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
Related Roads in oceania
extremeEyre Highway: driving 146km (91mi) without any turn
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Eyre Highway: Australia's Ultimate Outback Adventure Ready for one of Australia's most iconic road trips? The Eyre Highway stretches a massive 1,664 km (1,034 miles) across the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, connecting the goldfields town of Norseman in Western Australia to the bustling port city of Port Augusta in South Australia. This fully sealed route is completely drivable in a standard vehicle, making it accessible for any adventurous road tripper. What makes this highway truly legendary? It boasts what's arguably the longest straight stretch of road in the country—a mind-blowing 146.6 kilometres (91.1 mi) with zero turns between the tiny roadhouse communities of Balladonia and Caiguna. Named after explorer Edward John Eyre, this route was originally just a rough track when it opened between 1941-1942, but thankfully it's been progressively sealed. The final stretch was paved in 1976. Here's the reality of driving here: it's genuinely remote. While the eastern sections have some towns, the western half is seriously isolated. This remoteness has led to some creative solutions—sections of the road actually double as emergency airstrips for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, complete with painted runway markings. Services are spaced thoughtfully enough that you won't need to carry extra fuel, though not all stations run 24/7, so plan ahead if you're traveling after hours. The biggest hazards? Driver fatigue and wildlife. Kangaroos, emus, and camels roam freely across this landscape, and they're especially active at dawn and dusk when they're most likely to dart across the road. Some communities now offer free coffee to keep drivers alert and encourage well-needed breaks. Expect to spend 2-3 days driving this epic route. While it's undeniably long and sparse, that's exactly why it's considered one of Australia's greatest road trips—a raw, authentic experience of the real outback and the country's pioneering spirit.
moderateHow long is Oodnadatta Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to South Australia and want an epic outback adventure? Check out the Oodnadatta Track! This legendary dirt road stretches for 622km (386 miles), connecting Marree in the south to Marla in the northwest, offering a real alternative to the Stuart Highway if you're heading to the Northern Territory. So, how tough is it? Well, most vehicles can handle it when it's dry, but a 4WD will make the journey way more comfortable, and it's a must if there's been any rain. Think well-maintained gravel, but watch out for washouts, sandy patches, potholes, and those bone-jarring corrugations, especially between William Creek and Oodnadatta. You'll also be crossing a few creeks and rivers, usually dry though! When's the best time to go? Aim for April to October. Trust me, you do NOT want to be out there between November and March – it's brutally hot. How long will it take? Non-stop, you're looking at 11-13 hours, cruising at around 60-80 km/h. But you'll definitely want to stop and explore! This track follows an old Aboriginal trading route and the scenery is stunningly semi-desert. You'll be skirting the southern edge of Lake Eyre National Park, passing through outback settlements like William Creek and Oodnadatta. Keep an eye out for the remnants of old railway sidings and telegraph stations, like Coward Springs Campground (with its artesian spa!) and Curdimurka. Plus, there are tons of natural springs along the way, fed by the Great Artesian Basin. It's the perfect introduction to outback driving!
hardForgotten World Highway in NZ is a world's top drive
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# The Forgotten World Highway: New Zealand's Best-Kept Secret Looking for one of the most scenic drives in the world? The Forgotten World Highway might just be it. This remote and mysterious stretch of road on New Zealand's North Island is absolutely unforgettable. Running 149 kilometers (92.58 miles) along State Highway 43 from Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country, this route takes you through some seriously stunning terrain. The road winds through gorges, dense forests, and over four mountain saddles that'll make your jaw drop. Here's the thing though—this highway has earned itself a bit of a reputation. With its narrow sections and the notoriously slippery gravel surface in the Tangarakau Gorge, it's been ranked among New Zealand's top 10 trickiest roads. But don't let that scare you off. The gravel sections aren't being sealed anytime soon due to low traffic, which honestly just adds to the whole "forgotten" vibe of the place. The road has serious history too. Built on colonial bridle paths from the late 1800s, it took 50 years to complete—finally opening in 1945. This is New Zealand's oldest heritage trail, and you can feel that history as you drive. Plan for 2.5 to 3.5 hours if you're pushing through without stops, but seriously—don't rush this one. You'll want to linger for a couple of days. Don't miss the incredible Moki Tunnel (aka Hobbit's Hole), a hand-carved 180-meter adventure that'll blow your mind. The Tangarakau Gorge with its dramatic rapids and lush bush views is pure magic. You'll also encounter New Zealand's highest waterfall and a quirky town that declared itself an independent republic. Most regular vehicles handle this drive fine—just make sure your tank is full before you start, and watch out for wet conditions. It's a leisurely, dreamy drive through constantly changing landscapes that feels like you've discovered somewhere the rest of the world forgot about.
moderateTravel guide to the top of Porters Pass in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along State Highway 73, also known as the Great Alpine Highway, right in the heart of New Zealand's South Island. You're climbing up to Porters Pass, which tops out at a cool 948 meters (that's about 3,110 feet!). This beauty is smack-dab in the Canterbury region, specifically in the Torlesse Tussocklands Park, named after a couple of farming brothers back in '58. The road stretches for about 32.4 kilometers (or a little over 20 miles) between the alpine village of Castle Hill and the small town of Springfield. The whole route is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy dirt tracks. You can usually drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter – it can get a bit dicey and close temporarily if the weather turns nasty. But trust me, the views are totally worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the Canterbury Plains spread out below. Get ready for some serious photo ops!