Paekakariki Hill Road in NZ is one of the most beautiful coastal drives
New Zealand, oceania
17 km
242 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Paekakariki Hill Road, one of the most stunning coastal drives on New Zealand's North Island. This beauty, dating back to 1849, snakes its way along the south-western coast, totally paved and begging to be explored.
This isn't just any road; it's a 17km (10.56 miles) ribbon of asphalt connecting Paekākāriki to Pāuatahanui with non-stop views. Budget around 25-35 minutes to soak it all in. But heads up! This road demands your attention. It's known to get a bit slippery when the rains come down, and sometimes Mother Nature throws a tantrum and closes it down for a while.
The road climbs up to 242m (793ft), and you'll definitely feel it in some of those steeper sections where the gradient hits 16%. But trust me, those coastal views are so worth it!
Where is it?
Paekakariki Hill Road in NZ is one of the most beautiful coastal drives is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.0822, 173.3035
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 17 km
- Max Elevation
- 242 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -41.0822, 173.3035
Related Roads in oceania
hardDuffers Saddle is a challenging 4WD road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Duffers Saddle, a seriously epic mountain pass nestled in Central Otago, New Zealand! We're talking about a climb to 1,275m (that's 4,183ft!), so get ready for some breathtaking views. You'll be tackling the legendary Nevis Road, which is pure, unadulterated gravel. Nevis Road is suitable for 2WD for six months of the year, although it's much better suited to 4WD vehicles, and requires 4WD beyond the saddle! Expect some steep climbs and a splash of adventure with several river fords. Once you conquer the climb, you'll find a small parking lot at the summit, perfect for soaking it all in. Keep an eye out for the sign declaring this the highest public road in New Zealand, perched high in the Old Woman Range. Be warned: Mother Nature calls the shots up here. The road usually closes for winter from early June to the end of September, but even in summer, conditions can change in a heartbeat. This is truly remote territory, deep in the Nevis Valley. Seriously consider rolling with a crew or at least another vehicle—you'll be far from civilization. Pack accordingly, because there's zero cell service. You'll encounter 26 stream crossings that can become muddy or deeper after rain. But hey, it's not just about the challenge! You'll also pass plenty of cool historical remnants along the way.
extremeStuart Highway is an iconic Aussie Trip
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie road trip! The Stuart Highway, also known as the Explorer's Way, is a legendary north-south trek right through the heart of Australia. We're talking 2,834 km (1,761 mi) of paved road connecting Darwin in the tropical Northern Territory to Port Augusta in South Australia, passing through iconic spots like Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. This isn't just a drive, it’s an adventure across a dramatically changing landscape, from the lush Top End to the arid beauty of Central Australia. It's named after John McDouall Stuart, the first bloke to cross Australia south to north and live to tell the tale! Give yourself at least 7 days to soak it all in, plus extra time for exploring the quirky towns along the way like Woomera, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, and Katherine. Don't forget Darwin and Adelaide at each end – both are packed with things to see and do. Keep an eye out for the signs – some sections even double as emergency landing strips for the Royal Flying Doctor Service! Word of warning though, this trip calls for some serious planning. The outback can be unforgiving, and you'll find yourself in some pretty remote areas. Fuel stops are roughly every 200 km, but they're not all open 24/7, so plan your refills strategically. Top up whenever you see a truck stop, just in case! The highway's usually busy, but it's still smart to pack food and water. The weather can throw curveballs too – scorching heat in summer, and near-freezing temps overnight. Some say the stretch between Darwin and Pine Creek is particularly hairy, so stay sharp. Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!
hardDriving the Barrier Highway is a truly outstanding adventure
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up for the Barrier Highway – an epic Aussie adventure connecting New South Wales and South Australia! This isn't just a drive; it's a proper outback experience. Stretching a hefty 1,014 km (630 miles), this legendary road links Nyngan (where it meets the Mitchell Highway) to Gawler (connecting with the Stuart Highway). Named after the rugged Barrier Ranges, this route serves up classic Aussie landscapes. FYI, you'll be sharing the road with Road Trains, those mega-trucks that are a sight to behold. The weather can throw extremes at you – scorching summers and surprisingly chilly winters – so pack accordingly. The good news is, it's all paved since 1972, so no need for a 4WD. Any car can handle it! But here's the thing: this is remote Australia. Animals love to roam on the road, especially at night. Seriously, avoid driving after dark to dodge kangaroos, emus, and whatever else might hop out. Also, mobile coverage can be patchy. Planning is key. You're cruising through some seriously isolated spots, so map out your fuel stops and stock up on supplies – especially if you're tackling the whole highway. Get ready for some vast, sparsely populated landscapes, and a real taste of the outback.
hardWhat are the highest roads in Australia?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in the Aussie Alps, right? Not what you expect from Down Under, I know! We're talking proper mountains, part of that massive Great Dividing Range that runs down the east coast. This particular stretch of road? It’s a bit of a beast, climbing high into the hills. We're looking at a decent length, enough to make a day of it. Watch out for sharp turns and steep drop-offs – this isn't a Sunday drive in the park! But trust me, the views are totally worth it. Think rugged peaks, eucalyptus forests clinging to the slopes, and panoramas that stretch forever. Forget the beach for a day and head for the hills; this road trip will seriously blow your mind!