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
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