Summit Road is a narrow scenic drive in New Zealand

Summit Road is a narrow scenic drive in New Zealand

New Zealand, oceania

Length

28.2 km

Elevation

500 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Summit Road in Canterbury, New Zealand is calling your name! This isn't just any drive; it's a totally paved 28.2km (17.52 mile) rollercoaster through the Port Hills (Te Poho-o-Tamatea), south of Christchurch, that'll give you views for days!

Built way back in the 30’s, this road snakes along the edges of ancient volcanoes on the Banks Peninsula, climbing to a dizzying 490m (1,607ft). Heads up: it’s narrow and twisty, so keep your eyes peeled for lumbering trucks and wandering campervans.

Be prepared for a thrilling ride with hairpin turns and steep climbs between 300 and 500 meters above sea level. The road was shut down for a bit after those pesky earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 (rockfall risk!), but good news, some sections are open again!

Trust me, the panoramic views of Christchurch and the surrounding landscapes are SO worth the adrenaline rush. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Where is it?

Summit Road is a narrow scenic drive in New Zealand is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.3018, 176.4694

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
28.2 km
Max Elevation
500 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-40.3018, 176.4694

Related Roads in oceania

How to Drive the Unsealed Lake Road in New Zealand's Eastern North Islandhard

How to Drive the Unsealed Lake Road in New Zealand's Eastern North Island

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Lake Road in New Zealand's North Island, heading straight for the gorgeous Lake Waikaremoana, right in the heart of Tuhoe country. Seriously, the views are epic! You'll find this gem nestled in the northern Hawke's Bay region, right inside Te Urewera National Park. It's part of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (also known as New Zealand State Highway 38), and honestly, most cars can handle it. Just be ready for stretches of gravel road that wind through lush rainforest and past cute little towns. Clocking in at 57 km (35 miles) from Frasertown, things get interesting after you cross that one-way bridge over the Aniwaniwa Stream where it becomes Waikaremoana Road. Take it slow, folks! The road is narrow, twisty, and you won't see tons of other cars. The gravel keeps the crowds away, which is kinda nice, but also means you need to be alert. The whole drive is a rollercoaster through the park, so buckle up for some adventure!

Eyre Highway: driving 146km (91mi) without any turnextreme

Eyre Highway: driving 146km (91mi) without any turn

🇦🇺 Australia

# The Eyre Highway: Australia's Ultimate Outback Adventure Ready for one of Australia's most iconic road trips? The Eyre Highway stretches a massive 1,664 km (1,034 miles) across the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, connecting the goldfields town of Norseman in Western Australia to the bustling port city of Port Augusta in South Australia. This fully sealed route is completely drivable in a standard vehicle, making it accessible for any adventurous road tripper. What makes this highway truly legendary? It boasts what's arguably the longest straight stretch of road in the country—a mind-blowing 146.6 kilometres (91.1 mi) with zero turns between the tiny roadhouse communities of Balladonia and Caiguna. Named after explorer Edward John Eyre, this route was originally just a rough track when it opened between 1941-1942, but thankfully it's been progressively sealed. The final stretch was paved in 1976. Here's the reality of driving here: it's genuinely remote. While the eastern sections have some towns, the western half is seriously isolated. This remoteness has led to some creative solutions—sections of the road actually double as emergency airstrips for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, complete with painted runway markings. Services are spaced thoughtfully enough that you won't need to carry extra fuel, though not all stations run 24/7, so plan ahead if you're traveling after hours. The biggest hazards? Driver fatigue and wildlife. Kangaroos, emus, and camels roam freely across this landscape, and they're especially active at dawn and dusk when they're most likely to dart across the road. Some communities now offer free coffee to keep drivers alert and encourage well-needed breaks. Expect to spend 2-3 days driving this epic route. While it's undeniably long and sparse, that's exactly why it's considered one of Australia's greatest road trips—a raw, authentic experience of the real outback and the country's pioneering spirit.

Kakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territorymoderate

Kakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territory

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Kakadu Highway (aka State Route 21)! This beauty slices right through Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Picture this: a fully paved road in pretty good nick, winding its way through the remote Aussie outback. We're talking a north-south route stretching for 209 km (130 miles) from Jabiru down to Pine Creek. And yeah, you'll hit some steep sections, climbing up to 262m (859ft) above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled, especially towards the southern end of the park, because buffalo have been known to wander onto the highway. And of course, watch out for cattle and kangaroos – they're notorious for hopping out of nowhere! Good news: this road is usually open all year round. But heads up – this is a tropical savanna, so expect some serious rain! Flash flooding can happen, especially during the wet season, and sections of the road might close without much warning. Basically, nature calls the shots out here, so be prepared for anything!

Jacob's Ladder is a zig-zag mountain road in Tasmaniaextreme

Jacob's Ladder is a zig-zag mountain road in Tasmania

🌍 Tasmania

# Ben Lomond Road: Tasmania's Ultimate Alpine Adventure Picture this: you're winding through northeastern Tasmania, tackling one of the world's most insane hairpin turn sequences on your way to a 1,452m summit. Welcome to Ben Lomond Road—a 17.7km unpaved journey that'll get your adrenaline pumping and your camera working overtime. Starting at Upper Blessington off the C401, this spectacular drive climbs through dramatic dolerite cliffs with an eye-watering elevation gain of 1,089 meters. The average gradient sits at 6.15%, but throw in sections hitting 13% and you've got yourself a properly challenging mountain road. The real showstopper? Jacob's Ladder—a series of six legendary hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and nerve in equal measure. There's even a lookout platform at the top where you can catch your breath and soak in the views. Fair warning: only 22-seat buses and smaller vehicles are allowed here, and bus drivers need a special alpine license. Stick to 30 km/h, let oncoming traffic pass, and definitely use your engine brake on the way down. The whole experience takes about 45 minutes (without stops), and trust us—you won't want to rush it. You're driving through Ben Lomond National Park with stunning panoramas at every turn, surrounded by steep cliffs and sprawling rural plains. From here, you're also just 50km from Launceston and close to Tasmania's main ski fields. Winter? Bring chains and antifreeze (mandatory June–September), and watch for sudden road closures due to snow and ice. Keep an eye out for rockfall and local wildlife too. This is raw, real mountain driving at its finest.