Driving the scenic Tasman Valley Road in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
7.1 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about a gem on New Zealand's South Island: Tasman Valley Road! Picture this: you're cruising along a beautifully paved, winding road in Mt Cook National Park, heading straight towards the magnificent Tasman Glacier.
This road, upgraded from a gravel track back in 2014, is your gateway to adventure. We're talking Wakefield Falls (a total stunner!), the best views of the Tasman Glacier, and the serene Lake Tasman. Feeling adventurous? Pop over to the Blue Lakes for a summer swim and keep your eyes peeled for the tiny Rifleman bird!
Starting just off State Highway 80, south of Aoraki/Mount Cook, this 7.1 km (4.41 miles) stretch ends in a handy parking area – perfect for a picnic with epic views. (Just don't take your car on that rough 4x4 track beyond the carpark!)
Word of warning: the weather here can change in a heartbeat, so pack accordingly. It's usually open year-round, but heavy snow can close it down. And watch out for sandflies – bug spray is your friend!
The drive itself only takes about 15-25 minutes without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. This road sees around 60,000 visitors each year, all eager to soak in the incredible sights of the 27 km long Tasman Glacier. Get ready for views that'll blow your mind!
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Tasman Valley Road in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.9864, 174.5763
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 7.1 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -41.9864, 174.5763
Related Roads in oceania
hardMount Blue Rag: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Victorian High Country of Australia, you'll find Mount Blue Rag – a proper 4WD challenge sitting at a whopping 1,715m (5,626ft) above sea level! This isn't for your average city car; we're talking high clearance and nerves of steel! The track itself? Think 15.9 km (9.87 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel glory. Starting from the Dargo High Plains Road, you'll snake your way up to the summit before descending towards the Wongungarra river. This alpine track is high, rough, and seriously scenic. Expect steep climbs, heart-stopping descents, and precarious edges with drop-offs that will make you think twice! Keep a close eye on the weather, because snow can hit anytime, and the Dargo High Plains Road closes completely during the snow season. Seriously, check before you go. This isn't a beginner's track. It demands four-wheel driving skills, sharp focus, and maybe a friend or two (two vehicles are definitely recommended!). Some of those turns are so tight, you'll be doing some serious maneuvering. And when it rains, the ruts get real, making the thin, steep path even trickier. But oh, the views! This track is an amazing way to experience the Alpine National Park. Be respectful and drive carefully. The 360º views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, but getting there will definitely give you an adrenaline rush!
hardTrans Access Road runs through some of the most isolated areas of Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Ready for an epic Aussie outback adventure? The Trans Access Road is a seriously long, unsealed track connecting Western and South Australia, clocking in at a massive 993km! Think of it as a rugged companion to the Trans-Australian railway line, built way back in 1917. It's the only way for emergency services to reach the railway along much of its WA stretch, linking eight lonely Nullarbor stations. Starting just east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the road heads straight east alongside the railway, right to the WA/SA border, slicing through some seriously remote Aussie landscape. You'll need a proper 4x4 for this one. Expect thick dust in the dry season and potential boggy conditions or washouts when it's wet. Be ready for corrugations, potholes, and rocky patches! The track can be narrow, with overhanging trees adding to the challenge. Keep an eye on the weather – things can change fast out here. The scenery? Endless red dirt that somehow keeps changing, but mostly it's...nothing. Elevation tops out at 407m (1,335ft). Services are scarce, so you absolutely need to plan ahead. Stock up on food, water, and fuel like your life depends on it (because it kinda does!). Seriously, carry lots of water and fuel. Night driving? Best avoided. Phone reception is spotty, so don't rely on it.
hardHow long is Queen Charlotte Drive?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Drive in New Zealand's South Island is a must-do! This incredible coastal route connects Havelock and Picton, winding for about 33 km (20.6 miles) between the towns. While it's fully paved and open year-round, don't expect to break any speed records! The road climbs gently, but its twists and turns will keep you at around 40km/hour – but trust me, the views are SO worth it. Picture this: turquoise bays peeking through lush ferns. Magical, right? Keep an eye out for cyclists, as it's a popular route for them. The road can be narrow in sections with plenty of bends. Plan for about 50-70 minutes of driving if you don't stop, but you'll want to budget extra time to soak it all in! The drive hugs the southern shore of Mahakipawa Arm, showcasing hidden bays and native forests. Honestly, the views are some of the best you'll find in New Zealand, and there are tons of lookout points along the way. Take it slow, be careful, and pull over when you can to really enjoy the awesome scenery! You'll meander through peaceful views of the iconic Marlborough Sounds, fringed with native forest that is unforgettable.
extremeCan you drive to the Remarkables?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
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!