Is the Road Through Takarau Gorge Paved?

Is the Road Through Takarau Gorge Paved?

New Zealand, oceania

Length

7.7 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand, on the North Island, just north of Wellington, ready for a real adventure. Forget the tourist traps, we're heading into Takarau Gorge!

This place is seriously beautiful. The Ohariu River carved out this canyon, and the road (Takarau Gorge Road) follows right along with it. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is fully paved, but it gets *narrow*. Think winding, single-lane sections hugging steep cliffs, with blind corners galore. Definitely keeps you on your toes!

The whole stretch is only about 7.7 km (4.78 miles), connecting Ohariu to Makara Road in a kind of east-southwest direction. The views are incredible, but if you're not comfortable with heights or tight spaces, maybe skip this one.

Word to the wise: this road can get flooded, especially after a good rain. They'll close it down if it's too bad, so check conditions before you go. It's usually pretty quiet, but it does get busier on weekends and during the summer. Happy (and careful) travels!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
7.7 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in oceania

Stockton Beach 4wd Track is a scenic journey seaside in Australiahard

Stockton Beach 4wd Track is a scenic journey seaside in Australia

🇦🇺 Australia

Get ready for an epic seaside adventure on the Stockton Beach 4WD Track in New South Wales, Australia! Just an hour north of Newcastle, this 30km (18-mile) stretch of pure adrenaline runs from Williamtown to Anna Bay, cutting through the stunning Worimi Regional Park. This isn't your average beach cruise—you'll need a proper 4WD with high and low range to tackle these dunes. We're talking about the massive Stockton sand dunes, some towering up to 30 meters high! These beauties on Australia’s East coast are steep, thrilling, and require your full attention. Give climbing vehicles plenty of space, stick to the waterfront, and definitely deflate those tires before hitting the sand. Oh, and don't forget your permit! Keep in mind, this place gets packed during summer and holidays. High tide can make things tricky (or even impassable), so aim for low tide – ideally, avoid driving two hours before or after. Low tide means harder sand closer to the water, making the drive smoother and safer. Just remember: no sudden turns or brakes! An air compressor is a must-have, and never approach a vehicle climbing a dune from behind. Always drive straight down dunes; angling it is a recipe for disaster. Storms can shut the track down, so always check conditions before you go. Did you know this beach was a star in the original "Mad Max" movie? Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defenses along the way, and marvel at being on the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere!

Driving through the narrow Moki Tunnel in NZmoderate

Driving through the narrow Moki Tunnel in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in New Zealand's North Island, in the Taranaki region, lies the Moki Tunnel. Picture this: a 180-meter-long, one-lane tunnel carved straight through the landscape! Back in 1935, some seriously dedicated folks from the Public Works Department hand-dug this bad boy with nothing but picks and shovels to make the Moki Saddle passable during winter. Can you believe it? Originally, it was only 5 meters high, but they dug deeper in 1989, boosting it to 7 meters. The road itself? It's part of the legendary Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) between Taumarunui and Stratford – a drive you won't soon forget! Just past the tunnel, the road opens into the scenic Tangarakau Gorge, where the pavement turns to gravel. Word to the wise: it can get slick when it rains. Inside Whanganui National Park, this tunnel is affectionately nicknamed "Hobbit's Hole" (even has a sign to prove it!). Just a heads-up – vehicles over 4.5 meters are a no-go, and it’s snug even for regular cars. There's a gravel parking area where you can stretch your legs and learn about the tunnel's history. Seriously, this is a must-see for anyone craving a bit of off-the-beaten-path New Zealand magic!

A challenging road to Mount Kosciuszko in Australiamoderate

A challenging road to Mount Kosciuszko in Australia

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna conquer the roof of Australia (legally, of course)? Head to New South Wales and tackle Mount Kosciuszko! This ain't your average Sunday drive though - it's a 9.2km (5.71 miles) unpaved adventure in the Snowy Mountains, starting from Charlotte Pass. Picture this: you're grinding up Summit Road, a gravelly and rocky path through Kosciuszko National Park. Fun fact, this used to be a road for cars until '77! Now, it's all about bikes (and hikers). You can cycle up to Rawson Pass, park your ride at the rack, and then hoof it the rest of the way to the summit. Trust me, the views are epic! You'll cruise past the iconic Snowy River, swing by Seamans Hut, and eventually hit Rawson Pass at the foot of the mountain. Keep an eye out for Australia's highest public loos! The trail crosses the Snowy River at 4.5 km and gradually rises to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), before delivering you to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. It's an unforgettable ride through some seriously stunning scenery.

Where is Lindis Pass?moderate

Where is Lindis Pass?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through New Zealand's South Island, heading over Lindis Pass. This epic spot sits pretty high at 966m (3,169ft), right between the Lindis and Ahuriri River valleys. You'll find it smack-dab on the border of Canterbury and Otago, connecting the Mackenzie Basin and Central Otago. The road, State Highway 8, is paved the whole way, stretching for about 80.2 km (49 miles) from Tarras to Omarama. Fun fact: it's the highest point on the South Island's state highway system! Trust me, you'll want to stop at the summit. There's a lookout with incredible views overlooking the Lindis Conservation Area, a sea of snow tussock grassland. And if you're coming from Omarama, consider a quick detour through Ahuriri Valley and back via Birchwood Road (it's gravel, so be prepared!). The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather. This area is known for its surprises, especially in winter with heavy snow and ice. Snow often piles up right next to the road for much of the year. The drive itself is a bit of a rollercoaster, with plenty of curves that demand your attention. You'll find some steep sections, hitting up to 10% grade in places, so you might not be hitting top speeds. But hey, slow down and enjoy the ride!