes, flapjacks, hotcakes, pancakes, or whatever you want to call them.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: The Pancake Rocks
6. Nugget Point, The Catlins
Referred to by locals as “The Nuggets,” Nugget Point is a signature site in Otago. Sitting atop a steep rocky point, the lighthouse was built in 1870 and has been helping ships navigate the dangerous shore ever since. Nowadays, the lighthouse is controlled remotely by a command center in Wellington.
An easy walk uphill from the car park to the lighthouse, the site is home to a fur seal colony and a wide variety of sea birds. Road tripping New Zealand is not complete without making a stop here and documenting the postcard-esque scenery here.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: Nugget Point Lighthouse
5. The Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier
Extremely accessible and within easy driving from the main highway. The Franz Josef Glacier presents visitors with a rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacial environment because you can walk right up to it!
Exotic vegetation, waterfalls, and crazy rock formations will highlight your scenic 1.5-hour round trip walk from the car park, no helicopter is needed!
Named after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872, the Fox glacier is tucked into the forested foothills of the Southern Alps. Twin to the Franz Josef Glacier, the Fox Glacier descends into a temperate rainforest.
In comparison to other glaciers at similar latitudes around the world, Franz and Fox are quite low in altitude, making them one of a kind. While you’re here, it’s worth checking out the glow worm caves in town and Lake Matheson, one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand.
Just 25 Minutes away from each other, here are their locations on Google Maps: Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier
4. Lake Pukaki
Pukaki is a Maori term meaning “bunched-up water.” The lake’s distinctive turquoise color is the result of glacial flour when extremely finely ground rock particles from the nearby glaciers are deposited and suspended in the lake’s water. Sunlight reflects off the particles giving the lake its spectacular blue color.
It’s been named among the world’s clearest waters and you can even drink from it! Sadly it does not taste like Gatorade Glacier freeze. Catching the sunrise or sunset here is easily made possible by the convenient campsite at the lake.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: Lake Pukaki
3. Drive the French Pass
Driving on the French Pass Road could be one of the most scenic roads you will ever take in your life. The astounding journey stretches to the far north end of New Zealand’s South Island.
The road is 24 miles (38km) long, including paved and unpaved sections. The drive will keep you on the edge of your seat, taking you through twisty hairpin corners and steep grades.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the view, as sheep and cattle roam freely over the hillsides. Driving the road is a unique way to experience the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of sea drowned valleys at the South Island’s north-easternmost point.
The area is remote and petrol stations are few and far between, so go prepared and enjoy one of the best-kept secrets while road tripping New Zealand’s South Island.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: The French Pass
2. Bungy Jump at The Legendary Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown
Bungy for breakfast and give yourself a shot of pure adrenaline to start the day. That’s right, the parking lot is even a campsite where you can stay the night and wake up to get your bungy fix.
AJ Hackett in Queenstown is the world’s first commercial bungy jumping site. Sitting at 141 feet (43 meters) above the Kawarau River, the Kawarau Bridge is THE place to bungy.
The bridge was completed in late 1880 and 100 years later AJ Hackett and Henry Van Asch launched bungy jumping to the public at the Kawarau in 1988. Safe and secure, these guys are the best in the biz. There’s only one original. Don’t miss the chance to cross this epic experience off your bucket list and jump at The OG Bungy Jump in Queenstown.
Here’s the location on Google Maps: AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Center
1. Cruise the Milford Sound in Fiordland
100% Pure New Zealand. Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the country. If you are road tripping around New Zealand, we highly recommend you splurge and treat yourself to a scenic ferry cruise on the sound.
Part of the Tasman Sea, the sound is situated on the west coast of the island in the heart of Fiordland. Plunging cliffs, raging waterfalls, dark waters. The Milford Sound is a biosphere of wildlife diversity.
Carved out by erosion of ancient glacial ice, flora and fauna flourish here. Day tours are the most popular way to see Milford Sound (around $99 per person for the cruise) and you won’t regret tapping into your travel budget to experience it.
Milford is actually one of the wettest places on earth and averages around 182 rainfall days per year. After it rains, the mountains are covered in hundreds of temporary waterfalls spilling down from the mists. Simply Amazing!
Here’s the location on Google Maps: The Milford Sound
See You On The Road!
Whether you make to all, one or none of these epic stops, whichever route you take, road tripping around New Zealand will offer spectacular views and landscapes. Spending time in nature will have you recharged and appreciating this beautiful place we call Earth.
In our opinion, getting out on the open roads is the best way to see NZed because you will be tempted to stop and explore at every turn. The freedom of a road trip is unparalleled. No matter the season, it’s always a good time to head to New Zealand and experience real middle-earth.
“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”
― Erol Ozan
Explore More Road Trips Below!
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