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
hardCan you drive to the top of Te Mata Peak?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising up to Te Mata Peak in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand is an absolute must-do! This peak, reaching 389 meters (1,276 feet), gives you views for days. You can totally drive to the top! The road winds its way up the Te Mata Hills, and while it's paved, be warned: it gets narrow and steep in sections, with some one-way areas requiring extra care. The road to the summit (known locally as the Sleeping Giant) from Havelock North is only 5.7 km (3.54 miles), but packs a punch. You'll gain 343 meters in elevation, averaging a 6% gradient, with some ramps hitting a crazy 18%! Expect hairpin bends, but trust me, it’s worth it. Give yourself about 15-25 minutes to drive to the top, and prepare to be wowed. From the summit within Te Mata Park, you'll be treated to sweeping views across Hawke's Bay. It’s a photographer’s dream! As the highest point around, Te Mata Peak boasts 360° panoramas. You can spot Napier and the Mahia Peninsula, the Ruahine, Kaweka, and Maungaharuru ranges, and even Mount Ruapehu on a clear day. Seriously, the views are epic.
moderateWhen was Moki Tunnel in NZ built?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island, and you stumble upon the legendary Moki Tunnel! This isn't your average tunnel; it's a 180-meter-long, single-lane time capsule, hand-dug back in 1935. Seriously, picks and shovels! They even lowered the floor in '89 to make it taller. You'll find it on the Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) between Taumarunui and Stratford. It’s fully paved to the tunnel, and trust me, it's a drive to remember. Just beyond it, though, you're greeted by the incredible Tangarakau Gorge, but beware, the pavement ends and the gravel begins! Road can get slick when it rains too. Oh, and did I mention it's often called the "Hobbit's Hole"? Yep, there's even a sign! It's in Whanganui National Park and, heads up, anything over 4.5m can't squeeze through. It's super narrow! There is a little gravel parking area with an info sign. Get ready for a seriously unique off-the-beaten-path experience!
moderateBe totally prepared to drive the Old Andado Track
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly off-the-grid experience in Australia's Northern Territory, then the Old Andado Track is calling your name. This outback track offers a wild detour from Alice Springs to Oodnadatta, skirting the edge of the massive Simpson Desert, a landscape of seemingly endless parallel sand dunes (some stretching almost 200 km!). But fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect a rough and tumble ride with plenty of bumps and potentially slippery sections when wet. The road is seriously unmaintained, with numerous river crossings to navigate. It's mostly unsealed and sandy, so a 4WD is a must, unless you're looking to replace your ride soon! Flash floods can also occur after those quick, heavy storms, even in the dry season. Stretching 440 km (273 miles) from Alice Springs to Mount Dare, the Old Andado Track is a part of the larger Binns Track tourist route. Picture yourself surrounded by desolate beauty, where even 4x4s can break down. For those who dare to venture into the heart of the Simpson Desert, this is your chance to experience true isolation and stunning red dune scenery. Do your homework beforehand, and pack more water and spare fuel than you think you'll need. This track isn't heavily traveled, and those rocks are ready to cause serious tire damage. Remember, you're on your own out there, so be self-sufficient with everything from water to communication – cell service is non-existent.
hardTravel guide to the top of Saddle Hill in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure-seekers, let me tell you about Saddle Hill, a hidden gem nestled in the northern part of New Zealand's South Island. We're talking a mountain pass soaring to 413 meters (1,354ft), right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. This isn't your average highway. The road is partly gravel and winds like a curious snake, but don't worry, your trusty car can handle it. It's a true "Kiwi" road: expect gravel, one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and some narrow spots with thrilling drop-offs. Keep an eye out for the local residents – sheep and cattle roam freely, and cattle stops (and gates!) are part of the fun. Trust me, you'll want to secure anything loose in your car before you hit your first one! The whole stretch is about 38.3 km (23.79 miles) long, running from Ōkiwi Bay to the charming fishing village of French Pass. Give yourself 1-2 hours to soak it all in (without stopping). The best part? You might have the entire road to yourself! Seriously, you could drive the whole thing without seeing another soul. This route serves up farmland, a unique mineral belt, lush native bush, and mind-blowing sea views of the French Pass and d’Urville Island. Be prepared for some steep sections – the road can hit a 9% gradient in places! This is one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, hands down.