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
hardStockton Beach 4wd Track is a scenic journey seaside in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an epic seaside adventure on the Stockton Beach 4WD Track in New South Wales, Australia! Just an hour north of Newcastle, this 30km (18-mile) stretch of pure adrenaline runs from Williamtown to Anna Bay, cutting through the stunning Worimi Regional Park. This isn't your average beach cruise—you'll need a proper 4WD with high and low range to tackle these dunes. We're talking about the massive Stockton sand dunes, some towering up to 30 meters high! These beauties on Australia’s East coast are steep, thrilling, and require your full attention. Give climbing vehicles plenty of space, stick to the waterfront, and definitely deflate those tires before hitting the sand. Oh, and don't forget your permit! Keep in mind, this place gets packed during summer and holidays. High tide can make things tricky (or even impassable), so aim for low tide – ideally, avoid driving two hours before or after. Low tide means harder sand closer to the water, making the drive smoother and safer. Just remember: no sudden turns or brakes! An air compressor is a must-have, and never approach a vehicle climbing a dune from behind. Always drive straight down dunes; angling it is a recipe for disaster. Storms can shut the track down, so always check conditions before you go. Did you know this beach was a star in the original "Mad Max" movie? Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defenses along the way, and marvel at being on the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere!
hardIs Baldwin Street in New Zealand the world's steepest residential street?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand. It's famed as the world's steepest residential street, and trust me, it lives up to the hype! Picture this: you're in the North East Valley, just outside Dunedin's city center on the South Island, ready to tackle this crazy incline. This 350-meter (1,150 feet) stretch of paved road goes from North Road to Buchanan Street, and it's named after some Otago big-wig, William Baldwin. Now, the climb. The craziest section is concrete, not asphalt, because on hot days, the asphalt would melt and slide right down the hill! This beast hits a gradient of 35%, meaning for every few steps you take forward, you're going WAY up. Seriously, it's like climbing a wall! It'll take you about 10 minutes to walk the whole thing, and when you're done, you'll have earned some serious bragging rights. This street is a magnet for tourists and adrenaline junkies, and once you experience it, you'll know why!
moderateWhen was the Tablelands Highway built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ready for a true Aussie outback experience? The Tablelands Highway (aka State Route 11) in the Northern Territory is calling your name! Built back in the 60s to move cattle, this baby is remote. We're talking *no* towns, *no* services for the entire length. Picture this: 375 km (233 miles) of single-lane sealed road stretching from Barkly Homestead. Yes, it's bitumen all the way, but hold your horses! Some spots are rough, with a narrow strip of bitumen. Thankfully, traffic is light. It's undulating terrain, caravan-friendly, and generally open year-round. Now, for the nitty-gritty: If you see a vehicle coming—especially a road train—slow *way* down and get completely off the road. Trust me on this one. Also, watch out for washouts on the shoulders after rain. Oh, and cattle! This is unfenced country, so expect to share the road with our bovine friends. Keep your eyes peeled!
extremeWhat are the highest roads in New Zealand?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, adventure junkies, picture this: New Zealand! Smack-dab in the southwest Pacific, it's like Mother Nature's ultimate playground. Think two main islands (plus a bunch of tiny ones), but the star of the show is definitely the Southern Alps. These giants run the whole length of the South Island, creating a seriously dramatic backdrop. Because of these mountains and all the glaciers, fiords, and volcanic craziness, getting around New Zealand is an adventure in itself. But that's what makes it so awesome, right? It means winding roads and sky-high passes that'll take your breath away. Get ready to explore some of the most untamed and beautiful spots on the planet!