How do you get to Mount Hutt?
New Zealand, oceania
14.1 km
1,597 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Mt Hutt Ski Area in New Zealand's South Island? Awesome! Getting there is half the adventure. The road, officially called Mount Hutt Skifield Road, kicks off from Mclennans Bush Road and winds its way up, up, up for 14.1 kilometers.
Built back in the '70s, this isn't your average paved highway. It's a dirt road that climbs a whopping 1173 meters, taking you to 1.597m (5,239ft) above sea level. If you're feeling extra adventurous, check out the chairlift service road near the resort (-43.484616, 171.532040), which is one of the highest roads in the country that climbs up to 2.062m (6,765ft) above sea level. Expect some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients that max out at 24%! Plus, those corners can be tight and barrier-free.
Keep in mind that this road is at the mercy of Mother Nature. Being high up in the Southern Alps, it can get icy, muddy, and downright slippery. Closures are common in bad weather, and with around 4 meters of snowfall a season, you'll want to pack chains just in case. On a clear day, though, a 2WD should handle it fine and the views? Totally worth it!
Where is it?
How do you get to Mount Hutt? is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -43.4846, 171.5320
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 14.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,597 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -43.4846, 171.5320
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow To Travel The Great Central Road of Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Ready for the ultimate Aussie adventure? The Great Central Road carves right through the heart of Australia, connecting the Northern Territory and Western Australia in an unforgettable drive. Think of it as a highlight reel from the 2,800 km Outback Way, with the Great Central Road section clocking in at a cool 1,107 km (688 miles). This legendary road stretches from Laverton in Western Australia's Goldfields-Esperance region all the way to the Lasseter Highway near Yulara in the Northern Territory. Along the way, get ready for a landscape that seriously delivers. We're talking sacred Aboriginal lands, wide-open spaces that stretch to the horizon, and dramatic mountain ranges that'll have you reaching for your camera. Now, let's be real – this isn't your average Sunday drive. While the road is regularly maintained, you will likely encounter corrugations, bulldust, potholes lurking in disguise, rocky bits, and soft, sandy riverbeds. Road conditions are always changing, and heavy rains can make sections impassable. Aim for April to October for cooler temps and lower chances of rain-induced closures. About 10,000 vehicles make this trek each year, proving that the adventure is worth it. Just remember, you're heading into remote desert scrub country. Facilities are few and far between, so communications equipment is a must. A 4WD is highly recommended, but a sturdy 2WD can also handle it. Caravans? Only if they're built for serious off-road conditions.
moderateTravel guide to the top of Rawson Pass
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure awaits in New South Wales, Australia! Rawson Pass is one of the highest roads in the country, clocking in at a cool 2,124m (6,968ft) above sea level. Deep in the Snowy Mountains, this 8-kilometre (5 miles) track – known as Summit Road – kicks off from Charlotte Pass. Forget smooth asphalt, you'll be bumping along on a gravel and rocky surface, so buckle up! Fun fact: back in the day (until 1977), you could actually drive right up to Mount Kosciuszko's summit via Rawson Pass. These days, you'll have to leave the car behind due to environmental concerns. Now it's a walking track, and cyclists can even ride part of the way up, although they need to park their bikes at Rawson Pass before tackling the final summit hike. Hidden within Kosciuszko National Park, the views alone make this trip worthwhile. Camera? Essential! You'll cruise past the famous Snowy River and Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass sits at the base of Australia's tallest peak, so expect stunning vistas of the main mountain range. Oh, and a bonus? You'll find Australia's highest public toilets right here. The path crosses the Snowy River after 4.5 km, and then steadily climbs to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), and ultimately, the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.
hardBlue Rag Range Track is only for 4WD cars with good clearance
🇦🇺 Australia
Deep in Australia's Victorian High Country lies the Blue Rag Range Track, an off-road adventure that's not for the faint of heart. This remote track, clocking in at just under 16km, is strictly 4WD territory – you'll need good clearance to tackle it. Starting from the Dargo High Plains Road, it's a wild ride to the Wongungarra River. This rough gravel track snakes across the range, boasting some of the highest alpine views in the country. Expect rocky, steep climbs, nail-biting descents, and precarious mountain edges that'll keep you on your toes. Reaching a peak elevation of 1,715m (5,626ft) near Mount Blue Rag, you're in true Australian Alps territory. Keep an eye on the weather – snow can fall unexpectedly, and the Dargo High Plains Road closes during the snow season. This track is a serious challenge, demanding off-road expertise and a sharp eye. Think rocky climbs, steep descents, and major drop-offs. Some sections are incredibly narrow with tight turns and steep inclines. The views are epic, but the sheer drops can be unnerving. It’s best tackled with at least two vehicles and experienced drivers. Rainy days mean ruts and extra difficulty. Allow 2-3 hours for a non-stop drive, but you'll want to stop and soak in the views, turning it into a longer experience. The track delivers breathtaking Alpine National Park scenery with 360º views at the summit that make every nerve-wracking moment worthwhile.
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Lindis Pass in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through New Zealand's South Island, and BAM! You hit Lindis Pass, a seriously stunning mountain pass that tops out at 966 meters (that's 3,169 feet for my imperial friends). It's the highest point on the South Island's state highway network, marking the border between Canterbury and Otago, linking Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. We're talking State Highway 8 here, so it's all paved and smooth, stretching for about 80 km (or 49 miles) from Tarras to Omarama. The summit's got a little parking lot and a lookout, perfect for soaking in those views of the Lindis Conservation Area and its snow tussock grasslands. Want a little detour? Before you hit the pass from Omarama, you could take a quick trip down Ahuriri Valley and loop back on Birchwood Road (but heads up, that one's gravel). Now, a word of warning: the weather here is WILD. It's usually open year-round, but expect heavy snow and icy patches, especially in winter. We're talking snow right up to the roadside for a good chunk of the year. Plus, the road's pretty curvy with some steep sections (up to 10%!), so keep your speed down. You might *think* you can do 100 km/h, but trust me, you probably won't. But hey, who needs speed when you've got views like this? Get ready for an unforgettable drive!