The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Chard Road in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
17 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around the Otago region of New Zealand and fancy a serious adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out Chard Road.
This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a nail-biting, single-lane gravel track that hugs the Kawarau River as it carves its way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge. Imagine twisting and turning along the mountainside with a sheer, fifty-meter drop right next to you the *entire* time. Yeah, it's that intense.
Starting from the nice, easy paved State Highway 6, this 17km (10.5 mile) rollercoaster throws some seriously steep sections at you, topping out at a 9% gradient. The road's super narrow in spots, so drive carefully and maybe send up a little prayer you don't meet anyone head-on! Back in the day, this was the main route between Queenstown and Cromwell, built for horses and carts way back in 1866. The scenery is epic, the drive is unforgettable, and the bragging rights are all yours!
Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Chard Road in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.2904, 175.2383
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 17 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -41.2904, 175.2383
Related Roads in oceania
moderateHow long is Oolloo Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Oolloo Road, a totally unforgettable outback experience in the Northern Territory! This beauty stretches for about 69 km (or 43 miles for you imperial folks) from State Route 23 (aka Dorat Road) heading southward. Fair warning: it's mostly unpaved. Be ready for some serious corrugations! Mother Nature throws a few curveballs here. Heavy rain can lead to flash floods that can submerge the road or even damage bridges and culverts. On the flip side, when it's dry, the road is generally accessible with a 4WD, perfect for exploring the wild landscapes! You'll pass through the Oolloo Crossing Conservation Area. Keep an eye out for the Daly River down at the southern end. Gorgeous spot, but don't even think about driving down to the river's edge! This is definitely croc country, and those saltwater fellas aren't messing around! This road offers some breathtaking scenery.
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!
extremeWhy is it called the Mitchell Freeway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! The Mitchell Highway in Australia is calling your name! This epic stretch of road connects Queensland and New South Wales, clocking in at a whopping 1,105 km (687 mi). It's named after some explorer guy, Sir Thomas Mitchell, so you know it's got history. Think stunning, classic Aussie scenery for days. But pro tip: this isn't a drive you want to tackle after dark. Animals are known to wander onto the road, and cell service can be spotty, so plan your stops and fuel carefully. And yeah, it's worth noting that the Mitchell Highway has sadly seen its share of accidents. It’s a vital route for getting around, but stay alert and respect the road, and you'll have an unforgettable adventure!
moderateThe road to Wards Pass is closed due to snowfalls for long periods
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Wards Pass! Nestled in the northern part of New Zealand's South Island, this mountain pass sits pretty high at 1,145 meters (3,757 feet). You'll find it snuggled between the upper Acheron and Awatere River valleys. Now, fair warning: the road to the top—Acheron Road, taking you from Blenheim to Hanmer Springs—is completely unpaved. Think gravel, and sometimes loose gravel, especially on the edges, so keep that in mind! Before you set off, double-check with your rental company that you're good to drive here. Most 2WD and AWD cars with decent clearance should be fine. But leave the caravans, buses, and anything over 7 meters long at home. Towing a trailer? You'll need a permit, so get that sorted first. High up in the Rachel Range, part of the Inland Kaikoura Ranges, this road is open during the summer season, usually from 7 am to 7 pm, from October 1st through Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April (whichever is later). Get ready for some amazing scenery!