Driving the sensational road to the Remarkables in Queenstown

Craving a mountain adventure? Head to The Remarkables, a ski resort way up in Otago, New Zealand's South Island! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to 1,622m (that's 5,321ft!). You'll be cruising on Remarkables Road, a 13.2 km (8.2 mi) stretch starting from State Highway 6, south of Queenstown. But wait, there's more! A service road at the resort can take you even higher, up to 1,844m (6,049ft).

Now, about the road itself: Picture this – narrow sections winding through breathtaking scenery. The higher you go, the more likely you are to be floating *above* the clouds! It used to be a bit of a wild ride, but now it's much safer thanks to guardrails. The first 10km are paved, and the last 3km are gravel, but well-maintained. Get ready for steep climbs and hairpin turns—bottom gear is your friend here. We're talking a maximum gradient of 15% in spots and an average of nearly 10% overall.

The road is usually open year-round, but snow can change things fast. Chains are a good idea after a snowfall; signs will tell you if they're needed for your vehicle type. If you're not feeling the drive, hop on a shuttle!

Why "The Remarkables"? Some say it's because they're one of the few ranges running directly north to south. Locals whisper that early settlers were so blown away by the sunset views that they just *had* to call them "remarkable."

The views? Unforgettable. Even without stopping, the drive takes about 25 minutes. But you WILL want to stop. Prime photo ops are around the 4km and 6km marks, with epic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers meeting. Get ready to say "wow!"