An epic enthralling road to Rough Ridge in NZ

An epic enthralling road to Rough Ridge in NZ

New Zealand, oceania

Length

46.1 km

Elevation

1,040 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Rough Ridge, nestled way up high in New Zealand's Otago Region, is calling your name! We're talking a lofty 1,040m (3,412ft) above sea level, so buckle up for some serious views.

This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be tackling the legendary Old Dunstan Road (aka The Dunstan Trail), a 46.1 km (28.64 miles) stretch of mostly unpaved glory, winding from Clarks Junction on State Highway 87 to Upper Taieri-Paerau Road.

Picture this: you start on smooth sealed sections, but before long you're bouncing along gravel, clay, and exposed rock. Things get steep in places, so be prepared for a bit of a climb! This track, high in the Lammermoor Range, offers scenery that'll blow your mind. Word of caution: this beast is usually closed from the first Tuesday in June until September 30th for winter, and after rain, parts can become a sticky, muddy mess. A 4x4 is highly recommended for much of the route!

Where is it?

An epic enthralling road to Rough Ridge in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.5348, 173.3779

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
46.1 km
Max Elevation
1,040 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-40.5348, 173.3779

Related Roads in oceania

Driving the Scenic Litchfield Park Road in the Northern Territory of Australiamoderate

Driving the Scenic Litchfield Park Road in the Northern Territory of Australia

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, buckle up for Litchfield Park Road, an absolute stunner winding right through the heart of Litchfield National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Once part of the old B30, this baby's been fully paved since 2019, making for a smooth 132km (82 mile) cruise from Batchelor all the way to the B34 near Blackmore. Word on the street is they were even widening some sections in mid-2021, so it's only getting better! Give yourself about 2 hours for the drive, *without* stops – but let's be real, you're gonna be pulling over constantly for photos. Seriously, the views are that good. Just keep your eyes peeled for those sneaky saltwater crocs – wouldn't want an unexpected swim! This road isn't all flat, though. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10% in places. The highest point peaks at 218m (715ft) above sea level, giving you panoramic vistas you won't forget. Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure!

Macquarie Pass is one of Australia's best drivesextreme

Macquarie Pass is one of Australia's best drives

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts, because Macquarie Pass in New South Wales, Australia, is calling your name! Nestled in the Southern Highlands, about 115 km southwest of Sydney, this iconic drive winds through Macquarie Pass National Park, promising stunning scenery at every turn. The Illawarra Highway (A48, Tourist Route 8) is fully paved, stretching 13.7 km (8.51 miles) from Tongarra to Robertson. Be warned: it's a narrow, twisty beast, with centerlines popping up in a few spots but mostly absent, adding to the thrill! Macquarie Pass is generally open year-round, but keep an eye out for closures due to wild weather, landslides, or fire danger. Heavy rain can also cause flooding. Trucks, take note: you're better off sticking to Mount Ousley Road and Picton Road. This pass is seriously steep – we're talking gradients of up to 9.9%! Hairpin bends galore will keep you on your toes. Many corners have sneaky humps or dips, visibility can be limited, and those hairpins? Seriously tight. Expect some single-lane sections mixed with two lanes and double "no overtaking" lines. And just to keep things interesting, you'll often be hugging a rock wall on one side and a drop-off on the other. Watch out for other drivers (especially on weekends and holidays when motorcyclists flock here) as this route demands focus. Trucks can struggle with the tighter corners, often needing to swing wide. Leaves, twigs, and damp patches can also add to the challenge, even on otherwise clear days. But it's all worth it, because the views are simply breathtaking. Opened in 1898, Macquarie Pass offers incredible bushwalking, birdwatching, waterfalls, ocean views, and the fiery beauty of Illawarra flame trees. If you're looking for a memorable adventure on the south coast, this is it!

Why is it called Lawrence Hargrave Drive?easy

Why is it called Lawrence Hargrave Drive?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're cruising the south coast near Wollongong, you absolutely HAVE to check out Lawrence Hargrave Drive. This isn't just a road; it's a scenic masterpiece named after an Aussie legend, Lawrence Hargrave, the guy who invented the box kite and basically kickstarted aviation Down Under! You'll be driving along the same coastline where he experimented with his kites – talk about inspiring views! Built back in the day, this fully paved beauty stretches for about 20 kilometers (around 12 miles) from Coalcliff down to Clifton. It's a winding ribbon of asphalt hugging the cliffs, so keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rockfall, especially after a storm, and watch out for the soft shoulder! But honestly, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to the most spectacular coastal scenery Wollongong has to offer. The real stars of the show are the bridges, particularly the Coopers Creek Bridge. It's not super scary, but it'll definitely get your heart pumping a little! Trust me; this drive is an unforgettable experience. Get ready to pull over and snap a ton of photos!

Road trip guide: Conquering State Highway 38 in NZeasy

Road trip guide: Conquering State Highway 38 in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Craving a true wilderness adventure? Then you HAVE to experience State Highway 38 in the heart of New Zealand's North Island! This epic road trip, nestled in the stunning Te Urewera National Park, stretches for 195 km (121 miles) from near Waimangu (where it meets SH 5) to Wairoa, connecting to SH 2. SH38 carves its way through some of the North Island's most isolated landscapes. Get ready for winding roads, with about 64 kilometers of unsealed goodness adding to the thrill. Think tight turns and narrow lanes, making it an adventure for the experienced driver. While most rental companies are cool with you cruising on the well-maintained gravel section of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (between Te Whaiti and Tuai), double-check your rental agreement just in case! And remember, this is seriously remote – we're talking tiny settlements and mostly just raw, untamed beauty. Pro Tip: Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to drive straight through, but trust me, you'll want to take longer! The scenery is THAT good. Don't rush; average speeds are more like 30-50 km/hr. The road hugs Lake Waikaremoana (via Waikaremoana Road), making for seriously jaw-dropping views. Take it slow, soak it in – traffic is light, but those twists and turns demand your attention. The gravel section keeps the crowds down, leaving the magic mostly for you.