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
moderateWhen was the McKillops Bridge built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Victoria's stunning Snowy River National Park, and BAM! You hit McKillops Bridge. This isn't just any bridge; it's a total icon! Built way back in the 30s, it's the only way to cross the Snowy River for miles. McKillops Road (C611) takes you right over it. Now, I won't lie, this road's got a rep for being a bit wild. The bridge itself is a sight, a long 255-meter deck way up high, made of steel and concrete. Down below? You can even spot the ruins of the *original* bridge that got washed away way back when. Seriously, pull over and soak in the views! The Snowy River gorge is absolutely gorgeous, and whether you're just snapping pics or stretching your legs, it's the perfect place to pause and appreciate the adventure. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road — this one's a bit of a challenge!
hardWhere does Snowy Mountains Highway start and end?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for the Snowy Mountains Highway! This incredible high-altitude drive slices right through the heart of New South Wales' alpine wonderland. Starting near Tumut, where it peels off from the Hume Highway (M31), this fully paved beauty snakes its way south for 332km (206 miles) before finally linking up with the Princess Highway (A1) near Bega. Nestled in the northern reaches of Kosciuszko National Park, this road is a must-do. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Think breathtaking alpine scenery, a ribbon of road carved into the mountains, and views that will leave you speechless. Be warned, though, this isn't a boring cruise. Expect plenty of sharp curves, blind corners, and hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. The road climbs to a lofty 1,498m (4,914ft) above sea level, offering incredible panoramic vistas. Good news: it's open year-round! However, the higher elevations are prone to snowfall during winter, so stay vigilant about the weather forecast – conditions can change in a heartbeat. Speaking of winter, things can get extreme. Be prepared for sudden shifts in road and weather conditions typical of alpine environments, and give those snow plows a *wide* berth when you encounter them. Get ready for an unforgettable Aussie road trip!
easyPaekakariki Hill Road in NZ is one of the most beautiful coastal drives
🇳🇿 New Zealand
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!
moderateCrown Range Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# Crown Range Road: NZ's Ultimate Alpine Drive If you're looking for the most spectacular way to connect Queenstown and Wanaka, skip the boring highway via Cromwell and take the Crown Range Road instead. This 67-kilometer beauty is New Zealand's highest sealed road, climbing to a seriously impressive 1,076 meters as it cuts straight across the Crown Range in Central Otago. The adventure starts intense—you'll climb steeply out of the Kawarau Gorge through a series of nail-biting switchbacks that'll have you gripping the steering wheel. But honestly? The views make it totally worth it. You get these incredible panoramas sweeping back over the Wakatipu Basin and the dramatic Remarkables mountains. At the summit, there's a quick walk to a lookout that'll blow your mind with 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, and all the peaks surrounding you. Coming down the other side, you'll pass the charming Cardrona Hotel (a proper 1863 gem) and the Cardrona ski field—great spots to stop and soak up the scenery. Fair warning though: if you're driving this in winter, things get serious. The summit can get snowbound, and you might need to carry chains. It adds an extra thrill to the crossing, but definitely check conditions before heading up.