A legendary drive to Arthur's Pass in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
44.6 km
739 m
hard
Year-round
Arthur's Pass, nestled high in New Zealand's South Island, clocks in at 739m (2,425ft) above sea level. You'll find it straddling the border between the wild West Coast and Canterbury regions, smack-dab in the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park.
This route, now known as State Highway 73 or the Great Alpine Highway, was originally a Maori trading path. Imagine this: back in 1866, it was carved out of the landscape by hand to connect Hokitika and Christchurch after gold was discovered.
Driving Arthur's Pass is a must-do in New Zealand. This iconic road climbs to over 900 meters, showcasing the most dramatic scenery the Southern Alps have to offer. Think incredible engineering feats – viaducts, bridges, rock shelters, and even waterfalls channeled into chutes. Heads up: petty theft from vehicles has been reported.
The road is paved the whole way, and while breathtaking, it can be a bit of a white-knuckle ride, especially in winter. Snow and ice are common, and chains might be necessary. Rainfall is high, and snow is frequent in winter. Freezing temps are often encountered. The pass has been known to close for extended periods due to weather or landslides.
While improvements have been made to visibility and curves over the years, the Otira Gorge and Arthur's Pass road can still be a challenge. The road gets seriously steep in places, hitting gradients of up to 16%!
The pass stretches for 44.6 km (27.71 miles) from Jacksons on the West Coast to Bealey. You'll cross 11 bridges along the way. Allot about 45 minutes for the drive, and consider making Arthur's Pass your base for exploring the surrounding national park!
Where is it?
A legendary drive to Arthur's Pass in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.5253, 176.1040
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 44.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 739 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -41.5253, 176.1040
Related Roads in oceania
hardDriving the Corrugated Ernest Giles Road Through the Desert
🇦🇺 Australia
The Ernest Giles Road in the Northern Territory is a true Aussie outback adventure! Named after the explorer Ernest Giles, this isn't your Sunday drive. Think 100km (62 miles) of red desert stretching between the Luritja Road and the Stuart Highway, linking cattle stations and remote communities. This track demands a 4WD – we’re talking serious dips, bone-rattling corrugations, and patches of deep sand that’ll test your skills. You'll want to lower your tire pressure! Oh, and did I mention it closes regularly during the wet season? Be warned: this road isn't pampered. It's rough, remote, and can become a muddy, slippery mess after rain. Even 4WDs can get stuck out here, so pack extra water, spares, and let someone know your plans. Don't even think about attempting this in a 2WD! Mobile coverage? Forget about it! Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible. Imagine driving through a landscape painted in vibrant reds, with dust devils dancing in the distance. The real reward? Visiting the Henbury Meteorite Craters, a truly otherworldly sight. Just remember to be prepared for anything – this road is as unpredictable as it is beautiful, offering a real taste of the raw Australian outback.
moderateHow long is Waikawau Tunnel Beach?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're on the North Island of New Zealand, heading towards a secret beach. But here's the thing, this beach is accessed via a hand-carved tunnel! Waikawau Tunnel Beach isn't super long, but the real adventure is getting there. The tunnel itself is a labor of love, dug through sandstone cliffs way back when, by just a few determined souls. It used to be for driving cattle, but now it's just for us adventurous beachgoers. The entrance is located at the end of the winding and dangerous Pembroke Road. This picturesque tunnel sits at the end of the winding and dangerous road. Trust me, once you emerge on the other side, the isolation and raw beauty of the beach will blow you away. Just be careful on that road leading up to it – it's a bit of a zigzag!
moderateHow to tackle the ravines and river crossings on the Humbert Track in the Northern Territory?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! The Humbert Track in Australia's Northern Territory is calling your name! Picture this: you, your trusty 4WD, and 62.5 kilometers of pure Outback bliss. Nestled south of Timber Creek within Gregory National Park, this old stock route winds through the gorgeous valleys of Fig Tree Creek and Humbert River, a real taste of Aussie history. Most of the track is pretty cruisy, but don't get too comfy – you'll hit some rugged patches, especially when tackling the creek and river crossings. They're the main challenge, so be prepared to get your tyres wet! Speaking of water, this track can turn treacherous after rain. Fast-flowing creeks and slippery mud can pop up out of nowhere and close the road. But on a good day, it’s an easy, slow-paced drive with stunning scenery all around. So, if you're up for a proper Aussie adventure, the Humbert Track is waiting!
hardIs the road to Stokes Hill Lookout unpaved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to South Australia? You HAVE to check out Stokes Hill Lookout! Perched way up high at 737 meters (that's 2,417 feet!), this natural viewpoint offers seriously epic views. Now, the road up there is a bit of an adventure. It's a 1.9km (1.18 miles) unpaved, rocky dirt track that winds steeply up the Flinders Ranges. Don't worry, you don't need a monster truck! Most 2WDs, AWDs, and 4WDs can make it, but definitely leave the caravan at home. The climb is only 71 meters total, but some parts get pretty steep, up to 9% grade! Is it worth it? Absolutely! The summit has a small parking area and the views are completely breathtaking. You get a full 360° panorama of the Flinders Ranges National Park, including the iconic Wilpena Pound. It's a super popular spot, but trust me, the views are unmatched. And if you can time it right, watching the sunset from up there? Unforgettable!