With two weeks since the trans-Tasman bubble opened, data from Budget Car Rentals reveals the top five Australian road trips Kiwis want to take now that quarantine requirements have eased.

From world-famous coastal routes such as the Great Ocean Road (82%) and Great Barrier Reef Drive (68%) to lesser known options like the Nullarbor Plain (61%), here are – in order - Kiwis’ top picks for road trips across the ditch.

#1 The Great Ocean Road

Perhaps Australia’s most well-known scenic drive, it is no surprise The Great Ocean Road was at the top of Kiwis’ lists. The 243 km stretch from Melbourne to South Australia boasts breathtaking clifftop views of Victoria’s south-west coastline and brings you face to face with Australian wildlife. Along the way you will spot koalas, kangaroos, seals and even whales; zip-line your way through a treetop canopy, climb to the peak of a volcanic crater, and relax while dining atop a cliff. Popular stops include the famous Twelve Apostles, relaxing in the historic fishing village of Port Fairy or immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture and history in Geelong.

#2 Grand Pacific Drive

Starting at the Royal National Park, less than an hour south of Sydney's CBD, the Grand Pacific Drive takes you through the coastal cities and townships of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and the Shoalhaven. You will drive through rainforests, past countless beaches and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge while experiencing 140 km of uninterrupted ocean views. The road trip is full of adventure activities to be enjoyed along the way from skydiving to hang gliding and motorbike tours – all to be washed down with delicious food and wine.

If you decide to stay for a night (or two) there are plenty of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets; from beachside hotels to quaint B&B’s, tourist parks and backpacker accommodation. From here, you can either continue south to Batemans Bay and the greater South Coast or head west into the Southern Highlands and on to the national capital, Canberra.

#3 Great Barrier Reef Drive

The Great Barrier Reef Drive takes you from the city to the jungle through two World Heritage listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll take in spectacular views over the Coral Sea and pass through villages like Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge where you can learn about the native Kuku Yalanji people, before driving through sugar cane fields to the township of Daintree. Once in Daintree, home to the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, you can take a crocodile spotting tour and fish for barramundi while admiring the wildlife. Cross the river on the old-fashioned cable ferry for a leisurely drive through ancient rainforest to Cape Tribulation where the forest meets the reef. At Cape Tribulation you can stay in an off-grid cabin eating exotic fruit, resting up ahead of a day snorkeling to your heart’s content.

#4 Nullarbor Plain

A little different to the picturesque coastal routes, the Nullarbor Plain crosses the world’s largest limestone platform, covering over 200,000 km. The drive will take you along the Eyre Highway, Australia’s longest and straightest road connecting Western Australia’s goldfields to South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. There is a surprising amount to experience on the Nullarbor, including spotting wild camels, taking in the Bunda Cliffs and the Murrawijinie Caves which feature Indigenous ochre hand stencils. Accommodation options include motels attached to roadhouses or caravan parks with camp sites. The oldest station on the Nullarbor, Fraser Range Station, provides beds in historic stone shearers’ quarters. Once you make it to Streaky Bay in South Australia, make sure to visit Mocean to sample their world-famous oysters and fresh seafood straight from the ocean.

#5 Pacific Coast Corridor

The iconic 1000 km trip from Sydney to Brisbane, known as the Pacific Coast Corridor, is one of the most popular coastal drives in Australia. The Pacific Coast is perfect for both the long weekend getaway or the ultimate holiday over two or three weeks, as you drive through rugged national parks, stunning beaches, and pretty coastal towns. There is no shortage of things to do along the way, with popular stops including the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast.

For those looking to get back on the road, Budget New Zealand’s Budget Worry-Free Promise sets out the relentless commitment to keep every one of its customers safe, no matter where they are collecting or dropping off their vehicles.