Is the road to Whakapapa ski field paved?
New Zealand, oceania
6.2 km
1,624 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through Manawatū-Whanganui, on New Zealand's North Island, you'll find the road to Whakapapa, a ski resort perched way up high. We're talking 1,624m (5,328ft) above sea level! The paved road, Bruce Road, is 6.2km (3.85 miles) of smooth sailing (relatively speaking for a ski field road!) starting from State Highway 48. Don't let that fool you though, it’s a pretty steep climb, with some sections hitting an 11% gradient – buckle up! You’ll gain 457 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.37%.
Located on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the landscape is epic but the weather can change in a heartbeat. Keep an eye on the forecast and pack accordingly. You might even need chains, especially in a 2WD, as you near Whakapapa Village. Also, keep your eye out for a 4x4 only service road (-39.244768, 175.561340) that isn't paved! It leads even further up the mountain to 1,778m (5,833ft). This area has claimed lives in the past due to severe weather. Be prepared!
Where is it?
Is the road to Whakapapa ski field paved? is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -39.2448, 175.5613
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 6.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,624 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -39.2448, 175.5613
Related Roads in oceania
moderateHow to drive the defiant Ivanhoe Crossing in Australia?
🇦🇺 Australia
Hey adventure junkies! Ever heard of a wild ride across the Ord River in Western Australia's Kimberley region? Just 8 km north of Kununurra lies Ivanhoe Crossing – a super-remote, concrete causeway that's basically an Aussie rite of passage. Built way back in the '50s, this curved crossing stretches for 540 meters, offering a unique (and sometimes dicey!) driving experience. But fair warning: during the wet season (November to March), this baby's underwater and totally off-limits. Even when it's open, the current can be fierce, so high-clearance vehicles are a must! This place is seriously gorgeous! You might even recognize it from the movie "Australia." But keep your eyes peeled for saltwater crocs – definitely no swimming allowed! This crossing has a 15-tonne load limit. Heed the safety signs, respect the river, and you'll have an unforgettable adventure. Some folks have gotten a bit *too* confident and paid the price. Stay safe out there, folks, and soak in those epic Kimberley views!
extremeGunbarrel Highway is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure on the legendary Gunbarrel Highway! This isn't just a road trip; it's a true outback odyssey spanning 1,350 km (840 mi) from Carnegie Station in Western Australia to Giles, near the Northern Territory border. Think of it as a chunk of the even bigger 2,800 km (1,740 mi) Outback Highway. But hold on tight! This track throws everything at you: washaways, bone-jarring corrugations, rocks, sand, and even flood plains. We're talking seriously rugged terrain that demands a tough 4x4 and some serious driving skills. They built this thing back in '58, and some parts haven't seen a grader since! So, if you're new to desert driving, maybe start with something a little less intense. Give yourself at least four days to soak it all in. This isn't just a drive; it's a journey through history. You'll be completely off-grid, so pack all the water, food, and fuel you'll need. The longest stretch between fuel stops is a hefty 489 kilometers (Warburton to Carnegie Station), so plan accordingly. Keep an eye on the weather and road conditions. Avoid it during the scorching summer months. Supplies and services are few and far between.
moderateDriving 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!
hardHughenden Muttaburra Road is a gravel nightmare
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, folks, picture this: you're in Queensland, Australia, ready for an outback adventure. Got a 4WD or a high-clearance vehicle? Good, because you'll need it for the Hughenden Muttaburra Road (aka part of State Route 19)! This epic stretch runs 210 km (130 miles) from Hughenden in the north to Muttaburra in the south. Most of it is gravel and technically open to all vehicles, but trust me, you want something tough. See, those black soil sections? When it rains, they turn into a slippery, treacherous mess. And speaking of rough, the last 100 km into Hughenden are seriously gnarly. Think sharp gravel, deep ruts, and giant, loose boulders just waiting to tear up your undercarriage. The road climbs to a whopping 376m (1,233ft) in elevation too! Don't be fooled by the 100kph speed limit signs—that's a joke. Even in a truck, you'll be lucky to hit 60kph without rattling your teeth out. Let's just say a 2WD with a caravan would have an absolute nightmare. This road is a real gravel grinder!