9 Amazing New Zealand Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive

Two islands of mountains and volcanoes stand in a vast sea where the Tasman and the Pacific Oceans meet. These two islands, simply referred to as South Island and North Island, make up New Zealand, a country of natural wonders and cinematic landscapes. The stunning New Zealand landscape is prominent on screen, from films like The Lord of the Rings to TV shows like Xena Warrior Princess. In New Zealand, driving from one destination to another is an amazing experience in itself, with winding roads offering views of the majestic Southern Alps, lush rainforests, and pristine fiords. At the end of your journey, natural wonders such as erupting geysers and volcanoes in Tongariro, to bioluminescent caves such as Waitomo Glowworm Caves await anyone who seeks the unique mix of whimsy and natural wonder that makes New Zealand so special. The voyage across these islands is beautiful, from cars to buses and ferries; below are nine day-trips well worth the drive!

Hobbiton (Matamata, North Island)

While driving to Hobbiton may feel like driving through a portal to another world, the beauty seen on screen in films such as The Hobbit is a reality in New Zealand’s North Island. Fantasy and nature blend perfectly in these rolling hills where hobbit holes remain nestled into the earth. Legendary series such as The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings were filmed on this beautiful island, and it is clear why. The film sets were such a draw to tourists that they are now a permanent part of the landscape. While in Hobbiton, take a guided tour to learn more about the iconic films made on what was once a sheep farm. If you are unfamiliar with The Lord of The Rings franchise, this 2-hour drive from Auckland is still worth it if you appreciate whimsy and want your imagination to explore as much as your feet.

Waiheke Island (Auckland Region)

Drive through beautiful Auckland to board the ferry to Waiheke Island. Delicious wine awaits you at the end of your voyage, all grown and made at local boutique vineyards. Wine enthusiasts should visit Mudbrick, Cable Bay, or Tantalus Estate, all famous for their delicious wine and breathtaking views. The water that surrounds this island seems impossibly blue. You can admire the beauty of the sea from olive groves and golden beaches, which offer the perfect view of the sparkling water. If you want to appreciate some human-made art along with the natural beauty, visit Waiheke Island’s art galleries and sculpture parks. To explore Waiheke Island, you can drive its gorgeous winding roads in a rental car, or ride in a private tour bus.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Central North Island)

Any site on the UNESCO list is worth the drive to get there. The drive in itself is a beautiful one, with views of tall snow-capped mountains. The road between these snowy mountains takes you to Tongariro Alpine Crossing on Central North Island, which contains the best day hike that New Zealand has to offer. North Island’s Alpine trails take you through so many of New Zealand's natural wonders. The Tongariro Crossing will guide you through active volcanoes, steaming vents, and ancient lava flows frozen in time. The Red Crater, one of the crossing’s volcanic craters, is a particularly stunning sight, with its shocking red glow cutting through the lush landscape. You will find a gorgeous emerald lake not far from the overspill and splatter of lava. Volcanic minerals feed the lake, transforming the water into a stunning shade of green. This location is deeply connected to Māori culture and mythology, making Tongariro a perfect place to visit to respect a culture that has deep love and respect for the natural environment.

Milford Sound (Fiordland, South Island)

A Journey through towering mountains and lush rainforests will lead you to Milford Sound. A cruise from The Sound reveals stunning waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and wildlife like dolphins and seals. It's often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." If you don’t want to take the scenic 4-hour drive from Queenstown solo, consider taking a tour. Tours from Queenstown to Milford Sound offer stops at the most picturesque vistas and lunch options. To get the best views of the fiord, board a cruise on the sound and be prepared for stunning scenery.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves (Waikato, North Island)

Drive to the shores by Waitomo Caves to discover the magical glowworm caves, where thousands of bioluminescent glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa) light up the underground caverns. In this unique subterranean environment, you can enjoy boat tours, blackwater rafting, or ziplining. The Bioluminescence transforms the cave walls into a starry night sky. There are many options for seeing the caves, such as dark water rafting in inner tubes. You can also rappel into deeper sections of the caverns, where you will find the Lost World Cave and the Ruakuri Cave. Don’t worry; you don’t have to repel, zipline, or raft to experience the rare magic these caves offer; gentler boat tours also offer the perfect chance to witness this natural wonder.

Bethells Beach/Te Henga Beach

Take a trip to Auckland’s west coast, where black sands meets Lake Wainamu. Being ultra-accessible, there is only a few minutes between walking on the paved parking lot and rolling sand dunes. Birdwatchers are especially drawn to this beach, as it is home to Bethells Te Henga Wetlands, an ecosystem containing many bird species. Along with the birds, paragliders and parasailers take to the skies, taking in the beautiful beach from above. If your eyes aren't on the skies for birdwatching, set them to the horizon, where you will most likely see surfers riding the rolling waves. It’s easy to see how this beautiful beach became the filming location for the iconic series Xena: Warrior Princess, setting a trend for filmmakers utilizing this beautiful landscape.

Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach (Far North, North Island)

At the northernmost point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga offers dramatic views where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. This sacred site in Māori culture is believed to be the departure point for spirits journeying to their ancestral homeland. The journey to Cape Reinga is as captivating as the destination, passing through native forests and picturesque landscapes. Nearby, 90 Mile Beach offers endless stretches of sand, perfect for sandboarding on the Te Paki Dunes or simply soaking in the beauty of the coastline.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (South Island)

AorakiMount Cook’s snow-capped peaks reach 3,724 meters, making it New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Lakes fed by glacial meltwater are scattered across the rugged landscape, contrasting turquoise water and frosted terrain. The Hooker Valley Track is a relatively easy and quick trail, popular for its beautiful panoramic view of Aoraki/Mount Cook and swing bridges that lead to the icy Hooker Lake. Another short hike through the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint trail offers views of Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier, and the surrounding moraine fields. You can drive along Mount Cook Road to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. this road cuts between Lake Pukaki’s turquoise waters and the Southern Alps, making it one of the most picturesque drives in New Zealand.

Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland (North Island)

Appropriately named a wonderland, Rotorua is scattered with bubbling mud pools, geysers, and colorful hot springs such as the neon-green Devils Bath, and the orange and green Champagne Pool. Traditional villages such as Te Puia or Tamaki Māori Village allow visitors to immerse themselves in Māori culture. Here, visitors can witness traditional songs, dances, and the famous haka. To relax after your journey, indulge in mud bath therapy in Hell’s Gate’s therapeutic bubbling mud pool. Rotorua is a destination that captivates all the senses, leaving a lasting impression of the New Zealand landscape and the Māori culture, making it well worth the drive.

Though it is obvious how these islands inspired fantasy, New Zealand is so much more. Between hot springs, emerald lakes, deep craters, and tall mountains, there are many amazing road trips to take on these islands. Long drives on these beautiful islands are worth the destination and a beautiful journey in themselves. Experience traditional Māori songs and dances in Rotorua, then feel the ecological intensity of New Zealand by dark water rafting through Waitomo Caves and touring one of the multiple active volcanoes in Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Whether you want to jump through your screen to the fantasy-inspiring realms of Hobbiton and Bethells Beach or uncover the real majesty of these ecologically lively islands, New Zealand's roads will take you on an unforgettable journey.