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
easyGreat Ocean Road
🇦🇺 Australia
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moderateThe track to Mount Terrible: low range and high clearance required
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Victorian High Country of Australia, just southwest of Kevington, lies Mount Terrible. And trust me, the name isn't kidding around. We're talking about a 24.3km (15-mile) trek to 1,305m (4,281ft) of pure, unadulterated Aussie bush. Forget smooth asphalt; this is Mt Terrible Track, a totally unpaved, rough, and rocky ride through the Mount Terrible Natural Features and Scenic Reserve. Think scrabbly sections, steep climbs, rocks, and ditches galore. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a 4x4 beast with great tires, low range, high clearance, and a driver who knows how to pick the right lines. The Great Dividing Range throws everything it has at you, including potential closures from July to late October due to snow. Yep, this track gets rocky AND snowy in winter! But the reward? Stunning views from the summit, home to a fire lookout tower (circa 1962) and a comms tower. It's an epic High Country adventure!
hardA steep single-lane dirt road to Mount Hutt in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Mt Hutt Ski Area in New Zealand's stunning Canterbury region, get ready for a wild ride! We're talking about Mount Hutt Skifield Road, the unpaved access road that's not for the faint of heart. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This winding dirt road climbs like crazy, starting from Mclennans Bush Road and stretching 14.1km up into the Southern Alps. You'll gain a whopping 1173 meters in elevation, meaning some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting up to 24%! And if you are feeling extra adventurous, a service road near the resort will take you up to 2,062m! Built back in the 70s, this road is known for its sharp, barrier-free corners and can get super icy, muddy, and slippery. Translation? Chains are a must-have. Mt Hutt gets dumped on with an average of 4 meters of snow each season, which can lead to closures, so be sure to check the forecast before you go. But, when the weather plays nice, even a 2WD can conquer this beast. Just be prepared for an epic climb with some seriously breathtaking views!
moderateCrossing the historic Bertrand Road Swing Bridge
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Hey fellow road trippers! Ever heard of a bridge that's basically a time machine? Head to the northern reaches of New Zealand's Taranaki region, and you'll find the Bertrand Road Swing Bridge, a true gem connecting Huirangi (near Lepperton) and Tikorangi. This old-school wooden suspension bridge stretches 67 meters (220 feet) across the Waitara River. Now, it's not exactly a speedway – think more like a leisurely 10 km/h cruise. And with a 4-tonne weight limit, leave the monster trucks at home. It's cozy, too, only fitting two vehicles (and twenty people) at once. This bridge has seen things! Originally built way back in 1897, it's been through floods, rebuilds, and a whole lot of history. For a while there, it was even closed down completely, but thanks to some awesome community effort, it was resurrected in 2006, staying true to its original design. Keep in mind you're on a single lane of paved road here, so take it easy and enjoy the views. It's not just a crossing; it's a piece of New Zealand's past that you can drive (or walk!) right over.