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
moderateCaves Road Tourist Drive
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: Caves Road Tourist Drive in Western Australia's southwest. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience! Starting near the coastal town of Augusta and winding up to Dunsborough, you're in for a 94km (58-mile) treat. Think smooth pavement carving its way through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. This is Tourist Drive 250, and it lives up to its name! Be warned: the road can get a little cozy with other drivers, so keep your eyes peeled. Expect twists, turns, and a whole lot of narrow sections, making it an engaging ride. Word to the wise: If it's been raining, Murray Scrub Road can get boggy. But mostly, get ready for some stunning scenery and an all-around fantastic road trip!
hardCrossing 363 dunes on Googs Track in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Ready for an Aussie adventure? Head to South Australia for the legendary Googs Track! Think of it as a mini-Simpson Desert experience. This sandy, single-lane track carves through the dry heart of the continent for 186 km (115 miles). It runs from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola. Winding through Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve, you'll tackle over 300 dunes, some rising to 25 metres high. Be warned: it's seriously corrugated, especially on the approaches to those dunes! It's a great introduction to the South Australian outback, but keep in mind the track is narrow, making passing tricky. Plus, it gets muddy after rain. This track isn't maintained, and the sand gets deep and soft, so a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious sand driving skills are essential. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it in anything else. Some of those sandhills can be a real challenge, and definitely leave the caravan at home. Towing anything is generally a bad idea. Googs Track got its name from John "Goog" Denton, an egg seller who built it back in 1973 to help out the local farmers. Allow about a day to conquer the track. The scenery is incredible, and you might spot some rare wildlife. Since you're in the middle of nowhere, a satellite phone is a must. The cooler months are the best time to go – avoid the scorching summer heat. Pack plenty of food, water, and fuel. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track.
easyDriving through the Pohara Natural Bridge in the South Island
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the South Island of New Zealand, wind in your hair, Tasman Sea sparkling on your left. Suddenly, Abel Tasman Drive takes a turn for the awesome. You're heading straight for a massive rock formation – the Pohara Natural Bridge (also called the Tarakohe Archway, after that huge Tarakohe Rock nearby). Get ready for a serious "wow" moment, because you're about to drive *through* a cave! Yep, this road actually goes right through a natural tunnel carved out of limestone. For ages, this natural passage has been the easiest way to get between these little coastal coves. Back in the day, they even quarried the limestone here for cement, though the quarry is now abandoned. When they built Abel Tasman Drive, they decided to just go for it and route the road straight through the cave! It's totally paved, so you don't need a four-wheel-drive or anything. Just take it slow, soak in the scenery, and enjoy one of the most unique drives you'll ever experience. Seriously, how many roads do you know that tunnel through a natural cave? This area, including the nearby Tarakohe Wharf (or Port Tarakohe), is ridiculously scenic, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!
moderateDriving the Alpine Ohakune Mountain Road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising around the North Island of New Zealand? You HAVE to hit Ohakune Mountain Road! This sealed road, nestled in the southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (and inside Tongariro National Park!), serves up some seriously sweeping views. First opened in 1963, this beauty climbs to a whopping 1,630m (5,347ft) above sea level. We're talking postcard-perfect scenery, dotted with huge-leafed mountain cabbage trees. And get this – there's even a service road for the chairlift that goes even higher, to 2,052m (6,732ft)! Starting from Old Station Road, you'll gain 1015 meters of elevation over its 16.2 km (10 miles). That's an average gradient of 6.26%, with some sections hitting a steeper 15%. The road is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – it's an alpine environment, and things can change fast. Snow can close it, so be prepared for anything! Give yourself about 20 minutes to drive it without stopping. Trust me, though, you'll WANT to stop. On a clear day, the views stretch all the way to the South Island! Plus, there are tons of points of interest along the way. Cell service is available, though it can be a bit spotty. It's honestly one of the most picturesque drives I've ever experienced.