Sawcut Gorge
New Zealand, oceania
12 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to the South Island of New Zealand? Sweet as! If you're looking for a place to cool off, you HAVE to check out the Sawcut Gorge. Trust me, on a hot day, those swimming holes are absolute bliss, and the rock faces are just epic.
Now, getting there is part of the adventure! You'll be cruising along Ure Road, a 12-kilometer stretch that's mostly gravel. It's narrow and steep in sections, so keep your wits about you. But honestly, the scenery is so stunning, it's hard to keep your eyes on the road! Just drive carefully and soak it all in. You won't regret it.
Where is it?
Sawcut Gorge is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.2445, 175.8601
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 12 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -41.2445, 175.8601
Related Roads in oceania
easyCrossing the Mitchell River at Drumduff Crossing
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventurers, listen up! Ever heard of Drumduff Crossing out in the Shire of Mareeba, Queensland? This isn't your average road – it's a super cool causeway that acts as a bridge over the Mitchell River. The low concrete causeway stretches 208m (685ft), and it's part of the scenic Burke Developmental Road, which is just over a kilometer long. Now, here's the thing: this drive can be a breeze if the weather's on your side. But after some rain, things can get a bit dicey. The water crossing acts as a kind of weir, holding back water, but it can overflow when the river's flowing. Keep your eyes peeled for crocs if there's any water movement – seriously! Plus, the stream crossings can get washed out or stay too deep. But if you're careful, this outback drive is awesome!
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!
moderateDriving to Island Saddle, the Highest Public Road in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk Island Saddle! Perched way up in the New Zealand high country at a cool 1,371m (4,498ft), this spot might just be the highest public road in the whole country! You'll find it straddling the Canterbury and Marlborough regions in the North Island, tracing a route etched back in the 50s when they needed to get power lines up to Nelson and Buller. Forget smooth tarmac – this is strictly unpaved territory. We're talking about Rainbow Road (aka Rainbow Valley–Hanmer Road), a 112km (70 mile) beast of a track stretching from Hanmer Springs to Saint Arnaud. A 4WD is essential to get over the Saddle (though 2WDs can access Lake Tennyson). Keep in mind, this route cuts across private land within the Crimea Range. It's generally only open to the public from late December to early April, so time your trip right. The views are out of this world!
easyLasseter Highway is a drive worth taking in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Lasseter Highway (also known as the A4), smack-dab in the middle of Australia's Northern Territory. This isn't just any road trip, it's a 244-kilometer (152-mile) ribbon of asphalt stretching from Yulara near majestic Uluru all the way to Erldunda. The whole drive is paved, so no need for a heavy-duty 4x4. You’ll hit a few inclines as you climb to a modest 506 meters (1,660 feet) above sea level. But the real draw? The views! Keep your eyes peeled for Mount Conner (aka Attila or Artilla) — it’s seriously impressive. Lasseter Highway is a chunk of the epic 2,800 km (1,740 mi) Outback Way, and it’s named after the legendary Lewis Hubert Lasseter. This is an easy three-hour cruise (without stops), perfect for soaking in the Aussie outback vibes. Get ready for some serious red-dirt scenery!