Published 11th Sep. 2025
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Keen for a road trip abroad, but don’t want to drive on the other side of the road? You’re not alone. Luckily, around 30% of countries in the world drive on the left, so there’s plenty of open road for us Brits to discover. While not every left-handed country is suited to self-driving (we’re looking at you, India), it’s undeniable that some are best explored via their roads. From the epic alpine scenery of New Zealand to Namibia’s desert delights, read on for the best road trips in countries that drive on the left…
1. Great Ocean Road, Australia
2. Garden Route, South Africa
3. Southern Alps Loop, New Zealand
4. Hokkaido's highlights, Japan
5. Desert to coast, Namibia
As one of the most famous drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road needs little introduction. This 150-mile-long stretch of tarmac winds along the dramatic Victoria coastline and features one of Australia’s most iconic vistas – the rugged limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles, rising out of the Southern Ocean. Other highlights include the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, where you can hang out with koalas and kangaroos; Great Otway National Park, for walks among towering redwoods and waterfalls; and the surf capital of Bells Beach, where you can don a wetsuit and try your luck in the world-famous waves.
Image by Lucia Griggi Redux / REA
When it comes to road trips in countries that drive on the left, South Africa packs an almighty punch. Hugging the coastline between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the gorgeous Garden Route has everything from lush indigenous forests to rolling mountains along its 186-mile stretch. Wind through sprawling winelands, past arid plains and charming coastal towns, stopping for plenty of leisurely lunches and wine tastings (sorry, designated driver). Visit historic towns like Swellendam, coastal gems like Knysna and Tsitsikamma National Park for dramatic seaside scenery, myriad marine life and unforgettable hikes. Ready to book your Garden Route getaway? We recommend travelling in spring and early summer (September to November) to coincide with whale watching season – this region boasts some of the best sightings in the world.
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Image by Paloma Saint Leger
If any country was made for driving, it’s New Zealand. What better way to take in the majesty of its Middle Earth surroundings than on a road trip? Picking a standout route was a tricky task, but we’ve settled on the Southern Alps Loop for its epic alpine scenery. Roll out of Christchurch and cruise along Arthur’s Pass, with mountains soaring on either side, heading towards the west coast. Wind along the rugged coastline before encountering icy vistas at Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Hike through the wild landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, then make a beeline for lovely Lake Wanaka and adventure capital, Queenstown. After you’ve had your fill of outdoor fun, drive back to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo (a stargazing hotspot) and the verdant Canterbury plains.
Image by Martin Vlnas / Getty Images / iStockphoto
Japan might be best known for its lightning-speed bullet trains, but if you fancy a slower pace of travel, make for the open road in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and dreamy road trip territory. While much of Japan is sweltering during summer, Hokkaido bursts into life with colourful summer blooms and lush greenery galore. Plot a course across the island, first taking in the maritime city of Hakodate and the volcanic beauty of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Then, visit the charming canals of Otaru and Sapporo, the island’s buzzy capital, where you can sample its famous beer on an izakaya (pub) crawl. End the road trip on a high with drives past the rolling flower fields of Furano and Biei, followed by a visit to the wild Daisetsuzan National Park.
Image by LEE YOU / 500px / Getty Images
Wrapping up our round-up of road trips in countries that drive on the left is Namibia. Tick off the nation’s most spectacular nature spots on a self-drive tour spanning the desert and the coast. Meet the resident wildlife population in Etosha National Park, one of the largest animal reserves in the world, before cruising through the rugged, remote landscapes of Damaraland in search of desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos. Continue towards the coastal city of Swakopmund, where you can discover thriving marine life in Walvis Bay and dramatic dunes-meet-ocean scenery at Sandwich Harbour. Then, if you’re keen for more, head inland to marvel at the rich red hues of the Sossusvlei sand dunes in the ancient Namib Desert and the unspoilt wilderness of NamibRand Nature Reserve.
Image by SerengetiLion / Getty Images / iStockphoto
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Faustine Poidevin
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