How Long is Lake Ohau Road?

How Long is Lake Ohau Road?

New Zealand, oceania

Length

39.8 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand's Mackenzie High Country, ready for an adventure. Jump in your car and head north of the Twizel-Omarama Road (SH8) to find the Lake Ohau Road. For the first 23 kilometers, it's smooth sailing on asphalt. But then, the real fun begins as the road turns into gravel! This 40-kilometer (25-mile) beauty hugs the southern and western shores of Lake Ohau, a glacial lake that's totally worth the drive. Seriously, with towering mountains and the iconic Southern Alps as your backdrop, you'll be stopping every five minutes for photos. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride once the pavement ends!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
39.8 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

Driving the road to Mount Cook is an absolute must in NZeasy

Driving the road to Mount Cook is an absolute must in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the South Island of New Zealand, Canterbury region, with the unreal turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki shimmering beside you. This is Mount Cook Road, people, and it's legendary! We're talking State Highway 80 vibes, but way more scenic. The road hugs the western shore of that milky-blue lake, mostly straight with gentle curves, so the driving's a breeze. Keep an eye out for a one-lane bridge near Mount Cook National Park, though. Clocking in at about 55 km (34 miles), this beauty stretches from Ben Ohau to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village – aka Mt Cook Village – nestled 718m (2,355ft) high in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, smack-dab between Christchurch and Queenstown. Sure, you *could* drive it in under an hour, but trust me, you won't want to. Every turn is a photo op! Seriously, you'll be pulling over constantly to soak in the views. Peters Lookout is *the* spot – an iconic vantage point with Mount Cook perfectly framed by the lake. And as you leave the lake behind, BAM! Mount Cook itself dominates the landscape. 360-degree awesomeness guaranteed. Fun fact: this area played a starring role in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit Trilogies'! It's one of the South Island's top coastal road trips for a reason. Being high in the Southern Alps, the road's generally open year-round, but winter travelers, listen up! Pack your chains and be ready for sudden weather changes and possible road closures due to snow. The original road up the valley dates back to the late 1800s, but thankfully, it was fully paved in '76. Get ready for an epic adventure!

Why is Tebrakunna Road Famous?hard

Why is Tebrakunna Road Famous?

🌍 Tasmania

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the North-East of Tassie, you'll find Tebrakunna Road, a bit of a wild card. Think of it as your backroad escape between Goshen and Herrick, a detour from the more traveled Tasman Highway. Don't expect any big tourist traps here, but do expect a whole lotta sprawling state forest vibes. Now, fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. You'll find both smooth sailing on sealed bits and some rugged unpaved sections that'll keep you on your toes. This beauty clocks in at roughly , stretching from near Pioneer in the west to Ansons Bay Road (C843) in the east. Heads up! Back in '07, a big flood took out the bridge over the Ringarooma River at Pioneer. But fear not, a shiny new concrete bridge is in place. So, gear up for an unforgettable journey through Tasmania's untamed landscapes!

Driving the challenging coastal road to Stony Bay in NZhard

Driving the challenging coastal road to Stony Bay in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Stony Bay on the North Island of New Zealand, get ready for an off-road thrill! This hidden gem lies at the eastern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, beckoning you with its promise of unspoiled beauty and the awesome Stony Bay Campsite. The road in, Stony Bay Road, is a 6.7 km (4.16 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated gravelly goodness starting from Port Charles. Now, don't be fooled by the distance – this isn't your average Sunday drive. While it's nice and quiet in winter, come summertime (especially mid-December to mid-January), this road gets BUSY. Expect campervans, trucks, and boat-towing rigs galore! My advice? Start early to beat the rush. Seriously, if you're a newbie driver, maybe skip this one during the Christmas holidays. Why the warning? Well, the road is narrow, unsealed, winding, and remote. Think tight corners and limited passing spots. Be prepared to reverse a bit to let others through, especially those hauling boats or trailers. Rainy weather? Expect a slippery surface. Slow and steady wins the race on this one! But hey, the scenery is incredible, so take your time and enjoy the ride!

Mount St Gwinearmoderate

Mount St Gwinear

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, so you're heading to Victoria, Australia? You HAVE to check out Mount St Gwinear, nestled at the north-east end of Baw Baw National Park. This peak sits at a cool 1,299m (4,261ft) above sea level. The road up there, Mount St Gwinear Road, is a 12.9 km gravel track that kicks off from the C481. Don't let the relatively short distance fool you - you'll climb 610 meters, with an average gradient of 4.72%. Word of warning: the weather can flip on a dime, so pack accordingly! And if you're visiting during the snowy months, wheel chains are a MUST. They're not just recommended, they're compulsory. This road can get super treacherous in winter. The scenery? Absolutely stunning! Just keep your eyes on the road, especially during those tricky winter conditions.