Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Old Woman Range

Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Old Woman Range

New Zealand, oceania

Length

19.9 km

Elevation

1,739 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving some serious off-road thrills in New Zealand, then the Old Woman Range in Otago needs to be on your radar. This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 1,739m (5,705ft), making it one of the highest roads in the whole country!

Tucked away near the northern Southland border, inside the Kopuwai Conservation Area, this peak rewards you with insane panoramic views from the summit, especially from the mountain hut perched right on top. Think classic Central Otago landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.

But here's the deal: getting there is half the adventure... and a real test for your vehicle! This is a super bumpy, entirely unpaved track that follows an old gold mining route. Seriously, a 4WD is non-negotiable.

The journey kicks off from Nevis and spans almost 20 km (12.36 miles) of pure off-road goodness. Keep in mind access is restricted to summer and only when it's dry. This area can get slammed with severe weather, and even a summer day can turn nasty fast. Mobile coverage is non-existent, so be prepared. Also, never go alone – you’re unlikely to see other vehicles out there!

Where is it?

Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Old Woman Range is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.3848, 174.8416

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
19.9 km
Max Elevation
1,739 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-41.3848, 174.8416

Related Roads in oceania

Travel Guide to Wolvi Mountain and Salmon Lookouthard

Travel Guide to Wolvi Mountain and Salmon Lookout

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Noosa hinterland of Queensland, Australia, awaits Wolvi Mountain, peaking at 373m (1,223ft) above sea level. Your destination? Salmon Lookout, perched at the summit. This old fire tower (now more about epic views than fires) boasts seriously awesome panoramas stretching across beaches, rolling hills, and lush farmland. Pack a picnic, because you'll want to soak it all in! Getting there is half the fun. Wolvi Mountain Road, a completely unpaved track, winds its way to the top. While a 4WD is ideal for this rough-and-tumble dirt road, regular cars can make it when conditions are dry. Just keep an eye out for a farm gate about 1km from the lookout—open it, drive through, and don't forget to close it behind you! It's locked up in the evenings. The climb itself is a good one! Starting from Gympie Kin Kin Pomona Road, the 5.6 km (3.47 miles) ascent gains a solid 219 meters. With an average gradient of 3.91%, it’s steep enough to be interesting but totally doable. Get ready for some stunning views and a taste of the real Aussie outback!

Waikawau Tunnel Beach was cut with picks and shovelshard

Waikawau Tunnel Beach was cut with picks and shovels

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, somewhere between Marokopa and Awakino. You're heading for Waikawau Beach, and the only way in is through a crazy-cool tunnel. Waikawau Road is a bit of a wild ride to get to, winding its way along the coast, but trust me, it's worth it. Then you get to the tunnel. This isn't just any tunnel; it's 80 meters long and carved right through the sandstone cliffs. Back in 1911, some hardcore workers dug it out by hand so farmers could move cattle. Now, it's just for pedestrians, adding a touch of adventure to your beach trip. Emerging from the tunnel is like stepping into another world. You're greeted by a totally isolated black sand beach. This hidden gem on the King County coast is the perfect reward for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Is there a road through the Simpson Desert?moderate

Is there a road through the Simpson Desert?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, buckle up, because the French Line in central Australia's Simpson Desert is calling your name! This is *the* most direct route across the desert, stretching 262km (162 miles) from Poeppel Corner to Dalhousie Springs. Think endless red sand dunes – we're talking over 1200 of 'em! – and landscapes that'll take your breath away. Seriously, you'll feel like you're on another planet. Now, it's not all sunshine and roses. This track is totally unpaved and seriously demanding, with super soft sand the norm. Many of the dunes are tricky, rutted and bumpy. You'll need a heavy-duty 4WD, plenty of extra fuel, water, and a good UHF CB radio, or even better, a satellite phone. Lowering your tire pressure is essential! You’ll also find salt lakes, which are normally firm, but when wet, they become very sticky and sometimes impassable, forcing detours. Leave the trailer at home for this one! Plan on about 4 days for the crossing, and keep your vehicle as light as possible. April to October is prime time to visit (the desert's closed December to mid-March due to scorching summer heat). Pack at least seven liters of water per person per day, plus emergency supplies. This is an adventure where self-sufficiency is key!

How long is the Zig Zag Scenic Drive?hard

How long is the Zig Zag Scenic Drive?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Zig Zag Scenic Drive, a wild one-way adventure carved into the side of the Darling Ranges, right in Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 2.9km (1.8 miles) descent through Gooseberry Hill National Park that'll have you on the edge of your seat. We're talking hairpin turns, people! This narrow bitumen ribbon of road twists and turns, offering up a constantly changing landscape. One minute you're hugging rock faces, the next you're peering over steep drops with panoramic views stretching all the way to Perth city and the Indian Ocean. Originally, this zig-zagging route was part of a railway line hauling timber, but now it's a photographer's dream and a birdwatcher's paradise. Just be warned, it's narrow with limited pull-off spots, so share the road with cyclists and pedestrians. It's a popular spot, but with a 40km/h speed limit! The road opens at 11 am and closes at 8:30 pm seven days per week. And while the views are killer, be aware that some drivers can get a little rowdy with the screeching tires. But don't let that stop you – the Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a must-do for anyone chasing stunning scenery and a bit of an adrenaline rush.