How To Travel The Road To Cardrona Alpine Resort

How To Travel The Road To Cardrona Alpine Resort

New Zealand, oceania

Length

12.3 km

Elevation

1,660 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Cardrona Skifield Road, your gateway to alpine bliss in New Zealand's South Island! Nestled in the Otago region, this unpaved beauty winds its way up to the Cardrona Alpine Resort, clocking in at a cool 1,660m (5,446ft) above sea level.

While it's generally wide enough, be prepared for some serious corrugations and potentially slippery conditions – it keeps things interesting! You'll find some safety barriers mid-way, and guardrails near the top. This rugged road was carved out back in 1980 and is still bringing the goods.

Most vehicles can tackle it, even your trusty 2WD. However, if you've got 4WD or AWD, now's the time to use it. And listen up, winter warriors: chains are an absolute must-have!

From the paved Cardrona Valley Road, get ready for a leg-burning 12.3km (7.64 miles) climb, gaining a whopping 1,148 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 9.33%, with some ramps hitting a max of 14%! Once you reach the resort, a chairlift service road climbs even higher to 1,876m (6,154ft). Get ready for some views!

Where is it?

How To Travel The Road To Cardrona Alpine Resort is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -44.8571, 168.9450

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
12.3 km
Max Elevation
1,660 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-44.8571, 168.9450

Related Roads in oceania

What’s on the summit of Mount Matlock?moderate

What’s on the summit of Mount Matlock?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the south of Victoria, Australia, lies Mount Matlock, boasting a summit of 1,372m (4,501ft). What awaits you at the top? A seriously cool 37-meter fire tower, erected in '94 and bristling with comms gear. Don't expect to check your Insta though, cell service is a no-go. The route? We're talking Corn Hill Road – a full-on unpaved 4WD track that’ll get your tires dusty. You'll find it nestled within the stunning Yarra Ranges National Park. The off-road section is short and sweet – just 1.9 km (1.18 miles) from the C511 (Warburton-Woods Point Road). Don't let that fool you, though. You'll climb 167 meters with an average gradient of nearly 9%, so be prepared for a bit of a grunt. The scenery? Expect views to die for! Just remember to take it slow and steady and enjoy the ride.

How Long is Lake Ohau Road?moderate

How Long is Lake Ohau Road?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

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!

When was Tamborine Mountain Road built?hard

When was Tamborine Mountain Road built?

🇦🇺 Australia

Cruising up Tamborine Mountain Road in Queensland is an absolute must-do! This scenic route, snaking through the rainforest of North Tamborine, is a real treat. Locals even call it "The Goat Track"! Stretching for almost 24 kilometers (15 miles), this fully paved road climbs steeply from near Witheren all the way to Beaudesert Beenleigh Road. Be prepared for an average gradient of 8% with some sections maxing out at a thrilling 16%! That's a serious climb, topping out at 561 meters (1,840 feet). This road was built in the early 1920s and was one of the first bitumen roads in the state. Part of it is even designated as State Route 95. The views are incredible, making the 50-60 minute drive totally worth it. Just be aware that the road has a high risk of landslides and is currently closed overnight from midnight to 5:00 AM. It also has some narrow sections, so take it slow, use low gears, and pay attention to the signs! It’s a tough climb, but the scenery makes it a joy to conquer.

Birdsville Track is one of Australia’s best 4WD trackshard

Birdsville Track is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks

🇦🇺 Australia

The Birdsville Track: an Aussie Outback Icon! If you're up for a true adventure, the Birdsville Track is calling! This legendary outback route stretches 517 km (321 miles) between Marree in South Australia and Birdsville in Queensland, and it's been around since the 1860s. Forget smooth asphalt – this is a dirt road, a stony track covered with "gibbers" (large pebbles), taking you through remote desert landscapes. You'll cross the Strzelecki, Sturt Stony, and Tirari Deserts, so plan for around two days to soak it all in. 4WD or SUV is best, and while the road's usually maintained, conditions change, especially after rain. Flash floods and drifting sand can happen! Stone guards for your trailer and rear window are a good idea if you're towing. The scenery? Think classic Australian desert: barren, dry, and isolated. Because it is so remote, you absolutely need to be self-sufficient. Load up on fuel, water, supplies, and spare parts. Avoid driving at night, and don't count on phone reception. A two-way radio, GPS, and maps are great for emergencies. The best time to tackle the Birdsville Track is between May and September. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!