Let’s drive: 10 best winter road trips in Australia and New Zealand

Want to explore a winter wonderland? Or do you prefer to chase the sun? There’s something for everyone in this list of epic winter driving holiday trips in Australia and New Zealand. 

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Who said road trips are just for summer? The colder weather can make for a perfect winter driving holiday!

Picture this: snow-dusted peaks, moody skies, and wide-open roads with no traffic jams in sight. Out-of-season driving holidays have so many perks, like fewer crowds, more savings, and a side of serenity.  

Prefer chasing the winter sun rather than braving the chill? No worries, there are plenty of sunny winter getaway options in our part of the world.  

So, if the road’s calling your name, read our travel guide for some of the best winter road trips in Australia and New Zealand. 

Skip ahead to read:

• 5 epic winter road trip routes for cold weather lovers
• 5 winter getaways for catching some rays
• Top tips for driving safely in winter

5 epic winter road trip routes for cold weather lovers 

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1. The Blue Mountains (New South Wales, Australia)

Stunning scenery, cosy mountain hospitality and top-notch places to eat – there's a lot of love about the misty Blue Mountains region west of Sydney. The area is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and is dotted with small towns and villages to explore.

Lovely Leura is a great place to stop for morning tea and shopping at one-off shops. Katoomba is famous for its lookouts, hiking trails, the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Skyway (a spectacular cable car ride with views of Katoomba Falls), The Three Sisters, and the Jamieson Valley.  

The Blue Mountains is truly alive in winter – not just in summer. If you’re a lover of Christmas in July, get your holly jollies at the annual Yule Festival in June, July and August. Local venues host fun events like Christmas carols and special dinners. Plus, if you’re lucky, it might even snow.  

Distance: 400km / 6.5 hours driving from Sydney (round trip)

Road trip length: 1-2 days

Must-stop spots:

• Leura
• Katoomba
• Blackheath
• Hartley
• Wentworth Falls
• Bilpin.

2. Great Ocean Road (Victoria, Australia)

Victoria’s scenic coastline is the star of this iconic winter road trip in Australia. You’ll start in Torquay, 100km southwest of Melbourne. The winding coastal road takes in dramatic cliffs beneath brooding skies. This winter getaway will take you through a string of quiet surfing towns, like Lorne, Anglesea and Apollo Bay (where locals have no problem grabbing a surfboard to take in the icy waves!).  

It’s worth stopping at Great Otway National Park, too! It’s home to a rainforest that comes alive at dusk with the gentle radiance of glow worms – you can find them in Melba Gully with a torch in hand.  

From May to September, Warrnambool is a top spot for whale watching as they make their annual migration from Antarctica. And don’t forget to stop at The Twelve Apostles for a selfie for winter getaway memories (but come ready for wind chill).  

Distance: 665 km / 9 hours driving from Melbourne (round trip)

Road trip length: 2-3 days

Must-stop spots:

• Torquay
• Anglesea
• Lorne
• Apollo Bay
• Port Campbell
• Warrnambool
• Port Fairy.

3. Queenstown to Hobart via Cradle Mountain (Tasmania, Australia)

This winter road trip route’s got it all: jaw-dropping landscapes, sparkling coastlines, and drool-worthy local goodies. No wonder it’s the ultimate winter escape!  

Kick things off in Queenstown, then hit the road west to Strahan. This lovely harbourside gem on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is brimming with history.

From here, drive two hours north to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Pull on your hiking boots to walk the scenic six-kilometre circuit of Dove Lake – it’s one of the state’s best! After that fresh-air fix, drive on south to Hobart with a few stops on the way. Drop by cute country towns like Sheffield and Elizabeth Town, and try the local berries at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe.  

This route’s a top-notch way to swap the city buzz for endless starry skies. And, if you’re lucky, you might even catch the Aurora Australis glowing over Tasmania’s horizon.  

Distance: 553 km / 8.75 hours driving from Queenstown to Hobart (one way)

Road trip length: 2-3 days

Must-stop spots:

• Strahan
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
• Sheffield
• Elizabeth Town
• Hobart

4. Rotorua (Bay of Plenty, New Zealand)

New Zealand’s north island is a geothermal wonder, and the ultimate hot spot for a cosy winter road trip. Picture yourself surrounded by bubbling mud pools, geysers, and natural hot springs ready for a long, warm soak.  

Start your trip by heading east from Auckland to the Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. Armed with a bucket and spade, you can dig their own bath on the beach. (It’s fed by an underground hot spring!) Hot tip: know when the tide is in the right sport and arrive early (or be ready to jostle for a good spot!). 

Next, cruise southwest – you won’t need to battle for a bathing spot in Rotorua. With its endless spas and thermal pools, you’ll be spoilt for choice. While you’re there, lean into some Māori culture via local spa treatments that use indigenous herbs and muds. To see nature come to life, visit Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia. It’s the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and erupts 20 times a day. Or, strap on a helmet and ride the Te Ara Ahi Thermal Bike Trail to see four geothermal hot spots.  

Distance: 737 km / 10 hours driving from Auckland (round trip)

Road trip length: 2-3 days

Must-stop spots:

• Auckland
• Hot Water Beach
• Rotorua.

5. Dunedin (Otago, New Zealand)

The Otago region is tucked away at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a rural wonderland of mountains, beautiful lakes and wide rivers. Once known for its gold-rush, this area is now famous for top-notch cool-climate wines and local produce. You can indulge in style here, thanks to the region’s luxury lodges, high-end restaurants and sleek hotels. Start with a city break in Dunedin, and explore New Zealand’s two castles while you’re there. Then breathe in the crisp alpine air on a winter road trip through the spectacular Waitaki Valley. You’ll discover quirky steampunk museums, curious penguins, and a giant merino sheep in Omarama.  

Head through Otago’s romantic wine region. Stop for tastings at cellar doors, feast at fabulous restaurants, and savour every sip and bite on your way to Queenstown. This southern drive is free of light pollution, so you just might spot the Southern Lights on a clear winter night. This is a great drive to tack onto a Queenstown ski holiday.  

Distance: 680 km / 8.5 hours driving from Dunedin (round trip)

Road trip length: 4 days

Must-stop spots:

• Dunedin
• Oamaru
• Omarama
• Queenstown

5 winter getaways for catching some rays 

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1. Great Tropical Drive (Queensland, Australia)

If you don’t love cold weather, why not head north and escape to Tropical North Queensland? This driving holiday route follows the Great Barrier Reef, from Cairns to Airlie Beach. In Cairns, check out local breweries and gin distilleries, and unique Aboriginal art galleries. You could also head out to the reef on a snorkelling or scuba-diving day trip. Then head south, driving through a bunch of lovely coastal towns.  

Thinking of trying some adventure activities while you’re up north? Check out our Adventure Activities Cover. We cover 80 activities with our base plans – go see if your faves are on the list! We’ve also got two popular optional extra levels of Adventure Activities Cover – these give you cover for even more activities.  

While you’re driving, keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries in the rainforests off Mission Beach (but don’t get too close – they can be very violent!). Then head south to explore Mount Fox – a dormant volcano.  

In Townsville, visit turtles at Reef HQ Aquarium’s Turtle Hospital or get a boat to Magnetic Island to see a colony of dozing koalas. Then head south to the aquamarine waters of Airlie Beach. This is the entrance to the Whitsunday Islands National Park – a perfect sailing destination.  

Distance: 650 km / 8 hours driving from Cairns to Airlie Beach (one way)

Suggested road trip length: 3-4 days

Must-stop spots:

• Cairns
• Innisfail
• Mission Beach
• Tully
• Ingham
• Townsville
• Airlie Beach.

2. Adelaide to Alice Springs (South Australia and Northern Territory, Australia)

The Australian outback is super hot in the summer. But, it makes for a great winter driving holiday from May to September when the sun is less intense.  

Here’s a tip: hire a campervan to travel up through South Australia and into the country's Red Centre.  

It’s hard to get lost on this road trip route. Just start your engine, head north, and drive along the Stuart Highway. Make sure you’re carrying plenty of spare petrol and water. Plus, it’s smart to pack travel insurance if you’re heading on a remote winter road trip like this one.  

Don’t forget to check out the Clare Valley wine region. Then, head north to the spectacular Flinders Ranges. From here, it’s all about the open road – vast stretches of epic red desert sprinkled with underground towns and classic Aussie outback pubs. Turn off the main road to make the unforgettable journey to Uluru – sacred to First Nations Australians – before arriving at Alice Springs.

Distance: 2,237 km / 23 hours driving from Adelaide to Alice Springs (one way)

Road trip length: 4-5 days

Must-stop spots:

• Adelaide
• Clare Valley
• Flinders Ranges
• Coober Pedy
• Kulgera
• Uluru and Kata Tjuta
• Alice Springs

3. The Grand Pacific Drive (New South Wales, Australia)

Starting just outside Sydney’s CBD, the Grand Pacific Drive is a stunning 140 km coastal drive set against the glittering South Pacific Ocean. This road trip leads south through rainforests and chic coastal towns before looping inland and returning to Sydney via the Southern Highlands.

After crossing the Sea Cliff Bridge, you can stop in to admire Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist shrine in the Southern Hemisphere, then carry on to Minnamurra Rainforest outside Shellharbour. Don’t forget to stop in at Kiama Blowhole for a refreshing spray, then put your legs up at Jervis Bay, where you can watch migrating whales (May through November) and visit winery cellar doors to taste some of the best drops in New South Wales. Then, head inland, back to Sydney, via historic Bowral with its boutique shops, restaurants and cafes.  

Distance: 472km / 8 hours driving from Sydney (round trip)

Road trip length: 2-3 days

Must-stop spots:

• Sydney
• Royal National Park
• Wollongong
• Shellharbour
• Kiama
• Jervis Bay
• Shoalhaven
• Bowral.

4. Pacific Coast Highway (North Island, New Zealand)

Did you know the top of New Zealand’s North Island is sometimes called ‘winterless north’, thanks to its milder temperatures? It makes for a great winter driving holiday if you like warmer weather.

You can start this winter road trip in New Zealand with a ferry to Waiheke Island. This spot is a popular New Zealand wine region and weekend pitstop for Aucklanders and travelling foodies. Plus, the local ferry takes foot passengers and cars.  

Back on the mainland, drive through the coast to visits some of the North Island’s most beautiful landscapes. These include the world-famous Cathedral Cove in Coromandel, the wilderness of Whale Island, and the many wineries of the Hawke’s Bay wine region.  

In Napier, you’ll find one of the world’s best collections of Art Deco architecture, and nearby Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui is home to the world’s largest gannet (bird) colony. 

Distance: 1,030km / 15 hours driving from Auckland to Napier (one way)

Road trip length: 7 days

Must-stop spots:

• Auckland
• Coromandel
• Tauranga
• Whakatane
• Te Araroa
• Gisborne
• Wairoa
• Napier.

5. Christchurch to Nelson via Marlborough Wine Region (South Island, New Zealand)

Start in Christchurch, and drive north to Kaikoura – a coastal town where you might spot whales, fur seals and dolphins in the nearby water.    

Then head to Marlborough, with your appetite in tow – you'll find King salmon, mussels, and clams plucked fresh straight out of local waters daily. Good news for wine lovers - Marlborough is also one of New Zealand's best wine regions. Plus, local markets sell artisanal produce ranging from saffron to honey, and olives to chocolates. It’s a great spot to stock up on treats!

Finish up in Nelson, which is brimming with creative energy. Explore its art galleries and hidden studios where, you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewellery to pottery, glasswork and Lord of the Rings paraphernalia.  

Distance: 436km / 6 hours driving from Christchurch to Nelson (one way)

Road trip length: 2-3 days

Must-stop spots:

• Christchurch
• Kaikoura
• Marlborough
• Nelson

Tips for driving safely in winter

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Winter can be a stunning time to take a road trip – think misty mountains, fresh snowfall and cleansing rains. But the colder weather can make driving a bit more dangerous too. That’s why it’s important to follow a few key safety tips on your winter driving holiday.  

Check your car before you hit the road

If you’re driving your own car, check its safety features, tyres, windscreen wipers, batteries, lights, and brakes. It’s worth having it serviced professionally too. If you’re hiring a car, ask for a vehicle that was serviced recently.

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles

Wet roads? Ice patches? Your car might need more time to stop when driving in winter conditions. So, keep a wider gap between you and the car in front of you – aim for more than four seconds. And snow chains? Learn how to pop them on, and make sure you use them if you need to!  

Always maintain visibility  

Foggy screens, actual fog, surprise curtains of rain – all things that can mess with your view during even the best of winter road trips. If things get blurry, play it safe – pull over and wait for Mother Nature to chill out. The road will still be there when it’s all clear.  

Ask locals for advice

Unfamiliar roads? Ask a local for some pointers from locals, Whether it’s a tip from your hotel host or a chat at the petrol pump, locals know what’s what when it comes to road closures, snowy patches, or tree blockages. They can help you avoid any unexpected detours.  

Look out for wildlife

Winter road trips in Australia and New Zealand can come with a side of furry friends, especially at dawn and dusk. And, shorter day in winter mean you’re more likely to cross paths with them during your driving holiday. Keep your eyes peeled for critters near or on the road and drop your speed in bushy areas. Better safe than sorry – or suddenly stuck in a kangaroo stare-off!

Thinking about driving with travel insurance in row?

Even with the best-laid driving holiday plans, you can hit a few unexpected plot twists! That’s why travel insurance is your ultimate co-pilot. Think of it as loading a little extra adventure-proofing to your car boot. It might come in handy if things take a turn, whether you’re exploring domestically in your own vehicle or driving far away from home in a rental car.  

Want cover for your winter driving holiday?

Check out our domestic and international travel insurance plans to see if they’re right for your winter getaway. 

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