
How to Drive the Unsealed Lake Road in New Zealand's Eastern North Island
New Zealand, oceania
57 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Lake Road in New Zealand's North Island, heading straight for the gorgeous Lake Waikaremoana, right in the heart of Tuhoe country. Seriously, the views are epic!
You'll find this gem nestled in the northern Hawke's Bay region, right inside Te Urewera National Park. It's part of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (also known as New Zealand State Highway 38), and honestly, most cars can handle it. Just be ready for stretches of gravel road that wind through lush rainforest and past cute little towns.
Clocking in at 57 km (35 miles) from Frasertown, things get interesting after you cross that one-way bridge over the Aniwaniwa Stream where it becomes Waikaremoana Road.
Take it slow, folks! The road is narrow, twisty, and you won't see tons of other cars. The gravel keeps the crowds away, which is kinda nice, but also means you need to be alert. The whole drive is a rollercoaster through the park, so buckle up for some adventure!
Where is it?
How to Drive the Unsealed Lake Road in New Zealand's Eastern North Island is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.9844, 174.1265
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 57 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -40.9844, 174.1265
Related Roads in oceania
moderateGet behind the wheels for Thunderbolts Way
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
Get ready for an Aussie adventure on Thunderbolts Way! This 305km (189 miles) stretch winds through the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, named after the legendary Captain Thunderbolt. Built back in the late 50s, this road takes you through seriously dense, mountainous forests, practically surrounded by national parks and nature reserves. Keep your eyes peeled for some incredible views around every bend! Just a heads-up: Thunderbolts Way is fully paved but can get pretty narrow and a bit rough in spots, with some potholes to keep you on your toes. It's probably best to leave the caravan at home for this one. Starting from Inverell, near the Queensland border, you'll head south towards Gloucester. Be prepared for some serious hills and twists โ we're talking up to 20% gradients in places! If you're towing anything, think hard about whether to tackle this one. Plus, the weather can get pretty wild, so maybe skip it if it's raining. Factor in around 3.5 to 4.5 hours of driving time if you're going non-stop, but trust me, you'll want to pull over at the viewpoints along the way. This drive is all about the scenery!
moderateMount Hotham is the highest point on the Great Alpine Road
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about tackling Mount Hotham in Victoria, Australia! Perched way up high at 1,862m (6,109ft), it's the ultimate high point on the legendary Great Alpine Road (B500). Since way back in '97, the road to the top has been fully sealed, making it the highest paved road in the whole country! Speaking of the Great Alpine Road (B500), this epic journey stretches for a whopping 303 km (188 mi). Nestled in the Victorian Alps, this beauty, affectionately known as the GAR, is one of Australia's highest roads. It's usually open even in winter, but be warned, snow can throw a wrench in your plans, especially between Harrietville and Omeo. During snow season, diamond-pattern snow chains are a must. The route gets hit with snow frequently during the winter and needs daily clearing. Mother Nature can be a bit temperamental here, so closures aren't uncommon. Chains are available for rent on either side of the road, so you're covered. The Hotham Pass itself is a 32.6 km (20.25 miles) stretch linking Harrietville to Hotham Heights. The climb from Harrietville isn't crazy steep, but you'll still want to pay attention. You'll be sharing the road, and things can get a little tight in spots. Keep your eyes peeled because some sections have seriously steep drop-offs right next to the road, and sometimes there aren't any crash barriers. The views though? Totally worth it!
hardA beautiful and harrowing road to Eaglehawk Lookout
๐ Tasmania
Okay, picture this: you're on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, itching for adventure. Forget the smooth, predictable routes and head straight for Eaglehawk Lookout! This little gem sits way up high at 351 meters (that's over 1,150 feet!). The road to get there, Plateau Road, is where the real fun begins. Forget pavement โ this is a wild, unsealed track winding its way to the top. We're talking serious potholes and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 with good clearance for this one! The 8.1-kilometer (5-mile) journey kicks off from the Arthur Highway and plunges straight into Tasman National Park. And get ready for some serious climbs, because this road isn't messing around, boasting gradients up to 15%! But, oh my goodness, the views! As you ascend, you'll be treated to incredible vistas of the rugged coastline, Eaglehawk Neck, and Pirates Bay far below. It's a bumpy ride, but those views? Totally worth it.
extremeWhy Was The Zigzag Considered Dangerous?
๐ณ๐ฟ New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the middle of New Zealand's South Island, cruising through Arthurs Pass National Park. Epic, right? You're on State Highway 73, but forget the boring highway part โ this is an adventure! Now, let's talk about a former white-knuckle section nicknamed "The Zigzag." This part of the road used to climb a steep section on a constantly shifting scree slope. Imagine trying to maintain a road thatโs always being eaten away by erosion, flooding, and landslides! This crazy section kept sliding down the mountainside! Over time, the road was moved almost 215 feet back up the slope! Driving The Zigzag was gnarly. The steep incline meant you were practically crawling, and the constant threat of rocks tumbling down made it an adrenaline rush (maybe a bit too much of one!). It got so bad they eventually had to ditch it because the risk was just too high. Thankfully, engineers came to the rescue! They built the awesome ลtira Viaduct to bypass The Zigzag's treacherous slopes. This viaduct offers a much safer and smoother ride through Arthurs Pass. You still get the stunning scenery, but without the nail-biting danger of the old Zigzag! You'll still experience the beauty of the West Coast Road, but now you can relax and enjoy the ride.