Driving the terrifying coastal road to Port Jackson in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
25.8 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Port Jackson is a cute beach town on New Zealand's North Island, famous for its awesome campsite. Getting there is half the fun, with a remote, narrow, winding gravel road that's easily one of the most scenic drives ever!
You'll find Port Jackson tucked away at the very northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, right on the beach.
The road, simply called Port Jackson Road, is completely unpaved right at the water's edge. It stretches for about 26 km from Colville Road to Port Jackson, a gorgeous, bumpy ride without those annoying washboard corrugations.
Heads up, though: you'll be hugging some serious drop-offs with massive cliffs and zero guardrails, so if you get vertigo easily, maybe keep your eyes on the road! There are also super narrow spots, so drive slow and hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way. The road took a beating in some recent storms, and while it's been patched up, expect some one-way sections and compromised areas.
A reliable 4WD is your best bet for this drive. Take it easy, and if you're towing anything, be prepared to reverse a bit if you meet another vehicle. Seriously, you might encounter some bigger rigs than yours.
The drive is all about those stunning coastal views! If heights aren't your thing, just focus on the road ahead. You'll have lush, hilly landscapes on one side and the wild ocean on the other. Think incredible beaches and endless outdoor adventures.
Allow around an hour for the drive without stops. It's pretty chill in winter, but during summer (especially mid-December to mid-January), it gets crazy busy with campervans, trucks, and boat-towing vehicles. Be extra careful, and if you're a new driver, maybe skip it during the Christmas holidays. An early start is always a good idea to beat the crowds.
Where is it?
Driving the terrifying coastal road to Port Jackson in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.5743, 175.0297
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 25.8 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -41.5743, 175.0297
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