Darren YeohHave you always dreamed of going on an epic road trip? The kind where you set your own pace, chase breathtaking views, stop wherever curiosity pulls you, and spend your days surrounded by new landscapes? If the only thing stopping you is not knowing where or how to start, you’re not alone.
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Two destinations usually top the list for the ultimate self-drive adventure: Australia and New Zealand. They’re close neighbours, but the experiences they offer couldn’t be more different. Australia is big, bold and wildly diverse. Think sun-drenched coastlines, dramatic outback roads, and gourmet regions perfect for long, lingering lunches. New Zealand, on the other hand, feels like nature’s greatest hits album, offering alpine mountains, glacier lakes, geothermal wonders, and incredibly scenic drives that rarely last more than a couple of hours.
Both destinations are bucket-list worthy. But the real question is: Which one feels more like you?
Let’s go on a journey together to explore the best of both countries, matching their vibes to your travel personality!
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Discover the freedom of exploring Australia and New Zealand at your own pace with a Hertz rental car. From sweeping coastlines to alpine passes, you can follow your own route, stop where you like, and make every drive truly memorable. Hertz makes it easy to start your journey, with pick-up locations across major cities, airports, and even smaller towns near iconic scenic routes. Wherever you begin, getting on the road is simple and stress-free. Check out our latest offers and save on your next Hertz rental. Plus, sign up for free as a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member and gain access to member-only promotions. |
Australia: The joy of wide-open roads and endless variety
There’s a unique thrill that comes from driving through Australia, and it hits you the moment the landscape opens up around you.
The skies feel bigger. The roads stretch longer. And the scenery transforms dramatically as you move from coast to desert to rainforest. Whether you’re hugging the shoreline or slicing through the heart of the continent, Australia gives you that classic road trip feeling that is spacious, sunlit, and alive with possibility.
Famous road trip routes in Australia
The Great Ocean Road: Australia’s coastal masterpiece
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No conversation about Australian road trips is complete without the Great Ocean Road. This legendary coastal drive feels like it was designed for travellers who love stopping often, wandering off-trail and chasing viewpoints. The journey begins with surf beaches and seaside towns where the air is laced with salt and sunscreen.
As you go deeper, you’ll reach cliffside lookouts that tower above roaring waves, forests filled with eucalyptus and native birds, and finally, the dramatic limestone formations of the Twelve Apostles. It’s one of those drives where every kilometre feels like a highlight, and every stop adds another unforgettable moment to the story.
The Pacific Coast Way: Where tropics meet the sea
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Further north, Queensland’s Pacific Coast Way delivers a completely different kind of magic. The road from Cairns to Townsville and beyond blends palm-fringed beaches, reef-rich waters and stretches of highway bordered by green mountains.
The Cairns to Port Douglas portion is particularly breathtaking. Sweeping ocean views appear around every bend, and the highway rides so close to the water that you can almost taste the sea spray. From rainforest boardwalks to calm coastal bays where you can dip your toes after a long drive, this is the perfect route for travellers who want equal parts relaxation and adventure.
The Legendary Outback Routes: Red earth and endless horizons
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If you’ve ever dreamed of driving into the wild heart of Australia, the Outback routes are where that dream becomes real. The Red Centre Way, which loops through Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru, is perhaps the most iconic. The deep ochre soil, the long straight roads and the stillness of the land create a feeling that’s surprisingly peaceful. Sunrise and sunset paint the landscape in shades of crimson and violet, and the sky at night is so clear you’ll see stars you never knew existed.
For those hungry for even bigger horizons, the Stuart Highway and the Savannah Way offer long, meditative journeys where you can feel the true scale of the continent. These are routes that reward patience and curiosity, perfect for travellers seeking introspection, nature and the freedom of wide-open spaces.
The Grand East Coast Drive: Australia’s greatest hit playlist
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For travellers wanting a road trip that blends national parks, beaches, wildlife encounters, cities and small seaside towns, nothing beats the Grand East Coast Drive from Sydney to Brisbane.
The scenery shifts constantly, from clifftop lookouts to surf towns to lush hinterland pockets. There’s always somewhere to stop, stretch your legs, grab a bite or explore a short walking trail. It’s family-friendly, scenic and incredibly easy to customise depending on what kind of adventure you want.
New Zealand: A Compact wonderland of cinematic scenery
If Australia is about vastness, New Zealand is about intensity. The landscapes may be closer together, but each one arrives with stunning impact. Road-tripping here feels like flipping through scenes from a fantasy film. Picture shimmering lakes, icy mountain ranges, rolling green hills and valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Because distances are short, you see more in less time, making each drive feel purposeful, scenic and incredibly rewarding.
Famous road trip routes in New Zealand
Queenstown to Glenorchy: A short drive with endless drama
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The 45-minute drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is so spectacular that travellers often repeat it more than once. It winds along Lake Wakatipu, where the water shifts between sapphire, turquoise and deep navy depending on the light.
Mountains rise sharply on both sides, creating a dramatic frame that makes even the quiet moments feel cinematic. With every turn, a new stretch of shoreline, a new shadow on the peaks or a new sunlit angle of the lake reveals itself. It’s a short route, but it delivers the kind of beauty that stays with you for years.
Milford Road: The crown jewel of South Island drives
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The road to Milford Sound is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and it earns that reputation effortlessly. Starting from Te Anau, the landscape evolves from wide grassy plains to towering granite mountains draped in mist.
Waterfalls spill down cliff faces, mirror-like lakes sit still beneath jagged peaks, and forests filled with moss and ferns create a lush, ancient atmosphere. The Homer Tunnel adds a sense of anticipation as you emerge into a valley surrounded by sheer rock walls and drifting clouds. The drive isn’t just a lead-up to Milford Sound; it’s an integral part of the experience.
The Southern Alps Loop: Glaciers, lakes and snow-capped drama
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Travel through the Mackenzie region, and you’ll understand why the Southern Alps are such a favourite among road-trippers. The route between Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park feels like a dream scape painted in blues and whites.
The road to Mt Cook Village, in particular, is unforgettable, punctuated by long, quiet drives and framed by the shimmering turquoise of Lake Pukaki, with New Zealand’s tallest peak glowing in the distance. It’s a drive that feels serene and powerful at the same time.
Rotorua to Taupo: Geothermal wonders beneath your wheels
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On the North Island, the drive between Rotorua and Taupo is an entirely different kind of adventure. Steam rises from hidden vents along the roadside. Hills rumble softly with geothermal activity. And valleys open into vibrant landscapes shaped by volcanic forces. Despite this dramatic setting, the roads are smooth and accessible, making it perfect for families, slow travellers and anyone who enjoys unusual natural wonders without heading too far off track.
The Pacific Coast Highway: Beaches, cliffs and ocean breezes
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Finally, the North Island’s Pacific Coast Highway offers a sun-kissed coastal adventure filled with golden beaches, forested headlands and charming seaside towns. Whether you’re watching waves roll into the Bay of Plenty, exploring remote coves, or soaking in ocean views on winding cliff roads, this route delivers a calm, uplifting journey that’s easy to tailor to any travel style.
Australia or New Zealand: Which one matches your travel personality?
Choosing between these destinations doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re someone who loves vastness, sunshine, long coastal drives and big iconic sights, Australia will speak your language instantly. It’s adventurous, diverse, energetic and perfect for travellers who want every day to feel different.
If you prefer shorter routes, dramatic scenery, cosy towns and a more intimate style of adventure, New Zealand is ready to be your soulmate. It’s gentle, breathtaking and perfect for travellers who want every moment on the road to feel like a scenic highlight.
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Both countries also shine when it comes to different travel styles. Families will find endless ways to create unforgettable memories, whether it’s meeting kangaroos at wildlife parks in Australia or exploring Hobbiton and glowworm caves in New Zealand. Luxury seekers are equally spoiled: Australia tempts travellers with high-end coastal retreats along the Whitsundays or private desert stays overlooking Uluru, while New Zealand offers stunning lakeside lodges in Queenstown, boutique stays surrounded by mountains and helicopter-accessible wilderness hideaways.
The truth? Both are extraordinary, just in different ways. Your perfect match depends on the travel mood you’re chasing. Are you craving something bold, expansive and full of contrast? Or would you prefer something intimate, poetic and deeply scenic? Whichever way your heart leans, you’re guaranteed a road trip you’ll be thinking about long after the journey ends.
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Make your road trip seamless with Hertz
Whether you choose Australia’s sunlit coastlines or New Zealand’s alpine panoramas, your adventure should begin smoothly from the very first moment. Hertz makes road-tripping easy with convenient pick-up locations across both countries, whether you’re landing in major cities, coastal hubs or gateway regions.
If you’re travelling solo or with a partner, compact models, including today’s increasingly popular EVs, give you easy manoeuvrability through winding scenic routes. Families will appreciate the comfort and space of SUVs, especially for long days on the road.
Wherever you’re headed: coastal, alpine, tropical or geothermal, Hertz helps you step confidently into the driver’s seat, so your adventure unfolds exactly the way you imagine it.
Because every unforgettable road trip begins with the right car, an open road and the freedom to create your own unforgettable story.
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Ready to find the perfect road trip adventure that speaks to you? Check out our latest offers and save on your next Hertz rental. Plus, sign up for free as a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member and gain access to member-only promotions. |
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