
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
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