Adding roads less travelled to your New Zealand road trip

When people plan a trip around New Zealand, they usually lock in the big names first State Highway 1, the Desert Road, Milford Sound, Arthur’s Pass. And while those iconic drives are certainly worth it, there are plenty of quieter, lesser-known routes that showcase a different side of Aotearoa. These are the roads where you’re more likely to pull over for sheep than campervans, and where every corner feels like a small discovery.

Here are a few of our favourite hidden drives you might want to add to your New Zealand road trip wish list.

The Forgotten World Highway (SH43) – Taranaki to Taumarunui

This one’s for those who like to wander off the beaten path. Winding between Taranaki and Taumarunui, in central North Island, the Forgotten World Highway lives up to its name. (And traverses the same stunning countryside the Forgotten World Carts, travelling along a decommissioned rail line, cuts through.) You’ll pass through rugged farmland, remote valleys, and even the Republic of Whangamōmona a tiny settlement that declared itself independent back in 1989. The road is narrow in places, but the scenery makes it worth taking slow.

Western Bays Road – Lake Taupō

Most travellers stick to the main highway around Lake Taupō, between Taupo and Turangi. Those in the know take the Western Bays Road between Kinloch and Kuratau. It’s a winding stretch with lake views, farmland, and native bush. And it offers a different perspective on Australasia’s largest fresh water lake. You’ll often have the road almost to yourself, and it makes for a perfect loop, if you’re exploring the central North Island.

East Cape Road – Ōpōtiki to Gisborne

The Pacific Coast Highway is a big name, but few travellers make it all the way around the East Cape from Opotiki to Gisborne. This iconic New Zealand road trip has been called an opportunity to step back in time. It feels remote in the best way offering windswept beaches, quiet communities, and plenty of places to pull over for a swim or a photo. Don’t miss the East Cape Lighthouse, where you can be among the first in the world to see the sunrise.

Queen Charlotte Drive – Havelock to Picton

If you’re ferry-hopping between the North and South Islands, don’t just drive straight to the terminal in Picton. Queen Charlotte Drive offers one of the prettiest detours you can take. This coastal road twists around bays and inlets, giving you countless views of the Marlborough Sounds. Allow plenty of time, as you’ll want to stop at lookouts and maybe even dip into a local café along the way.

Inland Scenic Route 72 – Canterbury

Running parallel to State Highway 1, Route 72 takes you inland through small towns and the South Island’s rural heartland. You’ll pass through places like Methven and Geraldine, with The Southern Alps providing a constant backdrop. It’s a great alternative, if you’re heading south from Christchurch and want a less direct but more rewarding drive.

The Catlins Coastal Route – Balclutha to Invercargill

The deep south doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but the Catlins are well worth the detour. Think waterfalls tucked into bush, windswept headlands, and wildlife encounters with sea lions and penguins. The road winds through tiny villages and along some seriously wild coastline. Nugget Point Lighthouse is a highlight, especially at sunrise.

Tips for Hidden Drive Road Trips

• Fuel up early – Many of these routes pass through areas with few petrol stations.
• Take your time – Narrow, winding roads aren’t built for speed. Plan for extra travel time.
• Pack snacks – Some of the best drives don’t have many shops along the way.
• Be ready to stop – Scenic lookouts, beaches, and roadside picnic spots are all part of the fun.

New Zealand’s famous highways are incredible, but sometimes the magic lies in the roads less travelled. Whether it’s coastal detours, remote valleys, or winding country lanes, these hidden New Zealand road trips give you a chance to slow down and soak up the landscapes most travellers never get to see.

Talk to our experienced tour planners about venturing off the more well trodden paths during your New Zealand self drive holiday.