Driving the Narrow Kiwi Road in Taranaki's Most Isolated Countryside
New Zealand, oceania
17.9 km
363 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventure seekers! Want a taste of real New Zealand? Then ditch the main drag and head to Kiwi Road in northern Taranaki!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking narrow, unpaved, and a little rough around the edges. Think winding tracks where two cars might have to play chicken. Plus, the edges are getting a bit crumbly, so leave the RV at home. But don't let that scare you off! It's a steep climb to 363m (1,190ft), but keep your speed down, and you'll be fine. Seriously, this feels more like a goat track in sections!
This 17.9 km (11.12 miles) gem runs from Moki Road to Okau Road, hugging State Highway 3 but offering a totally different vibe. Forget traffic jams – this is pure, isolated bliss through some of Taranaki's most stunning scenery. If you love nature, you'll be in heaven. Trust me, you'll want to build in time for photo stops – the views are insane!
The grand finale? The Kiwi Road Tunnel, a seriously cool, narrow tunnel built way back in 1915. At 154m (507ft) long, it's a tight squeeze and a total throwback. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Where is it?
Driving the Narrow Kiwi Road in Taranaki's Most Isolated Countryside is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.6693, 173.2733
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 17.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 363 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -40.6693, 173.2733
Related Roads in oceania
extremeSandover Highway is a very remote 4x4 track in the Northern Territory
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure on the Sandover Highway! This isn't your average road trip; it's a 561 km (349 mi) trek through the heart of the Northern Territory, stretching from the Plenty Highway (north of Alice Springs) all the way to the Barkly Highway near the Queensland border. Picture this: endless sand hills, bone-jarring corrugations, and vast, remote landscapes. This track was originally built for access to sprawling cattle stations, but now it's a haven for adventurous travelers. Be prepared to traverse historical pioneering country and the traditional lands of the Alyawarra people. The Sandover Highway is mostly unsealed, so a 4WD is your best friend after Ammaroo. Keep an eye out for bulldust and black-soil plains that turn into a sticky mess after rain. The best time to tackle this journey is during spring or autumn. Remember, the longest stretch between fuel stops is around 320 km, so plan accordingly. This is serious outback territory, so self-sufficiency is key. Pack plenty of water and ensure you're set up with communications – there's no mobile coverage out here. Keep an eye on your radiator, too; spinifex can easily block airflow and cause overheating. Careful driving is essential. And be aware that the eastern end of the highway and Alpurrurulam/Lash Nash can become completely inaccessible during the wet season due to flooding. Even a 4WD won't be able to handle the flooded black soil plains. So check conditions at Arlparra before you commit. This road is a true test of your vehicle and your stamina, but the scenery is worth every bump and rattle!
moderateWhat’s on the summit of Mount Matlock?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the south of Victoria, Australia, lies Mount Matlock, boasting a summit of 1,372m (4,501ft). What awaits you at the top? A seriously cool 37-meter fire tower, erected in '94 and bristling with comms gear. Don't expect to check your Insta though, cell service is a no-go. The route? We're talking Corn Hill Road – a full-on unpaved 4WD track that’ll get your tires dusty. You'll find it nestled within the stunning Yarra Ranges National Park. The off-road section is short and sweet – just 1.9 km (1.18 miles) from the C511 (Warburton-Woods Point Road). Don't let that fool you, though. You'll climb 167 meters with an average gradient of nearly 9%, so be prepared for a bit of a grunt. The scenery? Expect views to die for! Just remember to take it slow and steady and enjoy the ride.
moderateHow long is the Buntine Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Outback on the Buntine Highway in the western part of Australia's Northern Territory. This isn't your typical Sunday drive, though. We're talking 570 km (354 miles) of pure Aussie adventure! Starting near Delamere, you'll wind your way south and west towards the border with Western Australia. It’s named after Noel Buntine, a local legend who pioneered road trains and cattle driving. Think vast landscapes dotted with cattle stations and the occasional Indigenous community. It's like the Victoria Highway's cooler, less-traveled cousin. Now, here's the deal: While a good chunk of the 336km is sealed (paved), there's still about 222km of mostly paved roads to contend with. A 4x4 is definitely your friend here. Keep your eyes peeled, because there are blind corners galore. And heads up: about 20% of the road gets a little dicey – narrow spots where even the massive road trains have to squeeze by each other. But hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right?
hardThe haunted Street with No Name in Sydney
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, Sydney thrill-seekers, buckle up for a seriously spooky detour! Just west of the city lies a place locals whisper about – The Street With No Name. Officially, it's Maxwell Road in the Annandale suburb, but don't let the ordinary name fool you. This isn't your average scenic route. Picture a narrow, overgrown alleyway snaking alongside a light rail viaduct, right near Jubilee Park. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong! This little spot has a dark history, and the park, in particular, seems to have a seriously creepy vibe. Forget stunning vistas; this place is all about eerie feelings and unexplained phenomena. Visitors report feeling suffocated by fear and anxiety, hearing disembodied footsteps, and catching strange whiffs in the air. Dogs and little kids especially seem to pick up on something unsettling here. Maybe it's the history of unsolved murders, but something about this spot just feels…evil. So, if you're brave enough for a paranormal adventure, The Street With No Name awaits, but don't say I didn't warn you!