Scenic Drives in the South Island
Whether you’re hunting views from clifftops or inhaling the aroma of lush forests, the South Island puts on a stunning display of photo opportunities along these scenic drives. With plenty of rest stops for a picnic or a moment of serenity, take your time to enjoy the unique scenery along the way.
Blenheim to Kaikoura - This eastern coast road is not only stunning because of the natural landscapes but also because of wildlife you’ll see along the way. Top stops along this road include the Kaikoura Seal Colony and Peninsula Walkway along with plenty of vineyards. The extraordinary sight of Lake Grassmere with catch your eye; it’s big and pink and right beside the sea. Used for solar salt production, masses of algae and tiny shrimps give the crystallisation ponds a pink hue.
Te Anau to Milford Sound – Te Anau is the closest town to Milford Sound, and the distance between the two is around 118kms which should take around 1.5 hours. Once you hit the road you will be distracted by the picturesque surroundings and may have to take in the many scenic sights and short walks along the way. The best stops include Eglington Valley & Knob's Flat, The Mirror Lakes, Pop's View Lookout & Monkey Creek, the Homer Tunnel and The Chasm.
Haast Pass - This 140-km section of State Highway 6 is a magnificent and picturesque road linking Wanaka and Haast. It extends beyond Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, through tussock-covered hills, then winds through rainforest-covered mountains finally reaching the Tasman Sea. Scenic stops along this road include the Blue Pools at Makarora, Fantail Falls, the white-water rapids at the Gates of Haast and Roaring Billy Falls. There are plenty of waterfalls along the roadside so take care and prepare to stop at anytime to see them.
The Queen Charlotte Drive – This road between Havelock and Picton is all is about incredible views of the iconic Marlborough Sounds. This winding road is bordered by native forest and offers one of the most scenic drives you're likely to see. A popular route for cyclists, be prepared to share the road and take it slow. Things to see and do along this road include copious photo opportunities, sea kayaking, visiting artists studios and soaking up views of the quiet bays and coves.
Queenstown to Glenorchy – This distance of this trip only 46km’s so makes an ideal day trip from Queenstown. The road runs alongside Lake Wakatipu and provides a stunning mountain backdrop, while the drive takes you through the forest and along cliff edges, with a spectacular view around every corner. There are numerous places to stop on the roadside to give you a better chance to take in the views. Some top spots to make the most of your trip are Little Thailand Viewpoint with amazing lake views and a 7-metre cliff jump to the lake below. Bobs Cove Lookout gives you a great view over the narrow neck of the peninsula, and on a clear day you can see the Remarkable Mountains in the distance. A true slice of Kiwi paradise is the small settlement of Glenorchy, commonly known as the start of the Routeburn Track. There is much more to see and do here – like taking the flat boardwalk to the Glenorchy Lagoon, visit Lord of the Rings film locations or visit Paradise, home to most of the LOTR locations.
Arthurs Pass - In terms of scenic drives, they really don't get as breath-taking as State Highway 73 to Arthur's Pass. Connecting Canterbury to the West Coast, this route features the Arthurs Pass Walking Track located in the Village. Highlights of this walk include views from Arthur’s Pass summit, lush, native forest, clear flowing streams and waterfalls. The Castle Hill limestone boulders are located just beside the Arthur’s Pass highway are a beautiful and interesting geological phenomenon. A bird-lovers paradise, Arthurs Pass is home to several native birds, including the kea – a curious alpine parrot. Other prominent bird species include rock wren, morepork, New Zealand falcon, the Kereru (NZ wood pigeon) and even the great spotted Kiwi.
