A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Remutaka Pass in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
31 km
556 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow road trippers, let me tell you about Remutaka Pass! Up here on New Zealand's North Island, just north of Wellington, you'll find this beauty sitting pretty at 556 meters (that's 1,824 feet for my imperial friends). Officially christened Remutaka Pass (gotta love that correct Mฤori spelling!), this route, also called Remutaka Hill, is a fave among Kiwi motorcyclists.
Hop on State Highway 2 (Rimutaka Hill Road) for a fully paved, west-to-east adventure stretching 31 kilometers (almost 20 miles) between Upper Hutt and Featherston. Get ready for some seriously winding and steep sections; we're talking gradients hitting a whopping 21%!
At the top, there's a parking lot with a lookout โ a short, steep scramble away. The 360-degree views are insane (if the weather plays nice, that is!). It's a perfect pit stop overlooking the Hutt Valley on one side and Featherston on the other.
Now, a heads-up: this isn't always a smooth ride. Perched high in the Remutaka Range, this road can throw all sorts of weather your way. Think frequent closures, slips, strong winds, and torrential rain. Winter can bring mist, snow, and more landslips. Keep an eye out for those wind gusts, especially on the exposed higher sections, and be aware that traffic can be heavy sometimes!
Where is it?
A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Remutaka Pass in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -42.2177, 175.5195
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 556 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -42.2177, 175.5195
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow long is the Hay River Track?
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! The Hay River Track is calling your name! This isn't just a drive; it's a full-blown expedition into the heart of the Aussie outback. Think you're tough enough to tackle 928 km (576 miles) of seriously sandy terrain? We're talking about linking Birdsville in Queensland to Gemtree in the Northern Territory via a prehistoric riverbed. Seriously cool! You'll need a 4WD beast with low-range gearing and plenty of clearance to conquer those dunes. This beauty only opened to the public in 2000, so it's still raw and untamed. Best time to go? Aim for May to October. The summer heat is no joke out here. Heads up: this is REMOTE. Zero fuel stops, zero shops. Youโre completely on your own. Pack a serious amount of water (at least seven liters per person per day, PLUS extra for emergencies) and emergency food. Traction boards and a satellite phone are non-negotiable. Seriously, donโt even THINK about doing this solo.
hardHow to drive the long Diamantina Developmental Road in Queensland?
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! The Diamantina Developmental Road in Queensland, Australia is calling your name. This epic trek clocks in at a whopping 1,344 km (835 mi) and connects Charleville in the south-central part of the state all the way to Mount Isa in the northwest. You'll be rolling through charming outback towns like Quilpie, Windorah, Bedourie, Boulia, and Dajarra. Most of the route is smooth sailing on sealed roads, so just about any vehicle can handle it. But be warned: some stretches between Windorah and Boulia are unsealed, adding a touch of off-road adventure. You'll be following State Route 14, State Route 12, and National Route 83. Expect some seriously stunning scenery as you cross iconic rivers and creeks, including the Paroo, Bulloo, Cooper Creek, and the Diamantina River itself. Just keep an eye out โ river crossings can get tricky in wild weather. Speaking of weather, be prepared for anything! Pack plenty of water and fuel, watch out for wandering animals, and maybe skip the nighttime driving. Phone reception can be spotty, so planning is key for this Aussie outback escapade. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
moderateTablelands Highway is a remote sealed road
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the Tablelands Highway (aka State Route 11) in the Aussie Outback! This is a seriously remote 375km (233-mile) stretch of road that'll take you from Barkly Homestead (off the Barkly Highway) all the way to Cape Crawford (Carpentaria Highway). Originally built as a 'Beef Road' back in the '60s, it's still got that wild, untamed vibe. Expect a single-lane sealed road surface, but be warned, that bitumen can be a little rough in spots. Think undulating terrain as you roll through classic Outback scenery. Caravans can handle it, no worries! Now, a few things to keep in mind: this road is so remote that there are absolutely no towns or services along the way, so come prepared! While generally open year-round, watch out for potential shoulder washouts if there's been recent rain. And when you see oncoming traffic โ especially road trains โ pull *completely* off the road. Trust me, you don't want to be half on the bitumen and half on the shoulder when one of those beasts goes by. Also, keep your eyes peeled for cattle! This is unfenced territory, and you'll often find them wandering on or near the road. All in all, the Tablelands Highway offers a true taste of the Australian Outback, just be sure to respect its remoteness.
moderateWhy is it called Thunderbolts Way?
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
Okay, picture this: Thunderbolts Way, a seriously gorgeous drive snaking through the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. The name? It's a nod to Captain Thunderbolt, Australia's own "Gentleman" bushranger, Fred Ward. This beauty was carved out between 1958 and 1961, plunging you into thick forests, practically surrounded by national parks and reserves. Heads up though, while it's all paved, the road's a bit rough around the edges โ narrow in spots, some potholes, and definitely not caravan-friendly. Stretching 305km (189 miles) from Inverell in the north down to Gloucester, it's a proper adventure. And hold on tight because it's hilly! Expect some serious twists, turns, and a maximum 20% gradient on those climbs north of Gloucester. Towing a trailer? Maybe rethink this one, especially if the weather's looking dodgy. Speaking of weather, this isn't the drive for a rainy day. Set aside about 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the drive โ without stops, that is. But trust me, you'll want to pull over. Every bend unveils another spectacular view, and there are plenty of viewpoints along the way just begging for a photo op!