New Zealand is the dream destination of a road trip lover who dreams of boundless mountainous landscape, glossy lakes, and twisting coastal highways. The scenic nature of this island country makes it among the most ideal countries in the world to be driven around. You can be driving across tropical rainforests, along blue fjords, or over snow-white mountain tops and each road will be a postcard-perfect experience. It is essential to include these top 10 scenic drives in your next list of activities when planning your next adventure with the New Zealand travel packages.

1. Milford Road (Te Anau to Milford Sound)

It is arguably the most iconic of New Zealand drives and the Te Anau to Milford Sound drive is an amazing 120-kilometer stretch through the Fiordland National Park. You will cross reflective lakes, falls of water falling down the granite cliffs, and snow-laden mountains. Don't pass places such as the Mirror lakes and the Eglinton valley without taking some picture-taking opportunities that are sure to drop your jaws. The scenery is truly stunning as the place you are going to - Milford Sound, which has been labeled as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

2. The Great Alpine Highway (Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass)

This is a road that cuts across the Southern Alps and the mountain driving experience is memorable. You will experience dramatic gorges, rocky peaks and hospitable keas (alpine parrots of New Zealand) in Canterbury rolling plains all the way to Arthur Pass National Park. The slow rise of the road enables everyone to travel on it, and the landscape becomes more amazing with each kilometer.

3. Queenstown to Glenorchy

It is a short drive of only 45 minutes but so breathtaking. It is a road that follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu, and the mountain range of the Remarkables is in the background. Numerous visitors visiting the region know this road by the name of Lord of the Rings movies, and it is not difficult to understand why: it seems to be the way of driving in Middle-earth. This is one of the attractions to any visitor to New Zealand travel packages that cover the South Island.

4. Thermal Explorer Highway (Auckland to Napier)

It is a journey to the geothermal centre of New Zealand on a North Island circuit. You will begin in Auckland and go all the way through Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo and then to the lovely Art Deco city of Napier. On the route, visit geysers that are boiling, colored hot springs, and volcano craters. Rotorua especially, has intriguing Maori culture and spa thermal, which are relaxing- an ideal pit stop.

5. West Coast Drive (Greymouth to Haast)

The wild West Coast is rough, isolated, and a breathtakingly beautiful place. This 280km trip through the State Highway 6 features the wilder side of New Zealand green rainforests, black-sand beaches, and crashing coastal cliffs. Pay a visit to the pancake Rocks at punakaiki and see waves falling through blowholes. It is the type of road trip, which seems to be a real escape into the wild beauty of nature.

6. Napier to Gisborne (Pacific Coast Highway)

Ocean views, vineyards and sunshine--this is a drive of joy. A trip that will take you through Napier, through Gisborne, and along the Pacific Coast Highway makes you absorb ineternal sea views, golden beaches and rolling farmlands. It will be a good opportunity to visit the boutique vineyards and enjoy world class New Zealand wines. This route is both slow and easy and reflects the carefree beach atmosphere of the North Island.

7. Queenstown to Mount Cook Village

This pathway is one of the most breathtaking alpine sceneries on the South Island. Cruise on the electric-blue waters of Lake Pukaki, with the Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in the country, on the horizon. The last road to Mount Cook Village is cinema-like and you would have to stop frequently to take photographs. To the tourist who is touring New Zealand under the New Zealand vacation deals, the path will give some grandeur to any adventure.

8. Coromandel Peninsula Loop

The Coromandel drive, popular among the locals, is a combination of beautiful beaches, lush forest and the quaint seaside towns. Beginning at Thames, go up to Coromandel Town, and round via Whitianga and on to Hot Water Beach. The picturesque sea highway runs along the coast and it provides breathtaking ocean scenery. There is Hot Water Beach where you can stop and dig your own natural spa or hike to the popular Cathedral Cove.

9. The Forgotten World Highway (Taumarunui to Stratford)

This is one of the adventurers. The Forgotten World Highway passes through some of the seldom used valleys and old towns of New Zealand, giving us a glimpse of the rough past of the country. The best things to see are the Tangarakau Gorge and Whangamomona- the weirdest republic where you can even stamp your passport. The road is narrow and part unsealed but the feeling of finding something makes the effort worthwhile.

10. Dunedin to Invercargill via The Catlins

To tourists who are in need of a relaxing, naturalistic outing, the Southern Scenic Route of The Catlins cannot be ignored. You will find wind swept beaches, waterfalls, and even penguins at the Nugget Point. The drive is off the road and one which is wonderful when one wants nature as well as privacy. The pure beauty of this area is the heartbeat of New Zealand.

Tips for an Unforgettable Road Trip

• Choose your road: New Zealand roads are misleading in their lengths, with an abundance of scenic detentions.

• Take your time: Do not hurry--do not think about your goal only--take the voyage.

• Be adaptable: The weather changes fast particularly in the alps.

• Support local: Have local cafe, farm stay and family-style accommodation along the route.

Ready to Hit the Road?

New Zealand's scenic drives, which go from mountain passes to coastal highways, are full of chances to explore, relax, and be amazed. Every route has its own story to tell, full of adventure, nature, and connection. The open roads of New Zealand are calling, whether you've been there before or are going for the first time.

If you're ready to plan your dream vacation, check out these carefully chosen New Zealand holiday itineraries that are made for every type of traveller. Get your bags ready, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure. The best way to see New Zealand is to take one scenic drive at a time.