The defiant Otaki Gorge Road in New Zealand is closed after a big slip
New Zealand, oceania
17.9 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for a seriously scenic – but challenging – adventure on the Otaki Gorge Road, nestled in the Kapiti Coast District of New Zealand's North Island. This isn't just a Sunday drive; it's an experience!
Starting from State Highway 1, this 17.9km (11.12 miles) dead-end road hugs the Otaki River, winding its way from the town of Hautere towards the majestic Tararua Ranges.
The first 13km are smooth sailing on paved road. But hold on tight, because the last 5km are where things get interesting! The road turns into a narrow, winding gravel track, with heart-stopping drops down to the steely river on one side and towering cliffs, often shrouded in misty veils, on the other. Pro tip: remember that stopping on gravel takes way longer than on sealed roads!
This road isn't for the faint of heart, especially after rain. Slips are common, so check conditions beforehand and take it super slow. Daylight is your friend here – night driving is a definite no-no. And some sections are seriously steep, so keep that speed under 20 km/h.
As of April 2024, the road is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians due to a slip at Blue Bluff. Camping is available at Boielle's Campsite but you can only get there on foot. Because the road is closed, it's not being maintained and will stay closed until further notice. If you need to get to Ōtaki Forks, there's a 5km emergency track you can walk which starts 200m past the locked gate on Ōtaki Gorge Road.
One of the absolute highlights is the Waihoanga Road Bridge, a swing bridge offering breathtaking views of the Otaki River and the surrounding gorge. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready; the photo ops are incredible!
Fun fact: Otaki Gorge was even used to represent the Shire woods in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies.
Where is it?
The defiant Otaki Gorge Road in New Zealand is closed after a big slip is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.7872, 174.8430
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 17.9 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -41.7872, 174.8430
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