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
extremeDriving Waterfall Way in NSW: constant attention is required
🇦🇺 Australia
Waterfall Way in Northern New South Wales is a seriously gorgeous drive! Think rainforests, river valleys, and cascading waterfalls – you'll cruise through New England and Dorrigo National Parks, so keep your camera charged. This 170km stretch of road winds its way from the New England Highway near Armidale to the Pacific Highway, just south of Coffs Harbour. You'll share the road with locals and tourists alike, with traffic varying from a few hundred cars a day in the quieter sections to over six thousand closer to the coast. Keep an eye out though – storms can sometimes wash away parts of the road, turning it into a single-lane affair. It's fully paved, but it can be narrow and tricky, with some very steep and winding sections, especially west of Thora. Parts of the road are carved right into the mountainside, with stonework on the outer edges. Some curves are super sharp, so you'll need to pay attention. Overtaking can be tough, particularly on the Dorrigo Range, so be patient. Watch for wildlife, too! It’s definitely worth it for the views, but it's known for being a bit accident-prone. So, drive carefully and stay alert! Allow about 2.5 to 3 hours to drive the whole thing without stops. It's a fantastic detour off the Pacific Coast Drive, taking you from beaches to rainforest to wide-open plains. Be prepared for the occasional slow truck or caravan. If you're driving at night, watch out for kangaroos (and maybe even a spotted-tail quoll near Ebor if you're lucky!). Don't forget your insect repellent. And be aware that you might lose cell service in some areas.
moderateHow to drive the iconic Mt Victory Road in Victoria’s Grampians National Park?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising through the Grampians National Park in western Victoria? You absolutely HAVE to take Mt Victory Road (aka C222)! This is THE road that plunges you straight into the park's incredible scenery and gets you up close and personal with some seriously iconic Aussie landscapes. Starting in the bustling tourist hub of Halls Gap, nestled in the Grampians' foothills, Mt Victory Road snakes its way west and northwest, carving through some seriously rugged terrain. Think breathtaking views around every corner! You’ll connect to a few other cool roads along the way, eventually hitting the Western Highway (A8) near Wartook and Zumsteins – your gateway to Stawell, Horsham, and beyond. And get this: you'll climb up to a whopping 712 meters (2,335 ft) above sea level! The road gets steep right out of Halls Gap, rewarding you with insane panoramic vistas. Plus, you can't miss these spots along the way: * **Boroka Lookout:** Jaw-dropping views of Halls Gap and the Fyans Valley. * **Reed Lookout:** A quick stroll from the parking area leads to Victoria Valley views that will blow your mind. * **The Balconies:** Seriously cool rock formations with views for days. * **Mackenzie Falls:** One of Victoria’s biggest and most famous waterfalls. * **Zumsteins Historic Area:** Perfect spot for a picnic surrounded by history. Mt Victory Road is fully paved and has two lanes, making it easy for most vehicles (cars, campervans, motorbikes) to tackle. Just a heads up: * Expect some tight curves and steep climbs, especially right after leaving Halls Gap. * Take it slow! There are plenty of curves, wildlife (keep an eye out for kangaroos and emus!), and it can get slippery when wet. * Lots of pull-off areas at the lookouts and trailheads, but not a ton of spots to pass. * Speed limits vary, but generally hover around 60–80 km/h, depending on where you are.
hardMount Olympus: a road impassable without a 4wd, snow chains and nerves of steel
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've found a doozy of a road right here on New Zealand's South Island. I'm talking about Mount Olympus Access Road, leading up to the Mount Olympus ski area – affectionately known as the "Playground of the Gods." This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 13.6 km (8.45 miles) unpaved, shingle track that climbs a whopping 1,052 meters from Harper Road to a summit of 1,643m (5,360ft). That's an average gradient of 7.73%, so hold on to your hats! You'll find it nestled in the Craigieburn Range, and let me tell you, getting there is half the adventure. The road to the bottom hut? Manageable in a 2WD, maybe with chains. But from there to the ski area car park? It's a whole different ball game. High-clearance 4WD is essential, and chains are your best friend. The last stretch is single-lane, steep, and a little, shall we say, exhilarating. Trust me, the sign that reads "Chains and courage are required" isn't kidding! But if you're not feeling up to it, no shame in catching a ride from the bottom hut with one of the locals. Just remember to check the snow report beforehand and obey all signs. This road has amazing views and some challenging sections. Happy trails!
moderateKakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territory
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Kakadu Highway (aka State Route 21)! This beauty slices right through Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Picture this: a fully paved road in pretty good nick, winding its way through the remote Aussie outback. We're talking a north-south route stretching for 209 km (130 miles) from Jabiru down to Pine Creek. And yeah, you'll hit some steep sections, climbing up to 262m (859ft) above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled, especially towards the southern end of the park, because buffalo have been known to wander onto the highway. And of course, watch out for cattle and kangaroos – they're notorious for hopping out of nowhere! Good news: this road is usually open all year round. But heads up – this is a tropical savanna, so expect some serious rain! Flash flooding can happen, especially during the wet season, and sections of the road might close without much warning. Basically, nature calls the shots out here, so be prepared for anything!