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 Māori 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 – 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
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Gebbies Pass in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk Gebbies Pass! You'll find this gem nestled in Canterbury, on the South Island's east coast of New Zealand, chilling way up high in the Port Hills (aka Te Poho-o-Tamatea). We're talking a solid 161 meters (528 feet) above sea level, people! The road itself, aptly named Gebbies Pass Road, is fully paved and stretches for about 8.8 kilometers (5.46 miles). You'll cruise from Motukarara, near Lake Ellesmere, all the way to Teddington, right on the edge of Lyttelton Harbour. Keep an eye out near the top for the Gebbies Pass radio transmitter - a cool piece of broadcasting history. Just a heads up, though: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. It's a bit narrow and gets seriously twisty, and those steep sections? Expect gradients of up to 10%! But trust me, the scenery is worth it. It's located just south of Christchurch so you can easily make it part of your South Island adventure. Get ready for some epic views!
hardBig Red and Little Red are iconic tracks for experienced drivers only at the Glasshouse Mountains
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to the Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland, Australia? Then you HAVE to check out Big Red and Little Red – they're legendary 4WD tracks! Seriously, these aren't for newbies. We're talking advanced 4WD skills only, and you absolutely MUST have all your recovery gear. Think you're ready? Big Red is the more intimidating of the two, while Little Red still packs a punch. Trust me, photos and videos don’t do them justice. It’s worth checking them out in person first. And, uh, don't be surprised if you spot some vehicular remains – they’re a reminder of just how tough these tracks can be! Now, heads up: these tracks are actually forestry service roads these days, kept in shape (sort of!) for powerline maintenance. They require low range, high clearance, traction aids and proper recovery gear. Rollovers aren’t uncommon! If it's dry, a lifted 4WD with mud tires might cruise through, but wet conditions? Get ready to use that recovery gear. These routes should not be underestimated.
moderateWhy is it called Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising through Western Australia's Kimberley region? You've GOT to check out the Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road! This track is named after the Fairfield and Leopold Downs cattle stations it winds through on its way to the Gibb River Road. Clocking in at 125 km (77 miles) between the Derby Gibb River Road and the Great Northern Highway, this unsealed road is an adventure in itself. While some brave souls might tow caravans during the dry season, a 4WD is definitely your best bet. Watch out for dips and washouts along the way! It's mostly flat, with inclines topping out around 3%. Now, let's be real: this isn't a highway. Expect dust, potholes, and creek crossings. The stretch from Windjana to Tunnel Creek is particularly dusty (and popular with tour groups), plus expect heavy corrugations, and it's totally impassable during the wet season. For the best experience, aim to hit this road between May and September. You'll be passing through Tunnel Creek National Park, and you won't want to miss it!
hardHow To Travel The Glen Chee Road in NSW
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a true off-road experience near Sydney, you HAVE to check out Glen Chee Road. Nestled in the stunning Blue Mountains, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking a 12.6km (7.82 miles) unpaved track running north-south, from Ganbenang to Black Range Road, deep in the National Park. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. It's a proper challenge, especially when it's wet. Think slippery conditions, creek crossings that can get deep, and floodways where flash flooding is a real risk. After rain, the mud is relentless and those creeks? Seriously deep. But if you're prepared, the views are worth it! Just be sure to check the conditions before you go and pack your sense of adventure.