Hitting the road delivers those unexpected moments that makes travel so exhilarating, especially when you’re driving through destinations as incredible as these. Let’s go!

New Zealand road trip (South Island)

It may look small on a map next to Australia, but distances can take longer to cover than you think in New Zealand, especially with the distraction of rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and beautiful lakes. If time is limited, we recommend sticking to the South Island (you can do the other one next time).

Fly into Christchurch to begin your journey, letting the patchwork farmland and rolling plains as you leave the city ease any tension from your shoulders. In about three hours, you’ll reach Lake Tekapo / Takapō, its milky-turquoise waters formed by glacier-ground rock.

Visit the stone Church of the Good Shepherd to take a postcard-perfect shot of the lake and Southern Alps through the altar window. And be sure to stay the night – the area is a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it a dream for stargazing and, if you’re travelling between April and September, one of the best places in NZ to take in the Southern Lights.

Make your way to Mount Cook National Park the next morning (a 1.5-hour drive) and stretch your legs on the Hooker Valley Track for incredible views over icy peaks and rugged rockscapes. The tramp crosses three swing bridges over rushing rivers and takes about three hours. (Kiwis call hiking tramping, in case you were wondering.)

In the afternoon, drive three hours to the lakeside town of Wanaka (the lone tree growing in Lake Wanaka is another great photo op), before driving one more hour on to Queenstown. This happening ski town is pumping no matter what time of year – it’s a haven for skiers and snowboarders in winter and adrenaline junkies in summer. Think bungee jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, and ziplining.

When you’ve had your fill of adventure, head deep into Fiordland National Park (make time for a boat trip to the extraordinary Te Anau Glowworm Caves) to reach Milford Sound, known as New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attraction – no wonder scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed here.

Take the four-hour scenic drive back to Queenstown the next day, where you can fly home or linger a little longer to enjoy more of what this fun town has to offer.

Argentina road trip (Ruta 40)

The rolling vineyards of Mendoza, with the Andes rising majestically in the distance, is the perfect place to set off on an Argentinian road trip. The Mendoza region produces the world’s best Malbecs, so take a vineyard tour and find a favourite to take home as a memento of your journey to come. It’s also the place to go on a wine-bike or horse-riding tour or have some ziplining or paragliding fun before relaxing in the hot springs at Cacheuta.

From Mendoza, journey south along Ruta 40 for 400km to La Payunia Nature Reserve, where more than 800 volcanoes rise from the desert landscape in black, gold and copper (a short hike will take you to the crater of Morado Volcano). Continue further south for more volcano action at sleepy San Martín de los Andes on the shores of Lake Lácar, where kayaking, mountain biking and hiking adventures abound. If you want to sound like a local, call it SanMar.

From here, take the 107km 7 Lakes Road route to Villa La Angostura, a picturesque upmarket resort town in the Argentinian Lake District. You’ll never guess how many lakes you’ll see on 7 Lakes Road, known as the most beautiful drive in Argentina. Stretch your legs on a 12km hike from Villa La Angostura to Arrayanes Forest – it’s said to have inspired Disney’s Bambi.

An hour further south will take you to the picturesque town of Bariloche, nestled in the foothills of the Andes. Bariloche’s Swiss-inspired architecture, deep blue lakes and outdoor activities are reason enough to visit, but the many chocolate shops are definitely a bonus.

If you’re ready to go deeper into Patagonia, get back on Ruta 40 to El Calafate. You’ll gaze at glaciers, marvel at mountains and rejoice at the untamed wilderness throughout the 1400km journey. It isn’t known as the End of the Earth for nothing, but the views will reward you every step of the way.

Norway road trip (southwest coast)

Norway’s light traffic and well-maintained roads make driving here pretty easy. From the capital, Oslo, drive to Bergen, a city surrounded by seven mountains and the stunning Sognefjord. Depending on how many times you stop to take photos, it should take you less than eight hours to get there. The UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf and the Fløibanen funicular are both must-see attractions.

From Bergen , a 300km drive north to Ålesund will reveal the rugged beauty of Norway’s west coast. Atlantic Road zigzags above the ocean, offering panoramic views of the sea and the wild, rocky coastline. Ålesund looks like it belongs in a fairy tale so take some time to enjoy it. Explore the colourful streets and visit the Jugendstilsenteret Museum dedicated to Art Nouveau design. Hike up to Aksla Hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands (it will take you less than an hour).

You’ll have worked up an appetite, so head for the waterfront eateries (Sjøbua’s fish soup is a local favourite). When you’re ready (it will be hard to leave), drive east for 100km to the UNESCO-listed, picturesque village of Geirangerfjord, known as the jewel in the crown of the Norwegian fjords. The winding roads and hairpin turns of the Eagle Road provide spectacular views of the fjord framed by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Drive north for 300km to Trondheim, which has a rich mediaeval history and is home to the ornate, Gothic-style Nidaros Cathedral, known as Norway’s national shrine. Trondheim is also known for its wooden wharves and colourful houses lining the Nidelva River… and its food! Fish and shellfish play a starring role in Norway’s foodie capital, where you can eat everywhere from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual spots where you’ll mingle with locals grabbing a bite.

The drive back to Oslo will take the best part of six hours, but you’d be forgiven for extending your trip … for more of those amazing views, and just to see where the road takes you.

USA road trip (Wyoming and Montana)

A road trip through Wyoming and Montana is an opportunity to explore some of the country’s most iconic national parks. Start in Jackson, Wyoming, gateway to Grand Teton National Park. The 16km drive north into the park reveals the majestic Teton Range, its jagged peaks rising sharply above the Snake River.

Unbelievably, Yellowstone National Park is only a 50km drive north of Grand Teton. The US is known for its wonderfully driveable national parks, but there’s a reason Yellowstone was the very first one. The vast park is a geothermal wonderland that will take your breath away – don’t miss the Old Faithful geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring (the largest hot spring in the US and known for its vivid rainbow colours) or Yellowstone Canyon, and keep an eye out for bison, elk, and black and grizzly bears. Mammoth Hot Springs, a series of cascading terraces made of travertine, are well worth visiting and be sure to take a dip in the warm waters of the Boiling River.

From Yellowstone, drive northeast to Montana, where you can explore the scenic Beartooth Highway. This picturesque 110km route delivers expansive views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and alpine meadows.

The journey continues north to Glacier National Park where you’ll encounter glaciers, turquoise lakes and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, an 80km drive winding through the park’s striking landscapes. This is one iconic road trip everyone really must do in their lifetime.

Travel Insurance

We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies aim to do the heavy lifting and may assist with travel insurance cover to help keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.