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

Kakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territorymoderate

Kakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territory

πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australia

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Kakadu Highway (aka State Route 21)! This beauty slices right through Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Picture this: a fully paved road in pretty good nick, winding its way through the remote Aussie outback. We're talking a north-south route stretching for 209 km (130 miles) from Jabiru down to Pine Creek. And yeah, you'll hit some steep sections, climbing up to 262m (859ft) above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled, especially towards the southern end of the park, because buffalo have been known to wander onto the highway. And of course, watch out for cattle and kangaroos – they're notorious for hopping out of nowhere! Good news: this road is usually open all year round. But heads up – this is a tropical savanna, so expect some serious rain! Flash flooding can happen, especially during the wet season, and sections of the road might close without much warning. Basically, nature calls the shots out here, so be prepared for anything!

Driving the wild Danseys Pass in NZmoderate

Driving the wild Danseys Pass in NZ

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ New Zealand

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Danseys Pass Road! This epic gravel track winds through the heart of New Zealand's South Island, straddling the Canterbury and Otago regions. We're talking Kakanui Mountain views at a lofty 910m (2,985ft)! Don't worry about needing a monster truck – this 51.5km (32-mile) stretch from Naseby to the Livingstone-Duntroon Road is usually fine for any car. Just cruise along and soak in the scenery as you trace a route carved from the Haast Schist bedrock. Originally blazed for sheep barons and gold-rushers back in 1862 (named after a local landowner, William Heywood Dansey), this road is steeped in history. But be warned: it's a steep climb, hitting gradients of up to 13% in sections! Leave the buses, campervans, and caravans at home for this one. While it's generally well-maintained, the road can get narrow with some tricky blind corners. Expect postcard-perfect views as you wind through farmland and rugged, tussock-covered mountains. Keep an eye on the weather, though! Danseys Pass is notorious for sudden closures due to snow or heavy rain, especially during winter. It's super exposed up there, so if the forecast looks dodgy, maybe save this adventure for another day. But if the sun's shining, get ready for an unforgettable ride!

Where is the Galston Gorge Road?moderate

Where is the Galston Gorge Road?

πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australia

Get ready for an adrenaline rush on Galston Gorge Road, a twisty, turny route through the stunning Galston Gorge in New South Wales, Australia! Nestled north of Sydney within the gorgeous Berowra Valley Regional Park, this paved beauty stretches 14.5km from Asquith to Dural. Built way back in 1895, it's got a bit of a reputation – and for good reason! Think blind turns, so watch out for cyclists, especially on weekends. You'll also encounter a narrow one-way wooden bridge over Tunks Creek, where patience is key. And those hairpins? Legendary! There are five in total. The three in the middle are seriously tight, and larger vehicles may need to swing wide (carefully!). In fact, anything over 7.5 meters is banned from the gorge altogether! But the challenge is worth it. During heavy rain, the gorge transforms into a wonderland of waterfalls and streams cascading alongside the road (drive carefully, though – it can get slippery!). Expect the drive to take around 20-30 minutes, and a pro-tip: starting from the Galston side makes for a more enjoyable, less brake-intensive experience.

Omarama Clay Cliffshard

Omarama Clay Cliffs

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the South Island of New Zealand, Mackenzie Basin to be exact, and you're itching for something otherworldly. Look no further than the Omarama Clay Cliffs! The road to get there? Let's just say it adds to the adventure. It's a gravel road, so buckle up for a bumpy ride! We're talking a maintained gravel road where most 2WDs with decent clearance can make it if you take it slow and steady. Watch out for potholes and dust! Trust me, these crazy silt and gravel pinnacles are worth the dusty trek. It's a private road, so you'll need to toss a few bucks ($5 per vehicle) into the donation box at the gate to help with upkeep.Β Heads up: the road gets gnarlier beyond the cliffs, turning into a 4x4-only track real quick. But, for the main attraction? Totally doable and totally unforgettable!