Can you drive to the Remarkables?
New Zealand, oceania
13.2 km
1,622 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising up to the Remarkables ski resort is an absolute must-do if you're in Otago, South Island, New Zealand! This isn't your average drive; you're heading way up to 1,622m (that's over 5,300 feet!). Starting just south of Queenstown and Frankton where Remarkables Road peels off from State Highway 6. It's about 13 km (8 miles) to the resort. The road even climbs to 1,844m (6,049ft) via a service road!
Okay, so it used to be known for being a bit wild, but they've added a bunch of safety rails, so it's much tamer now. The first 10km are sealed smooth, and the last 3km are gravel but usually in good shape. Get ready for steep climbs and hairpin turns where you'll want to drop it into low gear. We're talking a maximum gradient of 15% in spots! You'll gain 1296 meters in elevation, with an average grade of almost 10%.
The road’s generally open all year, but after a good snow, it can get pretty slick. Definitely check if you need chains, especially if you're not in a 4WD. And hey, if you're not feeling confident driving, there are shuttle buses available!
Oh, and why the name? Some say it's because it's one of the few ranges that runs perfectly north to south. Others say it's because the sunset views from here are, well, *remarkable*!
Trust me, the views are worth it. The whole drive takes about 25 minutes if you don't stop, but you *will* want to stop. Seriously, even from the start, it is breathtaking. There are killer viewpoints around the 4km and 6km marks where you can soak in the views of the lake and where the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers meet. It's pure New Zealand magic!
Where is it?
Can you drive to the Remarkables? is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -45.0577, 168.8081
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 13.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,622 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -45.0577, 168.8081
Related Roads in oceania
extremeCan you drive Skippers Canyon?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Skippers Canyon Road, nestled in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, is one of those roads that's as famous for its scenery as it is for its sheer audacity. Carved by hand over 140 years ago by miners, this 17.4 km (10.81 miles) unpaved track clings to the side of a cliff, high above the Shotover River, running from Coronet Peak Road to Skippers Campground. Picture this: a narrow cut, barely wide enough for one vehicle in places, winding its way along a cliff face with serious drop-offs. Mostly one-way, for 6km there's absolutely nowhere to turn around! There are no guardrails, so you're relying on your driving skills and a healthy dose of courage. It’s beautiful, there’s no doubt about that, with stunning backcountry views and rocky outcrops sculpted by the back-breaking labor of Chinese miners. But be warned: this isn’t a Sunday drive. The road throws everything at you: winding turns, gravel, potential rockfalls, steep drops, and even animals popping out. The recommended speed is a snail's pace of 15 km/h for a reason! Most rental car companies won't cover you if you drive here, which tells you everything you need to know. Think 4x4 vehicle only, and leave the caravans and trailers at home. In winter, snow can shut things down completely. The road's history is as rugged as the landscape. Built during the gold rush between 1883 and 1890, it was an engineering marvel of its time, carved out of solid rock using black gunpowder and hand drills. It took 22 years! Even today, it looks much the same as it did back then. Despite its challenging nature, Skippers Canyon Road has become a major tourist attraction. People come from all over to experience the thrill of the drive, to bungy jump, or to go white-water rafting. It's even been featured in movies like *Lord of the Rings* and *Mission: Impossible*. This is not just a road; it's an experience etched into the very rock of New Zealand's history.
extremeMount Spec Road is a sensational drive in Paluma Range NP
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through North Queensland, Australia, on Mount Spec Road. This isn't just any drive; it's an experience! Think hairpin turns and breathtaking vistas as you wind your way up and down the range. This gem of a road, nestled in the Mount Spec ranges, took five years of hard work to build back in the '30s. Can you imagine the effort with limited machinery? Clocking in at just under 22 kilometers, connecting Barrett Road to Ewan Paluma Road, it’s short but sweet. Now, a word of caution: Mount Spec Road keeps you on your toes. We're talking steep inclines – some sections hitting a 15% gradient! Plus, it's narrow, and those edges? Railings are optional! It's a windy road, and if you're in a bus or campervan, take it slow and steady. Being inside Paluma Range National Park, keep an eye out for seasonal closures. Flooding in the wet season is common, and sometimes fires shut things down in the dry season. Oh, and you absolutely *have* to stop at the Crystal Creek bridge, built in 1933. It’s an arch bridge, still in use, and one of a kind in Queensland. Seriously, this road and that bridge are so special, they're officially recognized as Queensland Heritage sites!
moderateWhy is it called Binns Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Binns Track, a massive 2,191 km (1,361 miles) 4x4 adventure through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory. Starting near the South Australian border, it throws you into a world of mountains, deserts, and endless plains. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The Binns Track, named after a legendary NT park ranger, is seriously challenging and seriously remote. You absolutely need to be prepared before you even think about tackling it. Before you head out to the north-central part of the country, remember to keep an eye on the weather! Access can be tricky from December to May, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the scenery is unreal.
extreme1. Conquering Corrugations: Suspension and Chassis Fatigue
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of the Aussie Outback, ready to tackle a road that's over 1,000 km long. But hold up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think self-sufficient fuel and water for days. First up, the road itself? Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking bone-jarring corrugations that'll rattle your teeth loose. You'll definitely need some heavy-duty suspension and to drop those tyre pressures to around 20-25 PSI to save your chassis from metal fatigue. Next, fuel and water. Plan on carrying 150+ liters of fuel and 100 liters of water. This requires a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade to handle the load without snapping an axle if you hit a washout. Also, don't put all your eggs in one basket (or water in one tank) – multiple 20L jerry cans are your friend here, just in case of punctures. Then there's the local wildlife. Kangaroos, camels, cattle – they're all out there, especially at dawn and dusk. A sturdy steel bull bar isn't just for show; it's essential to protect your radiator. Speaking of night, try to avoid driving then if you can. If you must drive at night, you will need high-output LED driving lights to spot those reflective eyes over 500 meters away. Finally, the terrain itself can be treacherous. Be aware of "bull dust," the fine silt that hides ruts. Hitting one of those at speed can cause a rollover, so take dust clouds as seriously as you would fog. And after it rains, the tracks turn into a mud that will swallow you whole. Knowing when to wait it out (maybe for days!) is crucial.