New Zealand's top 10 road trips

FROM the Forgotten World Highway to a remarkable trip through Middle Earth, here are 10 incredible road trips in New Zealand you really shouldn't miss.

A road near Queestown. Picture: Jussarian, Flickr

THE beauties of New Zealand's open spaces are well-documented and so are the road trips to get you from landmark to landmark. But if it's an alternative route you are looking for then give these different dream trips a chance.

Digitally tripping through Middle Earth

More of a dream trip than any other on this list, a journey through Middle Earth can start and end with your computer. As part of the launch of The Hobbit movie, Google Maps and Warner Brothers have teamed up to create an interactive map of some of JRR Tolkien's key regions. Explore the picturesque Elvin outpost Rivendell before making the journey to Lonely Mountain. Feel free to head back to The Shire if retracing the steps of the original company isn't your cup of tea.

Wellington to Kaitoke National Park

For your chance to visit a real part of Middle Earth, look no further than Kaitoke Regional Park. A scant 50 minute drive from downtown Wellington, or an hour and a half via scenic Pukerua Bay, Kaitoke Regional Park is the shooting location for Tolkien's Rivendell, seat of the Half-Elves.

Queenstown to Glenorchy

This may very well be the most beautiful scenic drive in New Zealand, or at least that is the constant refrain you hear about the Queenstown to Glenorchy drive. If you can tear yourself away from bustling Queenstown then the drive will be well worth the effort. Rolling hills, distant snow-capped ranges and blue waters reflecting pristine surrounds make the trip around Lake Wakatipu truly incredible.

Glenoarchy. Picture: Akos Kokai, Flickr

Picton to Christchurch via Marlborough Wine Country

One thing this drive has in common with other scenic drives in NZ? Incredible, otherworldly surrounds. One thing it doesn't? A trip through the best sauvignon blanc wine growing region in the world. Take a bottle for your designated driver to enjoy after the trip and resign yourself to stopping in at a winery or two.

Forgotten World Highway

Aptly titled, the Forgotten World Highway is a throwback to another time. Featuring a meandering, uppsy-downsy style of route that hugs a rugged countryside, this one is best taken in at sunset. Plus, it's short enough to get in before full dark!

Forgotten World Highway. Picture: Robinvanmourisk, Flickr

The Lindis Pass

A fairly well known road trip, the Lindis Pass is a long, winding road connecting the towns of Cromwell and Omarama via the Lindis and Ahuriri river valleys. This trip, however, is best visited during the winter months where colossal, snow-covered mountains grow out of an otherworldly landscape into the sky.

The Thermal Explorer Highway

From a starting point in Auckland, the Thermal Explorer Highway is the best way to take in the magnificent environmental forces behind some of New Zealand's most astounding sites. Make your way through the Waikato region to the geothermal activity centre of Rotorua then onto Lake Taupo. And just because it's an alternate route doesn't mean you cant take in some of the classic attractions. Highlights include Huka Falls, New Zealand's most visited natural attraction.

Haast Pass Drive

Is it Switzerland or maybe Austria? Nup, it's the incredible and pristine beauty of the Haast drive through to glacier country.

Hawke's Bay area

Though the area was put on the map by the longest place name in the world - Taumata whaka tangi hanga koauau o tamatea turi pukakapi ki maunga horo nuku poka I whenua kitana tahu (referred to as Taumata by the locals) there's plenty to see and do in the Hawke's Bay region. Take in an amazing food and wine tour, views of the surf-washed beaches or hang around for the view from Cape Kidnappers at sunset.

Hawke's Bay. Picture: Itravelnz, Flickr

New Zealand's French settlement - Akaroa

An hour and a half's drive from Christchurch lies the quaint township of Akaroa. Set on a working harbour, Akaroa is New Zealand's first and only French settlement. The drive around town won't take long but the French-style architecture and street names make for a novel experience.

It's snow good. Picture: Kiwi Discovery, Flickr