Top 10 New Zealand drives at Level 2
BMW NZ commissioned a survey to see where Kiwis want to go in New Zealand. Photo: Phillip Gow
Remember the ad campaign “Don’t leave home ‘til you’ve seen the country”? For Kiwis that is going to be a given for months to come as the world deals with Covid-19 and restrictions on international flights.
With that, almost four in five New Zealanders plan to hit the roads for a domestic drive holiday – according to new research commissioned by BMW Group New Zealand.
The independent study of more than 1000 people suggested the impacts of Covid-19 will continue to be felt long after lockdown has lifted – with 84 per cent of respondents saying they would avoid international travel in the short term.
That reluctance to travel abroad has led to a resurgence of local driving holidays – with almost half (40.2 per cent) of those surveyed planning a road trip to help stimulate the local economy and support struggling tourism operators.
In addition, the survey suggests that a post Covid-19 world will continue to see people shun public transport and flights, with the number of people preferring to travel in their own vehicle spiking from 68 per cent to 85 per cent year-on-year.
The survey was commissioned for the launch of the all-new BMW 3 Series Touring.
BMW Group NZ managing director, Karol Abrasowicz-Madej, is a fan of our countryside.
“New Zealand has some of the world’s most spectacular sceneries, explored best with families, by car. In the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic, BMW commissioned this study to give families that have been living in isolation something to look forward to, but also to help communities support their local and regional businesses as they take road trips in the near future. ”
Abrasowicz-Madej thought the new 3 Series Touring would be ideal for long journeys.
“The BMW 3 Series Touring, with equal parts dynamism and practicality, is perfectly suited for these top 10 New Zealand road trips. With TwinPower Turbo engines to thrill over Arthur’s Pass, to towing functionality for boats or trailers on the Coromandel Peninsula, the new BMW 3 Series Touring is the ultimate road trip machine,” he said.
According to more than 1000 New Zealanders surveyed, the top 10 drives within New Zealand ranked are:
Coromandel Peninsula
The road from Thames to the north-west of Coromandel takes in stunning scenery. Photo: Supplied
Starting from Thames, this road hugs the coastline and weaves its way through quaint west coast Coromandel settlements and stunning bays on the way to Coromandel Township. Take your time, stop at the side of the road to see the gorgeous vistas.
2. The Desert Road
The Desert Road has spectacular views, including Mt Ruapheu (above). Photo Camilla Rutherford
This road showcases North Island’s impressive volcanoes – Mounts Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. To the West lies the Kaimanawa Range, which provided the setting for The Black Gate of Mordor from The Lord of the Rings films.
3 The West Coast
Don’t forget to stop at Pancake Rocks (above) when you drive up the West Coast. Photo: Fraser Clements
This winding, narrow road tracing its way up the West Coast covers multiple stunning wonders including the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki.
4 The Thermal Explorer Highway
The array of geysers in the Thermal highway is outstanding. Photo: Julian Apse
This road traces through crystal clear lakes, the spiritual home of the Māori of Te Arawa, bubbling mud, spouting geysers and natural geothermal mineral pools.
5 Mount Cook Road
It’s time to celebrate once you arrive at at the end of the drive to see Aoraki /Mount Cook. Photo: Will Patino
The most popular drive in Canterbury, Mt Cook Road is truly picturesque and on a clear day you can see the mountainous landscape reflecting upon surrounding lakes.
6 Milford Road
It’s worth the drive to see the stunning Milford Sound. Photo: Graeme Murray
Beginning at Te Anau, this stretch of highway heads deep into the remote Fiordland National Park, eventually leading you to the stunning Milford Sound
7 Auckland to Cape Reinga
The Waitangi meeting grounds is a tourist hot spot. Photo: Northland Tourism
Auckland to Cape Reinga boasts some of New Zealand’s finest hot spots, from waterfalls, forests, stunning beaches, Waitangi and, of course, the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, this drive has it all.
8 Arthur’s Pass
Views abound on the drive through Arthur’s Pass. Photo: Tourism NZ
The Arthur’s Pass and Otira Gorge Viaduct is an early triumph of New Zealand engineering – a little southeast of Greymouth, it weaves through gorgeous ravines, filled with native kea.
9 The Pacific Coast Highway
Popular beaches such as Maraetai (above) are a haven for families. Photo: Auckland Council
The magical Pacific Coast Highway runs just on the outskirts of Auckland, parallel to the Coromandel Peninsula, encompassing picturesque bays and beaches.
10 Queen Charlotte Drive
Don’t forget to take a boat to visit Queen Charlotte Sound. Photo: Chris McLennan
Located in Marlborough, this winding road has been described as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. The drive includes hidden bays of turquoise blue fringed with native forest.
Here at AutoMuse, we’d like to add an 11th drive: a day trip to Muriwai beach and the surrounding area that is home to Parihoa farm and the AutoMuse base.