The Best Road Trips in New Zealand

Crisscrossed with routes that thread together the country’s most stunning landscapes, must-see attractions and hidden gems, New Zealand is made for road (and train) trips. So, which one will you start with?

A scenic day trip on the TranzAlpine train

A glorious day trip on the TranzAlpine train, 223 kilometres from one side of South Island/Te Waipounamu to the other, is full of contrasts – from the green and gold of Canterbury to the blue and silver of the West Coast.

A Wild West to Middle Earth road trip

This route begins in the sun-drenched Nelson Tasman region at the top of the South Island/Te Waipounamu, where every desire is met, and ends on the rugged West Coast/Te Tai o Poutini, where nature rules in spectacularly beautiful style.

A long and winding road trip on State Highway 35

It may only be 334 kilometres from Ōpōtiki in the Bay of Plenty/ Te Moananui Ā Toi around the tip of East Cape to Gisborne on the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui, but State Highway 35 is narrow and winding, and worth doing slowly.

The Volcanic Loop road trip

The Volcanic Loop Highway is a week-long loop that takes you from Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau through some of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui’s most spectacular and varied locations.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

You’ve explored Auckland/Tāmaki makaurau’s vibrant waterfront, shopped at Newmarket, taken an e-bike tour up to Mt Eden/Maungawhau for long views over the city and its harbours. You’ve boarded a ferry to climb brooding Rangitoto, or to sample the many vineyards, browse the art galleries or whizz down the ziplines on Waiheke Island. Now it’s time to drive south for a taste of the wide variety of scenery on offer along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Three of the best country road trips in New Zealand

Take a leisurely drive through the Manawatū, in the lower half of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui, away from the streams of trucks and cars on State Highway 1, and get in touch with local rural life and its hidden treasures. There are three routes to choose from, grouped together as The Country Road, each of them easily done in a day, although they will reward your taking time to stop and stay along the way.

A road trip from Christchurch to Fiordland

From towering peaks to sandy bays, this route takes you from culture to raw nature, with lots to see along the way. Heading south from Christchurch/Ōtautahi to Ōamaru for its Steampunk HQ, Little Blue Penguin-viewing Grandstand and the extraordinary huge, round Moeraki Boulders on the beach. Then on to Dunedin/Ōtepoti to visit Lanarch Castle and more before heading further south to marvel at the wildlife in The Catlins, and then basking in the otherworldly beauty of the Fiordlands and Milford Sound for the grand finale.

A wildlife to wine country road trip

After enjoying the delights of Christchurch/Ōtautahi, head out of town up across the patchwork Canterbury Plains and into alpine scenery at Hanmer Springs. Its well-developed thermal springs complex is a must, as is tramping its forest. Back on the coast, further north, you’ll stop at Kaikōura, to see humpbacks, and the sperm whales that live here permanently. Spectacular dolphin displays with a cast of hundreds are not unusual, and you can swim with them too. Gourmet delights await you on the final leg in Marlborough, world-famous for its wines, especially sauvignon blanc.

Slow travel is encouraging us all to take our time and truly experience our journeys, and cruising has always been the perfect way to do just that.

The slow travel trend isn’t going anywhere. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, travellers are opting for extended travel, allowing for a more immersive experience – as well as the time to actually feel reset and rested at the end of the journey. Part of that travel style is choosing the best method of travel. With none of the hassle, plenty to enjoy between ports, and port stops that allow time spent in a new place with a new culture, cruising may just be the slow travel answer.

And Royal Caribbean‘s new 16-night Long Adventure cruise itinerary from Sydney to Honolulu might just be the perfect slow adventure to get you started. After all, nothing says slow travel like getting on island time.

Immersive travel itinerary

moorea lagoon Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish — Dive into underwater worlds. (Credit: Getty/ Global Pics)

On this journey connecting Australia to Hawaiʻi, guests have a chance to experience destinations and culture that typically aren’t combined into one leisurely-paced trip. From tropical South Pacific islands to the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi, each port offers its own rewards. Not to mention sea days in between to rest and reflect.

Stop in Papeete, Tahiti, to watch waves roll over black and white sand beaches. Or wander through tropical beauty at Paofai Gardens. While in French Polynesia, gaze on the jagged green peaks of Moorea. Here, snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish in the Lagoonarium. Later, experience the lesser-travelled Raiatea – where coral gardens practically explode with marine life and inland hiking trails lead to waterfalls. End the journey with the golden beaches and rich culture of Honolulu.

More time to connect

wave rider on anthem of the seas royal caribbean — Use sea days to make new memories together.

The essential factor that makes cruising the ultimate form of slow travel? Time on board is never wasted. On Anthem of the Seas® during your Long Adventure cruise, that could look like booking a seat for world-class theatre productions and live shows. Or spending time together in one of the many pools, bars and lounges for all moods.

Head to the adults-only Solarium, an indoor-outdoor retreat sitting right at the front of the ship for epic views from the swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area. With something on every night, take in the onboard entertainment and nightlife. Like We Will Rock You – the West End musical featuring the legendary hits of Queen.

Built-in pauses

RCI Vitality℠ Spa — Enjoy a spa treatment at Vitality Spa.

We so often forget to factor in time to pause and reflect when we travel, but sea days are a built-in deep breath. Take advantage of resort-style living at sea to disconnect and avoid the trap of a frantic holiday schedule.

On Anthem of the Seas, expansive spaces have been designed specifically to help guests relax, reset and enjoy the journey. Spend time together enjoying onboard entertainment, dining, or lounging by the pool. Head to the observatory to check out an unpolluted night sky. Or, for something truly special, book a restorative massage or rejuvenating facial at Vitality℠ Spa.

Remove travel hassle

royal caribbean anthem of the seas royal loft balcony room — Unpack once, and return to your own comfortable room every night.

Instead of sweating as you run from one airport gate to another, getting grumpy because everyone is sleep-deprived or having to unpack and pack over and over again, travel time is spent creating new memories together. Simply depart from Sydney and let the rest be taken care of for you.

Unpack once, and return to the same comfortable room every night. This all-inclusive cruise brings together accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport in one seamless experience. It’s a more considered way to travel, offering exceptional value and removing logistics.

Dine at your leisure

Izumi Sashimi — Dine on flavours from around the world.

With world-class dining and a choice of over 18 dining options on board Anthem of the Seas, indulge your senses at any time (and never feel rushed). Take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining concept, allowing guests to choose from multiple complimentary restaurants, each with its own distinct style.

Or, book in for an elevated experience at specialty dining venues, with flavours from around the world. Tuck into Jamie’s Italian, led by the celebrated British chef Jamie Oliver. Enjoy Japanese delicacies at Izumi. For something really special, join the Chef’s Table, where up to 14 guests can indulge in a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier.

And with 11 bars and lounges to choose from, there’s always a new spot to enjoy a tipple. Like the unique mixology experience at Bionic Bar, or caipirinhas at the ship’s Latin-themed club, Boleros.

A taste of diverse cultures

Let Anthem of the Seas transport you overnight between diverse international ports. With cruising, there’s no need to pick just one destination. The longer, more immersive Transpacific cruise itinerary allows travellers to experience a range of destinations and cultures all across Oceania.

Head inland at Papeete to discover the story behind one of Tahiti’s most iconic treasures at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Visit the sacred Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaning into the relaxed local rhythm in Uturoa commune. And delve into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.

The luxury of time

royal caribbean solarium — Relax in adult-only areas of the ship.

The greatest luxury that cruising provides is that of time. More time to disconnect, more time to explore, and more time to enjoy the journey at your own pace. This Long Adventure voyage isn’t just about racing from destination to destination; it’s about how you get there. Taking your own time, both on sea days and during days on land.

Start planning your Long Adventure at royalcaribbean.com.au.