Take a Dream Drive off the Beaten Track

If you are looking for an alternative, and beautiful, route to travel New Zealand, News.com.au recommends 10 “different dream trips … to get you from landmark to landmark.”

“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.

“Queenstown to Glenorchy … may very well be the most beautiful scenic drive in New Zealand. Rolling hills, distant snow-capped ranges and blue waters reflecting pristine surrounds make the trip around Lake Wakatipu truly incredible.

“Aptly titled, the [150km] Forgotten World Highway (pictured) 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.” The Highway can be approached from Stratford or Taumarunui.

The Lindis Pass, Haast Pass, a drive around Akaroa and the Hawke’s Bay are also mentioned.