11 Surprisingly Fun Things To Do When You Rent a Campervan in New Zealand
New Zealand, oceania
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easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Nevis Road in New Zealand! This gravel road is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) long, winding its way through the stunning Nevis Valley in Central Otago. You'll climb some serious elevation — we're talking from around 400 meters (1,300 feet) up to about 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) above sea level. The views? Absolutely breathtaking, showcasing that classic rugged New Zealand scenery. Now, here's the kicker: this road is no joke. It's narrow, steep in sections, and has some pretty gnarly drop-offs. Plus, there are a couple of river crossings that can get dicey depending on the weather. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you're up for an adventure and have a good 4x4, the Nevis Road delivers an unforgettable off-road experience!
Where is it?
11 Surprisingly Fun Things To Do When You Rent a Campervan in New Zealand is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.3371, 173.6888
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -41.3371, 173.6888
Related Roads in oceania
hardMount Banks
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're headed to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia? Ditch the highway and find Mount Banks Road! It's a seriously cool little mountain pass sitting pretty at 863 meters up. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, steep inclines, and a road that gets *real* narrow in places. It's only 1.2 km of unpaved fun, but after rain, it turns into a muddy, slippery adventure. Seriously, you might need a 4x4 to make it through, and even then, a big storm could shut it down completely. But when it's dry, most cars can manage the trek. The track winds through the Blue Mountains National Park, ending at a picnic spot about a kilometer from Mount Banks summit (look for the trig station!). The views are incredible. Trust me, the slightly hairy drive is worth it for the scenery alone!
moderateBuchanan Highway is a very scenic unpaved road in the Northern Territory
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Buchanan Highway, aka National Route 80-C80, a wild and stunning dirt road cutting through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! Think rugged beauty and an adventure that'll test your mettle. Stretching for 393km (244 miles) from the Stuart Highway, south of Birdum, all the way to the Victoria Highway, near Timber Creek, this road is strictly 4WD territory. We're talking river crossings, washed-out sections, and bridges that have seen better days – all part of the charm! Named after Nathaniel Buchanan, a true Aussie pioneer, this route is steeped in history. But be warned, it’s a long haul; expect to spend 17 to 20 hours behind the wheel, not counting all the photo stops you’ll want to make. Speaking of warnings: be super aware of fast-flowing water during crossings, and load up on fuel, water, and supplies before you go – you won't find much along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for cattle grazing on the unfenced roads, and take it slow and steady, especially if you're new to the area. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking! Just remember to respect the road, and it'll reward you with an unforgettable experience.
moderateHow long is Desert Road NZ?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through New Zealand's North Island on State Highway 1, and suddenly you're smack-dab in the middle of the Rangipo Desert on the legendary Desert Road. This fully paved stretch of highway is a straight shot for 63 km (39 miles), slicing right through this alpine desert. You'll be traveling from the cute town of Turangi, nestled on the North Island Volcanic Plateau, all the way to Waiouru in the Ruapehu District. It's called the Desert Road for a reason. It's seriously remote! This area is a barren, desert-like environment where the weather can turn on a dime. They built this road in the 1940s to draw tourists in and it's a very unique environment. The scenery is something else! But be warned: the land is so unproductive it's basically uninhabited. So yeah, remote! The wind is a constant companion here, blasting the plants and making things seriously chilly, especially in winter. You'll climb to 1,078m (3,536ft), the highest point on the whole New Zealand state highway network! Heads up, this road closes for short periods during winter due to snow and ice. The winds are crazy strong and cold. You could technically drive it in about an hour without stopping. But seriously, why would you? This is an unforgettable road trip through an epic landscape, with incredible views of the Tongariro National Park volcanoes. Plus, they filmed the Black Gate of Mordor from Lord of the Rings here! Worth it? Absolutely!
hardIs the Road Through Takarau Gorge Paved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand, on the North Island, just north of Wellington, ready for a real adventure. Forget the tourist traps, we're heading into Takarau Gorge! This place is seriously beautiful. The Ohariu River carved out this canyon, and the road (Takarau Gorge Road) follows right along with it. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is fully paved, but it gets *narrow*. Think winding, single-lane sections hugging steep cliffs, with blind corners galore. Definitely keeps you on your toes! The whole stretch is only about 7.7 km (4.78 miles), connecting Ohariu to Makara Road in a kind of east-southwest direction. The views are incredible, but if you're not comfortable with heights or tight spaces, maybe skip this one. Word to the wise: this road can get flooded, especially after a good rain. They'll close it down if it's too bad, so check conditions before you go. It's usually pretty quiet, but it does get busier on weekends and during the summer. Happy (and careful) travels!