It is almost as though New Zealand roads were meant for BMW drivers. What more could you ask for than empty open roads against the breathtaking back drops of New Zealand landscapes. Here are more of our favourite routes heading down the country.
1. Masterton to Martinborough via the back road. This is best begun on Johnstone Road in Masterton. Straights on Te Whiti Road soon give way to exciting twisties on Longbush Road nearer to Martinborough. The scenery is classic Wairarapa heartland, contrasted with the boutique vineyards clustered around Martinborough. Travel time is around 40 minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous you could continue another 30 minutes and travel on to Ngawi on Palliser Bay, where you can marvel at the fishing boats drawn up on the beach by giant bulldozers and look out on the mighty Southern Ocean from the deck of the quaint tearooms.
2. Blenheim to St Arnaud. This road while mainly straight and level with a few sweeping bends is a fabulous way to experience the grandeur of the Southern Alps. You drive down Wairau River valley, seemingly drawn towards the snowcapped peaks that fill your windscreen. Typical of many great South Island roads, the surface is smooth and in good condition, so make sure to keep to the speed limit. St Arnaud is on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rototiti, which is a popular weekend getaway spot. Drive time is a little over 60 minutes. From St Arnaud you can continue to Richmond and Nelson and enjoy more sheer driving pleasure in your BMW.
3. Westport to Waipara via the Lewis Pass. Crossing the Main Divide lets you enjoy an extraordinary degree of scenic diversity. Beginning in Westport you track the mighty Buller River then after Reefton you enter alpine beech forest, where a stop at the Maruia hot pools is a must. The sinuous roads in the beech forest might have been made just for BMW driving, and the wide sweeping curves on the eastern side of the Pass allow you to stretch your car’s legs as you descend to the Canterbury Plains. Expect traffic to be light, but also expect to encounter tourists in campervans. Drive time from Westport is 3 hours. Christchurch is a little over an hour from Waipara.
4.Ranfurly to Queenstown via Alexandra and Cromwell. Central Otago is dear to many New Zealand driving enthusiasts’ hearts. A combination of superb roads, few other cars and stunning scenery makes for a perfect road trip with a wonderful destination. The excitement starts at Ranfurly in open country with the Southern Alps as your constant companion. Beyond the historic settlements at Alexandra and Cromwell you enter wine country in the Kawerau River Gorge, which in turn leads you to Queenstown or if you prefer a quieter place to stay, beautiful Arrowtown or Lake Hayes.
These are only a few of the magnificent roads for BMW drivers. So no matter where you’re off to, make sure you drive safely and stick to the posted speed limit.
As amazing as these drives are, we know that everyone has a few of their own that they would like to share. Get the BMW Ultimate Drive smartphone app to see other passionate BMW driver’s favourite routes; and you can do the same, adding details of your favourite drives, and commenting on other peoples’. You can also share pictures of your car, post on Facebook, and email directions to friends with iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches or GPS devices. Get the BMW Ultimate Drive app free from the Apple iTunes App store or the Android Play Store.
