Old Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
9.2 km
1,040 m
hard
Year-round
Ready for an off-road adventure in New Zealand's South Island? Buckle up for the Old Dunstan Road in Otago, a legendary 4x4 track steeped in gold rush history! This is the route the prospectors took from Dunedin to the Central Otago goldfields back in the 1860s.
Also known as The Dunstan Trail, this track is a mixed bag, starting with smooth sealed roads that soon turn to gravel after about 9 km. From there, expect a wild ride of gravel, clay, and bare rock. It's often rutted, slick when wet, dusty when dry, and completely off-limits during winter due to snow and ice. Respect the environment by sticking to the marked path.
Spanning 46 km from State Highway 87 near Clarks Junction to Upper Taieri-Paerau Road, the road climbs steeply to Rough Ridge, peaking at 1,040 meters above sea level. Expect closures for roughly four months in winter (June to September). This route has no shelter, and the weather can change on a dime, especially when a southerly wind sweeps through.
A 4WD vehicle is your best bet for tackling the Old Dunstan Road. Rainy days turn the track into a muddy challenge with deep water crossings. Dry conditions make the track more manageable, though loose gravel and flat rocks can still cause slips, particularly on downhill stretches. So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
Old Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.6695, 174.0920
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 9.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,040 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -41.6695, 174.0920
Related Roads in oceania
easyIs the Tjukaruru Road unpaved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tjukaruru Road! This isn't just a drive, it's an outback experience. Connecting Warburton in Western Australia to the Great Central Road, it's your east-west ticket across the heart of the country, a whopping distance. Starting near Cosmo Newberry, an Indigenous community nestled by Lake Throssell, you'll quickly find yourself on unpaved territory - think gravel and sand galore! Now, here's the thing: this road is a chameleon. In dry weather, it can be a surprisingly easy cruise. But after rain? Hold on tight! Flash flooding can turn it into a muddy, slippery challenge, even impassable at times thanks to river crossings. While technically not strictly 4x4 only (graded for 2WD vehicles), you'll feel way more confident in a four-wheel drive. Seriously, the conditions can change in a heartbeat! And heads up: you're out there. This is remote Australia, so be prepared. We're talking minimal traffic, limited help, and patchy cell service. Pack that communication gear, and let someone know your itinerary. Get ready for stunning scenery!
hardDriving the Unsealed and Challenging Road to Mount Cheeseman
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're heading to Mount Cheeseman on New Zealand's South Island, clocking in at a cool 1,550m (that's over 5,000ft!). This spot, nestled in the Southern Alps, is about an hour and a half (111 km) outside Christchurch, Canterbury, and it's home to the Mt Cheeseman Ski Area. Now, the road up? Buckle up because it's an unpaved beauty, about 12 km (7.45 miles) of pure Kiwi wilderness. You'll find the turnoff on the Great Alpine Highway (SH 73), just past Castle Hill village – keep your eyes peeled for the entrance on the left before the Broken River Bridge. The Mount Cheeseman Access Road isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking 4x4 territory only, folks! Leave the campervan at home. Expect steep climbs, narrow sections, and some thrilling drop-offs. Chains are a must-pack. The road starts winding through a beech forest before opening up to some seriously stunning alpine views. There's an unload point near the Base T-Bar, with the carpark just a bit further down the road. Word to the wise: this is alpine country, so the weather can flip on a dime. Conditions can change from good to challenging in no time. Always respect those road closures and locked gates – there's a reason they're there! But, if you're prepared for a bit of ruggedness (Mt Cheeseman staff call it "scenic," haha!), the views are SO worth it. Get ready for an epic drive!
extremeHow long is the Crown Range Road?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Get ready for an epic road trip across the Crown Range Road in New Zealand's South Island! This 50km (31 mile) stretch from Arrow Junction to Wanaka isn't just a drive; it's an adventure. Think hairpin turns, winding serpentines, and some seriously steep climbs. This road isn't for the faint of heart. Speaking of heart-stopping, the views down into the gorge are something else! Maybe not the best choice for very large vehicles (over 12 meters) or if you're towing. You'll be cruising at a lofty 1,079m (3,540ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest main roads in New Zealand. Keep an eye on the weather, especially from May to October, when snow can hit the summit. Chains are a must-have during winter. But let's be real: the views are why you're here. Prepare for jaw-dropping vistas of mountains and alpine valleys around every single bend. Seriously, carve out some time to stop and soak it all in! The drive itself will take about 1.5 hours non-stop, but trust me, you'll want to pull over – and take tons of photos! Just be aware that you may encounter slow traffic.
hardWhere is Arthur's Pass?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Arthur's Pass, nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast! This mountain pass sits at a lofty 739m (2,425ft) above sea level, right on the border between the West Coast and Canterbury regions, within the stunning Arthur's Pass National Park. Fun fact: it's named after Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson, who led the first group of Europeans through here back in 1864. Originally a Maori trading route, the road we know today was carved out in 1866 after gold was discovered, connecting Hokitika and Christchurch. Talk about a challenging construction project – built by hand with picks, shovels, and sheer determination! Today, driving State Highway 73 through Arthur's Pass is an unforgettable experience. As the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps, it climbs to over 900 meters, boasting incredible engineering feats like viaducts, bridges, and redirected waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled – and your car locked – at parking spots along the way. This fully paved road is generally well-maintained, but winter can throw a curveball with snow and ice, sometimes requiring chains. Plus, with an average annual rainfall of 4000-7000mm and frequent winter snowfalls, it's wise to have a backup plan in case the pass closes. Be prepared for some steep climbs, too, with gradients reaching up to 16 percent in sections. Spanning 44.6 km (27.71 miles) between Jacksons and Bealey, this scenic drive will take about 45 minutes. Arthur's Pass itself is a fantastic base for exploring the National Park, but the journey is just as rewarding!