Sponsored by Air New Zealand
Here’s a simple equation you can use when searching for amazing driving roads: mountains = goodness. While apple-botherer Isaac Newton might have worked out that what goes up must come down, we’ve since perfected his discovery. See, we’ve discovered that what goes up the side of a mountain will invariably be squiggly, challenging and exhilarating. And it must come down the exact same way.
New Zealand has lots of mountains. They’re everywhere. They’re famous for them. And all those towering hills are ringed by endless criss-crossing squiggles begging to be driven. And you thought it was all hobbits and sheep, huh? They’ve also got cruisey coastal runs and sightseeing saunters covered, too.
Anyway, this hairpin heaven is three hours away from the Australian East Coast. Fly into New Zealand, rent your weapon of choice – though we recommend something powerful, grippy and rear-wheel drive – and set off, safe in the knowledge that no matter what direction you head in, amazing roads are never far away. And here’s five of the best.
North Island Thermal Drive: Head out of Auckland and head south, following your nose (literally) to the positively bubbling Sulphur City of Rotorua. This thermal oddity is dotted with natural hot springs, bubbling mud baths and the delightfully odd smell of rotten eggs. And when you’re bored with things, erm, bubbling, Rotorua also offers Zorb, Bungy and Extreme Free Fall adventure sports. From here, track north, along the state highway, and cross the Mamaku Ranges – yes, these are just some of the mountains we promised you – attacking the constant left- and right-handers as the deep green of the surrounding forest threatens to erase your other four senses. Eventually, though, you’ll burst back out into the sunlight, and find yourself on the eye-achingly beautiful Coromandel Peninsula – a water-ringed paradise that will carry you all the way back to Auckland. Rest now. That’s only the first of five.
South Island Drive: Land in Christchurch, and slow down. You’ll be on your way soon enough. But for now, take a minute to marvel at the resilience of a city and people who have been hit by the worst Mother Nature can throw at them, but who still swell with pride and community, even as they continue the painful task of rebuilding their city. Take the time to soak it in. It’s inspiring. Head south out of Christchurch and hug the stunning coastline for 160km to Timaru and aim for old-school Caroline Bay beach area near the centre of a town to soak in both sunshine and views. The endless volcanic hills surrounding the town – formed from ancient lava flows off the awesomely named Mount Horrible volcano – make for a car-lover’s dream. Undulating tarmac, flowing left and right sweepers and views carved straight from a Lord of The Rings film all mean an afternoon of great joy. But you’ll have to tear yourself away soon enough. Queenstown awaits. And so does your first real meeting with those towering mountains we mentioned earlier. This winter ski-and-party town – home to more extreme sports than a Mission Impossible flick – is also home to the very best driving roads in New Zealand, and possibly the world. Stand in Queenstown, grab a map, find a squiggle, and go. Then repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
Island hopping: Land in Auckland, and stock up for a cross-country expedition. Your destination? Northland – three hours from the capital and the jumping-off point for NZ’s stunning Bay of Islands. Park the car here, you’ve earned a break. Here you can opt for a sailing trip around the islands. But you won’t. Not if there are helicopters on offer. And there is – lots of them. The deep blue water carving its way through the bay’s speckled land masses can only be truly appreciated from the air. With your feet back on the ground, head north, to the famed 90-mile beach and on to Cape Reinga – the northern most point in New Zealand. Green hills drop away into the bright blue ocean here, and the gorgeous countryside is dotted with lighthouses to protect sea wanderers from the jagged rocks below. You can’t sleep here, the nearest hospitable bed is 90-minutes’ drive away. But with the roads recently sealed and this challenging, you won’t mind at all.
Essential NZ: And here it is. The biggest roadtrip of our top five. Packing in the best New Zealand has to offer in a little over 600 driving kilometres and a cross-country flight. But it’s worth it. Start in Auckland and drive 200 mostly freeway kilometres to the Waitomo Caves. Stop here to meet New Zealand’s weirdest residents – well, after the hobbits – the glow worm. Thousands of these bright little guys live in these ancient caves. And this is the only place on earth you can see them. From here it’s 140km on to bubbling Rotorua, then a quick, cross-country flight to the mountainous wonderland of Queenstown. Again, stock-up for a long haul, point your bonnet north and aim for Milford Sound, 250km away. Rudyard Kipling once described this monstrous fjord as the ‘eighth wonder of the world, and you can see why. The water’s mirrored surface reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains with hyper clarity. It’s truly staggering.
Glacier hopping: Start in Christchurch and head south to Queenstown, where you’ll happily lose a day exploring the delightfully twisted roads climbing and descending the regions massive peaks. Exhaust yourself, recover, and then hug the west coast to Milford Sound. This stunning fjord is hugged on all sides by towering cliffs which climb more than 1.3 kilometres toward the sky. The waters here are filled with marine life, while the forest roads surrounding the fjord offer some of the most challenging, exciting and uncrowded roads in the world. Enjoy.
Are you still sceptical about the driving pleasures NZ holds? Follow a true kiwi sceptic, Martin, as Air New Zealand challenges his views on NZ. He said he wouldn’t cross the ditch in a million years preferring a trip to Las Vegas. Check out the trailer for a sneak peak and tune in next week to www.ninemsn.com.au/kiwiscepticsto find out if Martin converts from an Aussie Aussie to a Kiwi Bru.
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Now, though, tell us your favourite driving roads, either here or abroad.