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
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