Desert Road is a rather remote drive of NZ
New Zealand, oceania
63 km
1,078 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through New Zealand's North Island? You HAVE to experience the Desert Road! This iconic stretch of State Highway 1 carves right through Rangipo's Desert.
It's a smooth, paved ride, all 63 km (39 miles) of it, slicing across this unique alpine desert landscape.
Think of it as a connecting line between the charming towns of Turangi (near the North Island Volcanic Plateau) and Waiouru, further south.
The name? It's all about the raw, untamed location. Rangipo Desert (Te Onetapu) is a wild, almost otherworldly environment. The weather can be pretty intense, making the drive an adventure in itself!
Built back in the 40s to boost tourism, this road is seriously remote. The landscape is barren and mostly uninhabited, so be prepared! The weather can flip in an instant, and the wind is relentless. It whips across the desert, blasting everything with icy gusts, especially in winter.
The road peaks at a cool 1,078m (3,536ft) – supposedly the highest point on New Zealand's highway network! Expect closures in winter due to snow and ice. Those mountain winds? They’re brutal, like a frozen knife!
Without stops, the drive takes about an hour to an hour and ten minutes, but trust me, you'll want to stop! This is an unforgettable road trip. Think mind-blowing scenery, epic landscapes, and incredible views of the Tongariro National Park's volcanoes. Oh, and did I mention? The Black Gate of Mordor from Lord of the Rings was filmed here!
Where is it?
Desert Road is a rather remote drive of NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.3609, 174.6929
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 63 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,078 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -41.3609, 174.6929
Related Roads in oceania
extremeThe road to Mount Barrow is worth the white-knuckle drive
🌍 Tasmania
# Mount Barrow: Tasmania's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for a thrilling mountain drive that'll get your heart pumping? Mount Barrow, sitting pretty at 1,359m (4,458ft) in northeastern Tasmania near Launceston, is calling your name—but fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart or anyone queasy around hairpin turns on dirt roads. Welcome to one of the world's most breathtaking drives. The journey starts innocuously enough on the paved A3, then transitions to Mount Barrow Road (C404), an entirely unpaved route that's narrow, winding, and absolutely spectacular. The first 10km cruises along a well-maintained gravel surface through rolling farmland and forests—pretty chill, actually. But here's where things get spicy. Once you hit the Mount Barrow State Reserve boundary (complete with parking and picnic areas), the real adventure begins. Beyond this point, the road officially welcomes only 4WD vehicles, and honestly, you'll see why. Think intense switchbacks rivaling the famous Jacobs Ladder nearby, with gradients hitting 16% and a total elevation gain of 1,027 meters over 16.1km. That's an average gradient of 6.37% for those keeping score. You're looking at 45-60 minutes of white-knuckle driving, depending on how many photo stops you take. The final 1.5km breaks the tree line around 1,000m elevation, revealing the most stunning panoramic vistas of the Tamar Valley and eastern mountains you'll ever see. Heads up though: winter's no joke here. The road closes periodically due to snow (which hits around 1,100m), and road conditions can deteriorate significantly. This is Tasmania's closest regular snowfall location to Launceston, so 4WD is genuinely essential during colder months. At the summit, you'll find transmission facilities powering northeast Tasmania's TV and radio signals—plus those truly epic views. Absolutely worth the drive.
hardHow long is the Blue Rag track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Craving an Aussie off-road adventure? Blue Rag Range Track, nestled in Victoria's High Country, is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a remote and challenging 15.9km (9.87 miles) of pure 4WD heaven. Starting from Dargo High Plains Road, you'll wind your way along a rough gravel track to the Wongungarra River. Get ready for rocky, steep climbs and descents along those precarious mountain edges! How high does it get? You'll be scaling the heights of the Australian Alps, topping out at 1,715m (5,626ft) near Mount Blue Rag. Keep an eye on the weather, though – snow can fall anytime! Dargo High Plains Road might even be closed during the snow season, so check ahead. Is it tough? You bet! This isn't a trail for beginners. We're talking tight, narrow sections, tricky turns, and steep climbs with serious drop-offs on either side. Some turns require multiple attempts, and ruts can form during rainy days. Grab your experienced friends and a second vehicle for safety. Allow 2-3 hours for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to take longer. The breathtaking scenery of Alpine National Park is a visual feast, and the 360º views from the summit of Blue Rag are simply awesome. Just remember to drive responsibly!
easyIs Kakadu Highway Paved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay adventurers, picture this: The Kakadu Highway, smack-dab in the Northern Territory of Australia. Think "Outback" but with even more wow-factor. So, is it paved? Yep, you're good to go in your regular ride. We're talking serious distance here: this beauty stretches out. And get this, you'll be cruising at a chill 262m (859ft) above sea level. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering wildlife! You might spot a big one hanging out on the highway near the southern end of the park, so please drive cautiously. Now, a word of caution: you're in the tropics, baby! The tropical savanna climate means things can get wild. Think epic storms, flooding, and road closures. So, check conditions before you go.
hardTop 10 Most Dangerous Roads in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand, ready for an epic drive! But hold on, some of these roads are *not* for the faint of heart. First up, a road so intense you need a permit to even attempt it! Think crazy sharp turns and sheer drops of hundreds of meters. Hope you're good at reversing, because if you meet someone coming the other way, one of you is backing up – maybe for MILES. Then there's the highest main road in the country, snaking between Queenstown and Wanaka, topping out at 1,121m. Hairpin bends and steep drop-offs? Yep, it's got 'em! But don't let that scare you off! The Milford Road is a MUST for its stunning scenery – think waterfalls, rainforests, and rivers. This is where much of *Lord of the Rings* was filmed. Feeling adventurous? The Cardrona Pass is a winding thrill ride that'll challenge even the most experienced drivers. The Forgotten World Highway lives up to its name – 148 km of rugged countryside, mountain climbs, and river gorges. Make sure to check out Mount Damper Falls. The Takaka Hill Road traces the Takaka and Riwaka Rivers, climbing to 791m. It's not crazy dangerous, but those steep, winding bends demand your full attention. For a truly unique experience, head to the Urewera National Park. This 121 km road is mostly gravel, and you might just encounter the local Tūhoe people on horseback. If you love rally driving, you'll adore the Catlins Coast Road! Explore the coast and maybe even venture into the forest. Up for a challenge? Drive to the Taupo Volcanic Zone in Tongariro National Park. It's one of the highest roads in the country, and the unpredictable weather adds an extra layer of excitement! Finally, there's the road to Wakefield Falls. It's only 7.2 km, but notorious for its high winds and ever-changing weather. The Tasman Glacier? Absolutely breathtaking.