How to get by car to The Obilisk in the Otago region?
New Zealand, oceania
11.9 km
1,687 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Central Otago in New Zealand's South Island, right? You're headed towards this crazy cool rock formation called The Obelisk, or Kopuwai if you want to sound like a local. This ain't your average Sunday drive, though.
We're talking about one of the highest roads in the country, topping out at 1,687 meters (that's a whopping 5,534 feet!). You'll find it near Alexandra, nestled in the ridiculously scenic Fruitlands area within the Kopuwai Conservation Area. Think lunar landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and views that will absolutely blow your mind.
Now, heads up: You'll need a 4WD beast to tackle Symes Road, the old gold mining track leading to the summit. It's 11.9 km (or 7.39 miles) of totally unpaved, super bumpy fun starting from State Highway 8. Don't let the distance fool you, though – this climb is steep, gaining a massive 1,281 meters with an average gradient of 10.76%.
Once you're at the top, you'll see a TV tower. Pro tip: park away from it, as those radio waves can mess with your car's electronics. The views from up there are insane panoramas of Central Otago!
This road is only open in the summer when it’s dry. Winter is a no-go because of snow and the ground conditions. Speaking of conditions, weather can change on a dime up here, so check the forecast! Even in summer, bring warm, windproof layers. Fog can roll in fast, so pack a map and GPS to stay safe. Oh, and there's zero cell service, so don't even think about going solo. If you get stuck, you're on your own. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?
Where is it?
How to get by car to The Obilisk in the Otago region? is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.4106, 174.7369
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 11.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,687 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -40.4106, 174.7369
Related Roads in oceania
moderateHow long is Stockton Beach 4wd Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you, your 4x4, and 30km (18 miles) of pure Aussie beach bliss! Stockton Beach, just an hour north of Newcastle in New South Wales, is calling your name. This isn't just any beach drive; it's a proper 4WD adventure through the Worimi Regional Park, stretching from Williamtown to Anna Bay. Get ready to tackle some seriously impressive sand dunes – some towering up to 30 meters! These aren't your average gentle slopes; they're steep, thrilling, and demand respect. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles attempting the climbs! But before you hit the sand, remember to deflate those tires and grab a permit. This track can get busy during peak seasons, so timing is key. High tide can make sections impassable, so aim to travel at low tide – the sand's firmer near the water's edge, making for a smoother (and safer) ride. Avoid sudden movements, and always drive straight down the dunes. Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defense systems scattered along the beach, and remember you are exploring the largest moving sand dune system in the southern hemisphere. The track can be closed at any time due to the weather. You might even recognize it from the original Mad Max movie!
hardCanning Stock Route is one of the toughest tracks in the world
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure on the Canning Stock Route! This iconic 4WD track carves its way through Western Australia's most breathtaking (and brutal!) deserts. Imagine this: You're kicking up red dust from Halls Creek (Kimberley region) all the way to Wiluna (Mid West), traversing the Gibson, Little Sandy, and Great Sandy Deserts. We're talking serious isolation, passing through lands of the Tjurabalan, Ngurrara, Martu, and Birriliburu peoples (and one area with a native title claim pending). Clocking in at a staggering 1,850 km (1,150 mi), this historical stock route will push you and your rig to the limit. Think towering sand dunes (over 900, some as tall as a three-story building!), harsh terrain, and extreme remoteness. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. We're talking weeks of self-sufficiency – plan for at least 21 days, pack enough food, water, and spare parts to survive, because there are no towns, no services, and minimal support. Picture this: you, your trusty 4WD (high clearance and low-range a MUST!), and the endless horizon. While some wells have been restored, many are ruins, and this route sees very little maintenance. You'll need permits to travel here, and it's best to tackle the route during the cooler months, between April and September. Don't even think about taking a trailer, as they're not recommended. Fuel drops need to be sorted beforehand, though you can find petrol at a couple of Aboriginal communities along the way. This is a challenge, but the scenery? Unforgettable. If you are an experienced four-wheel driver with a thirst for adventure and a healthy respect for the outback, then this is the trek of a lifetime.
moderateForgotten World Highway
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# The Forgotten World Highway: New Zealand's Best-Kept Secret Want to experience New Zealand like it's stuck in a time warp? State Highway 43 is your ticket. This 150-kilometer stretch connects Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country, and honestly, it feels like you've stepped into another era. The whole drive winds through some seriously remote countryside where you'll encounter abandoned settlements, hand-carved tunnels, and native bush so thick it practically swallows the road. The Tangarakau Gorge is the real showstopper—a deep, forested valley so isolated it was literally one of the last places on the North Island to get properly mapped. And we're talking recent history here. The highlight? Driving through the Moki Tunnel, a tunnel that was actually carved by hand straight through solid rock. From the saddle points along the route, you get those postcard-perfect views of Mount Taranaki's iconic volcanic cone. It's the kind of scenery that makes you pull over just to take it in. Here's where it gets weird (in the best way): Whangamomona is a tiny settlement of about 30 people that literally declared itself an independent republic back in 1989. They still issue their own passports. And if ghost towns are your thing, Tangarakau—an old coal mining village—sits abandoned along this route, making it the only road in New Zealand that actually passes through one. It's surreal and unforgettable.
moderateWhere does Mt Victory Road start and end?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising through the Grampians National Park in western Victoria? Then you've GOT to hit Mt Victory Road! This is your main artery into the park's best bits, unlocking some seriously stunning views. Starting from the totally cute tourist town of Halls Gap, the road twists and turns its way westward through seriously rugged, beautiful country. It hooks up with other cool routes like the Grampians Tourist Road and links you to places like Dunkeld and Hamilton via the Victoria Valley Road. Basically, it's the gateway to adventure. Speaking of views, this road is a VIEW-getter! As you climb, you're treated to epic vistas – it tops out at over 700 meters, so you KNOW the scenery's gonna be good. Stop at Boroka Lookout for killer views of Halls Gap, or check out Reeds Lookout and The Balconies for mind-blowing rock formations overlooking the Victoria Valley. Don't miss MacKenzie Falls either – it's one of Victoria's biggest waterfalls! Plus, there's the Zumsteins Historic Area for a chill picnic vibe. Okay, real talk about the drive. It’s mostly good for any vehicle – cars, campers, bikes, you name it. BUT… those first 10km out of Halls Gap are a real rollercoaster with some seriously tight corners and steep climbs. Take it slow! Keep an eye out for wildlife (kangaroos and emus LOVE this area) and watch your speed – it hovers around 50-80 km/h depending where you are. Overtaking spots are limited, so be patient and enjoy the ride. You can usually hit this road year-round, but keep in mind that bushfire season can cause closures. Also, fog and rain can make things a bit dicey, especially in winter. So, check local info for the latest updates before you go. Happy driving!