Aramoana Road: One of the Most Beautiful (and Sometimes Nerve-Wracking) Coastal Drives in the World

Aramoana Road: One of the Most Beautiful (and Sometimes Nerve-Wracking) Coastal Drives in the World

New Zealand, oceania

Length

10.7 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Aramoana Road in New Zealand's South Island, right where Otago Harbour meets the Pacific. Seriously, this coastal drive is something else. It's like driving at sea level, with the ocean practically glued to your side!

You'll find this gem northeast of Dunedin, winding its way from Port Chalmers up to Aramoana - a name that means "pathway of the sea" in Māori. The road itself is paved and clocks in at about 10.7 km (6.64 miles). Quick heads up: Aramoana carries a sad history, having been the site of a mass shooting back in 1990. There's a memorial near the Aramoana Mole if you want to pay your respects.

Now, back to the fun stuff! People rave about the views – endless, breathtaking coastal scenery as you hug the bays. But fair warning: some drivers find it a bit intense being so close to the water without guardrails. If you're not a fan of driving right on the edge, it might get your heart pumping! But if you're up for the adventure, you're in for one unforgettable ride.

Where is it?

Aramoana Road: One of the Most Beautiful (and Sometimes Nerve-Wracking) Coastal Drives in the World is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -42.8878, 173.9691

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
10.7 km
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
-42.8878, 173.9691

Related Roads in oceania

Take the Scenic Alpine Way and Discover Dead Horse Gapextreme

Take the Scenic Alpine Way and Discover Dead Horse Gap

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dead Horse Gap! Nestled in the gorgeous New South Wales, Australia, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,597m (5,239ft). You'll find it snuggled within Kosciuszko National Park, part of the stunning Victorian Alps high country. This beauty is part of the Kosciuszko Alpine Way, and it's a smooth ride all the way, thanks to being fully paved. This east-west route stretches for 123km (76.4 miles), linking Jindabyne to the New South Wales/Victorian border. Generally, you can cruise this road year-round. Heads up though: winter can bring closures due to wild weather. Speaking of winter, if you're rolling in a two-wheel-drive between the June and October long weekends, snow chains are a must between Thredbo and Tom Groggin. Be prepared for some steep climbs, with gradients hitting a max of 13% in spots! There are also some tight squeezes and seriously steep sections between Khancoban and Thredbo. Big rigs and caravans might want to sit this one out. But all those challenges are worth it for the views!

Where is Island Saddle?hard

Where is Island Saddle?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Island Saddle in New Zealand is calling your name! We're talking about the highest public road in the country, sitting pretty at 1,371 meters (4,498 feet). You'll find this beauty straddling the Canterbury and Marlborough regions up north. This rugged track, known as Rainbow Road (or Rainbow Valley–Hanmer Road if you're feeling formal), stretches for 112 kilometers (70 miles) between Hanmer Springs and Saint Arnaud. Picture this: stunning views, but hold on tight—it's unpaved ALL the way to the top. Word to the wise: this is 4WD territory. You can get as far as Lake Tennyson in a 2WD, but beyond that, you'll want something tougher. Also, keep in mind that Island Saddle likes to play hard to get. Since it crosses private land, it’s generally only open from late December to early April. So plan your trip accordingly and get ready for some seriously epic scenery!

Takaka Hill is an unforgettable drive in NZextreme

Takaka Hill is an unforgettable drive in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, road trippers, buckle up for Takaka Hill! This mountain pass, also known as Pikikirunga Range, sits way up at 823m (2,700ft) in the Nelson Tasman region of New Zealand's South Island, separating Golden Bay from the more bustling Tasman Bay. State Highway 60, or Takaka Hill Highway, is completely paved and clocks in at 51.5 km (32 miles) long, connecting the towns of Tākaka and Motueka. This twisty road first opened way back in 1888, and it’s been a must-do ever since! The road's open 24/7, with traffic lights controlling one-way sections, and electronic signs keep you in the loop about any delays. The zig-zagging road isn’t too scary, but it's definitely steep and winding, with a whopping 257 corners, some of them hairpin turns! If you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared. The road surface is in great condition and offers plenty of laybys for passing, but keep in mind, it’s a slow and steady drive. You'll encounter some steep sections reaching a maximum 13% gradient. Allow about an hour for the drive without stops, but trust me, you’ll want to stop! The views are incredible, with panoramic vistas of Tasman Bay, Golden Bay, and Kahurangi National Park on clear days. Take a break at the summit to soak it all in! Plus, the area is known for its unique landscape, with amazing marble karst rock formations. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience!

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Victoria Rocks Roadeasy

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Victoria Rocks Road

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Western Australia and crave a taste of the outback, Victoria Rocks Road is calling your name. Picture this: you're east of Perth, smack-dab in the Great Western Woodlands, and you're about to embark on a 141km (87-mile) dirt road journey from the Hyden-Norseman Road all the way north to the cool tourist town of Coolgardie. Now, this isn't your average paved highway. We're talking unsealed, baby! The road peaks at a modest 490m (1,607ft), but don't let that fool you. This wide, well-maintained dirt track is generally suitable for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Word to the wise: keep your wits about you. Rain can turn this beauty into a beast, so drive smart and stay aware of local conditions. But trust me, the scenery makes it all worthwhile!