When Kiwis dream of Europe, familiar favourites like France or the UK often come to mind. But Romania offers something different—raw beauty, quiet landscapes, and a rhythm of life that feels both grounded and adventurous. From forested mountains to hidden caves and tranquil alpine lakes, it’s a place that invites slow exploration. Travelling by car opens the door to its most authentic corners, far from the tourist crowds. If you crave nature, freedom, and discovery, Romania delivers. Here are the unforgettable places worth adding to your route.
New Zealanders, known for their love of nature and adventure, will find a kindred spirit in Romania. With vast national parks, rugged mountains, and scenic village roads, Romania offers a raw and authentic European experience. Unlike the crowded tourist hubs of Western Europe, much of the country remains peaceful and untouched. Visitors can travel for hours through forests and valleys without encountering crowds. For those who enjoy road trips and exploring the outdoors, Romania is a dream destination still waiting to be discovered. Here are some of its hidden natural gems.
Tucked away in western Romania, the Apuseni Mountains are one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Their gentle yet rugged slopes are blanketed in thick forests and dotted with over 1,500 caves, hidden valleys, and crystal-clear rivers—perfect for travellers who enjoy taking their time and venturing off the usual path. At the heart of the region lies Apuseni Natural Park, a haven for hikers and campers. Scenic trails wind through wooden villages and meadows, leading to natural wonders like the Scarisoara Ice Cave, home to one of the oldest underground glaciers on Earth. Descending into its icy, silent depths feels like stepping into a frozen time capsule.
Nearby, the Bears’ Cave (Peștera Urșilor) offers another highlight, filled with dramatic limestone formations and preserved bear skeletons. Guided tours reveal the cave’s fascinating geological story. Driving through the Apuseni is both peaceful and rewarding. Villages like Rimetea, with whitewashed houses tucked beneath towering cliffs, offer a glimpse of traditional life. Along the way, roadside farms sell homemade cheese, fresh bread, and wild honey—perfect for a scenic picnic stop amid nature.
If you’re looking for real wilderness, the Retezat Mountains in southwestern Romania are calling. This national park is Romania’s oldest and one of its most untouched. Home to over 20 glacial lakes and peaks that reach over 2,500 metres, the park offers spectacular hiking and alpine scenery. New Zealanders used to the Southern Alps will feel at home in the Retezat. The mountains are sharp, the air is fresh, and the views stretch for miles. The area is also home to a rich range of wildlife, including lynxes, wolves, and even brown bears—though they tend to avoid humans.
One of the highlights of the park is Lake Bucura, the largest glacial lake in Romania. You can hike here on marked trails and camp nearby if you’re equipped for backcountry travel. There are no towns or hotels inside the park itself, which keeps the area pristine. Getting to Retezat requires a bit of effort, but that’s part of the adventure. The closest city, Hunedoara, is famous for Corvin Castle and makes a great base before heading into the wild. From there, you’ll need a reliable car and a map—GPS can be spotty in these remote areas.
New Zealanders are no strangers to coastal beauty and rich birdlife. The Danube Delta, located in eastern Romania where the Danube River meets the Black Sea, is a natural paradise that rivals anything in the world. Covering over 4,000 square kilometres, the Danube Delta is one of the largest and best-preserved wetlands in Europe. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 300 bird species, including pelicans, herons, and rare eagles. Birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers will be in heaven here.
Getting to the delta requires a drive through the Dobrogea region, a land of rolling hills, vineyards, and quiet villages. The main access point is the town of Tulcea, where you can take boat trips into the delta. Unlike the mountains, the Danube Delta offers a completely different kind of natural beauty—still, calm waters, soft sunsets, and the gentle rhythm of the river. It’s a reminder that Romania’s landscapes are incredibly diverse.
In the eastern part of Romania, within the Moldova region, Bicaz Gorge stands out as one of the country's most spectacular drives. Carved over thousands of years by the Bicaz River, the gorge is a narrow, winding canyon flanked by sheer limestone cliffs that tower over 300 metres high. Driving through the gorge is a dramatic experience. The road twists and turns between rock walls, with the river gurgling beside you. Small stalls line the route, offering local crafts, smoked cheeses, and sweet pastries—a welcome stop for hungry travellers.
At the end of the gorge, you’ll find Red Lake (Lacul Roșu), a striking natural lake created by a landslide in the 19th century. The lake is known for its eerie beauty, with old tree trunks still standing upright in the water. Surrounded by dense forest, it’s a peaceful spot for nature lovers, offering canoe rentals and scenic walking paths ideal for a quiet, relaxing visit. The Bicaz Gorge and Red Lake make for a great day trip or overnight adventure, especially if you’re travelling between Transylvania and Moldova. The scenery changes with every turn, offering perfect photo opportunities and a deep connection with the land.
To plan an unforgettable Romanian road trip with even more helpful tips, check out The Irish Traveller’s Guide to an Unforgettable Road Trip Through Romania.
Exploring Romania’s wild landscapes is best done on your own schedule, and renting a car with Final Rentals makes that possible. Many of the country’s most beautiful natural areas are far from public transport routes, making a rental vehicle your key to deeper adventure and flexibility.
For helpful advice on driving in Romania, check out Essential Tips Every New Zealander Should Know Before Exploring Romania by Car.
Before setting off on your Romanian road adventure, here are a few tips especially helpful for New Zealanders:
Romania is a country full of surprises—dramatic landscapes, rich traditions, and natural wonders still waiting to be discovered. For New Zealanders who cherish nature, value authenticity, and enjoy the freedom of the open road, Romania offers a rare European experience: one that feels both welcoming and wild. From the icy caves of the Apuseni to the peaceful waters of the Danube Delta, every corner of Romania has a story. You’ll find silence in the mountains, birdsong in the wetlands, and charm in the villages. And with the right car and a good map, these wonders are yours to explore.
So if you’re ready for something different, something real, then pack your bags, plan your route, and Rent a Car in Romania with Final Rentals. A journey through Romania’s hidden natural wonders is one you’ll remember for a lifetime!
