Road trip guide: Conquering State Highway 38 in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
195 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Craving a true wilderness adventure? Then you HAVE to experience State Highway 38 in the heart of New Zealand's North Island!
This epic road trip, nestled in the stunning Te Urewera National Park, stretches for 195 km (121 miles) from near Waimangu (where it meets SH 5) to Wairoa, connecting to SH 2.
SH38 carves its way through some of the North Island's most isolated landscapes. Get ready for winding roads, with about 64 kilometers of unsealed goodness adding to the thrill. Think tight turns and narrow lanes, making it an adventure for the experienced driver. While most rental companies are cool with you cruising on the well-maintained gravel section of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (between Te Whaiti and Tuai), double-check your rental agreement just in case! And remember, this is seriously remote – we're talking tiny settlements and mostly just raw, untamed beauty.
Pro Tip: Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to drive straight through, but trust me, you'll want to take longer! The scenery is THAT good. Don't rush; average speeds are more like 30-50 km/hr. The road hugs Lake Waikaremoana (via Waikaremoana Road), making for seriously jaw-dropping views. Take it slow, soak it in – traffic is light, but those twists and turns demand your attention. The gravel section keeps the crowds down, leaving the magic mostly for you.
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering State Highway 38 in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -42.1710, 175.3646
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 195 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -42.1710, 175.3646
Related Roads in oceania
hardCan you drive the Old Telegraph Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Craving an epic Aussie adventure? Cape York's Old Telegraph Track (OTT) is calling! This 350 km (217 mile) off-road mecca is strictly 4WD territory, only open during the dry season in tropical North Queensland. Picture this: you're snaking through stunning landscapes, tackling everything from dirt and sand to rocky slopes, mud, and washouts. This track is narrow, with plenty of places to pull over for oncoming traffic, and you can still spot remnants of the original telegraph line. But don't get complacent! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The OTT throws a ton of challenges your way, like countless creek crossings (keep your eyes peeled for crocs!), steep, slippery riverbanks, and stretches of energy-sapping deep sand. There are plenty of bush camps around the creeks for a well deserved rest! The OTT runs from Bramwell Junction to Bamaga Road (southern section) and then from Bamaga Road to Jardine River Ferry (northern section). Plan on spending 1-2 days conquering the OTT. Most adventurers head north via the track and return on the bypass roads. Famous obstacles like Gunshot Creek (seriously, detour if you're towing!), Palm Creek, Canal Creek, and the infamous Nolan’s Brook are waiting to test your skills. Be sure to check conditions before your trip. This track may only get 1/3 of your average daily mileage! After that it is sandy to the Jardine River, which is not advisable to cross due to soft sand, deep water, and crocodiles. Get ready for a truly unforgettable outback escapade!
hardCape Campbell Lighthouse is a Beacon Amidst New Zealand's Scenic Landscape
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough region, heading towards the iconic Cape Campbell Lighthouse. This beauty, with its bold black and white stripes, isn't just a pretty face; it's a working lighthouse that's been guiding ships for over a century! The coastline here has a dramatic past, with over 18 shipwrecks between 1845 and 1947. One notable wreck was the New Bedford whaler Alexander, which went down just before the lighthouse was built. The original lighthouse, made of timber, started operations in 1870. But by 1898, it was clear the wood wasn't holding up, so they built the cast-iron tower that stands today, lighting the way since 1905. You might recognize this landscape from the movie "The Light Between Oceans"! To get there, you'll head down Lighthouse Road, which branches off SH 1 south of Lake Grassmere. Now, here's the thing: this 18.5 km (11.5 miles) stretch is entirely unpaved and on private land. That means it's closed to motor vehicles. Back in the day, you could drive to the lighthouse from the west side during low tide, but those days are gone. Access is now much more restricted.
hardDriving the Corrugated Ernest Giles Road Through the Desert
🇦🇺 Australia
The Ernest Giles Road in the Northern Territory is a true Aussie outback adventure! Named after the explorer Ernest Giles, this isn't your Sunday drive. Think 100km (62 miles) of red desert stretching between the Luritja Road and the Stuart Highway, linking cattle stations and remote communities. This track demands a 4WD – we’re talking serious dips, bone-rattling corrugations, and patches of deep sand that’ll test your skills. You'll want to lower your tire pressure! Oh, and did I mention it closes regularly during the wet season? Be warned: this road isn't pampered. It's rough, remote, and can become a muddy, slippery mess after rain. Even 4WDs can get stuck out here, so pack extra water, spares, and let someone know your plans. Don't even think about attempting this in a 2WD! Mobile coverage? Forget about it! Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible. Imagine driving through a landscape painted in vibrant reds, with dust devils dancing in the distance. The real reward? Visiting the Henbury Meteorite Craters, a truly otherworldly sight. Just remember to be prepared for anything – this road is as unpredictable as it is beautiful, offering a real taste of the raw Australian outback.
moderateHow long is the Cooloola Beach Drive?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along one of the world's *longest* beach drives, right here in Queensland's Gympie Region! We're talking about Cooloola Beach Drive, nestled inside the Great Sandy National Park. This isn't just any drive; it's a 60 km (37 mile) one-way adventure stretching from Noosa North Shore all the way up to Rainbow Beach. Imagine endless white sand beaches and the ocean breeze as you make your way up the coast. Now, heads up: this is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high-clearance vehicles only because the track can get sandy, rough, and prone to washouts. Also, you'll need to snag a Cooloola Recreation Area vehicle access permit (VAP) to legally drive these awesome beaches. Get ready for an unforgettable Aussie road trip!