New Zealand might seem like a small blip on the map, but in reality, it is far more expansive than it appears.

The diversity of landscapes is unparalleled to anything I’ve ever encountered and with so much to offer, it can be overwhelming when trying to narrow down what to see and where to go.

That’s certainly how I felt when my girlfriend and I planned a New Zealand road trip of our own last year.

So, I thought I’d throw together a short guide to unlocking the immense beauty that the south island holds. Here are 15 of the best road trip stops in New Zealand!