Ultimate 4wd destination: Tukino Skifield in NZ

Ultimate 4wd destination: Tukino Skifield in NZ

New Zealand, oceania

Length

6 km

Elevation

1,705 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Craving adventure in New Zealand's North Island? Then point your 4WD towards Tukino Skifield! This hidden gem sits high up on Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano in the Waikato Region.

The adventure starts on State Highway 1, where you'll turn onto the unpaved Tukino Access Road. This 13.2km (8.2 mile) track climbs 634 meters, averaging a 4.80% gradient with some ramps hitting 11%. You'll gain some serious altitude to reach the skifield at 1,705m (5,593ft)!

Keep in mind this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is only suitable for 4WD vehicles during winter and a gate blocks access in summer. Snow can strike at any time, making the road impassable even with chains. Always check the forecast and road status before heading up. Pack your gear and be prepared for anything! The views are epic, but safety comes first on this rugged climb up the side of a volcano!

Where is it?

Ultimate 4wd destination: Tukino Skifield in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -42.4042, 175.4769

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
6 km
Max Elevation
1,705 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-42.4042, 175.4769

Related Roads in oceania

Where does the Bruce Highway start and finish?extreme

Where does the Bruce Highway start and finish?

🇦🇺 Australia

Cruising up the Bruce Highway in Queensland, Australia is a true Aussie experience, stretching a whopping 1,677 km (1,042 miles) from Brisbane all the way up to Cairns. Think of it as the coastal spine, connecting 11 major ports and keeping freight moving. This legendary highway hugs the eastern coastline, winding through cities like Maryborough, Rockhampton, Mackay, and Townsville. It's the gateway to Queensland's stunning coastal tourist spots and the main street for countless regional communities. Now, let’s be real, the Bruce has earned a bit of a reputation, some even call it the 'Highway of Shame'. It can get pretty intense with heavy traffic, especially north of Brisbane, and overtaking can be a real issue. With that much road, people get impatient. Add in the risk of flooding, and you've got a recipe for a white-knuckle drive at times. Keep your wits about you, because the roadside *isn't* forgiving if you slip up. You’ll be sharing the road with heaps of trucks, and for long stretches, it’s just a two-lane highway with high traffic volume, so keep your eyes peeled, take regular breaks, and enjoy the epic scenery!

Driving the Long Landsborough Highway in Queenslandmoderate

Driving the Long Landsborough Highway in Queensland

🇦🇺 Australia

Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of exploring the heart of Queensland, Australia? Then buckle up for the Landsborough Highway, a legendary north-south route stretching a whopping 1,049 km (652 miles) from Morven to Cloncurry. Named after the explorer William Landsborough, this iconic road is part of the larger A2 Highway, linking together towns across Queensland. The entire route is paved, making it accessible to all vehicle types. However, keep in mind that seasonal weather can throw a curveball. Some sections might be a little rough around the edges, so plan ahead! Speaking of planning, this trip requires some serious prep. Be ready for long stretches of road, and maybe avoid driving at night. Mobile coverage can be spotty, and you might encounter some furry friends along the way – keep an eye out for animals! Between November and May, things can get pretty wild with torrential rainfall and flooding. Seriously, this road can end up underwater! Weather conditions can change dramatically from start to finish, so be prepared for anything. Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure!

Where is Milford Road?extreme

Where is Milford Road?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: South West New Zealand, you're behind the wheel, and the legendary Milford Road is stretching out before you. This isn't just any road trip; it's a full-blown adventure through Fiordland National Park, smack-dab in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We're talking 118km (73 miles) of pure, paved bliss from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Construction started way back in 1929, but it wasn't until 1953 that this epic route was finally completed. Now, you could technically blast through it in about 1.5 to 2 hours, but trust me, you'll want to carve out way more time. This isn't a race; it's an experience. Think Mirror Lakes reflecting the Earl Mountains like a perfect painting, the dramatic Cleddau River waterfalls, and the optical illusion of the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain. Lord of the Rings vibes are strong here, people! Expect towering cliffs, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls cascading down rock faces, and ferns doing their gravity-defying thing. The road leads straight to one of New Zealand’s biggest attractions, Milford Sound. It's popular, so get ready to share the road with cars, coaches, and campervans, especially from October to April. Winter (May to September) sees fewer crowds but requires extra caution. Oh, and did I mention the Homer Tunnel? This 1,270-meter (4,200 feet) marvel was carved straight through solid granite and took nearly 20 years to build! The road itself climbs to a whopping 940 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level. Heads up: this road can get snowy, icy, and avalanche-prone, especially from June to November. Keep an eye on those road signs, and pack your chains – it's the law. Metal gates can even block the road when the avalanche risk is super high. One more thing, fill up your tank in Te Anau. Fuel is available at Gunns Camp in the Hollyford Valley and at Milford Sound, but better safe than sorry! Landslides, treefalls, and washouts can shut the road down at any time, so stay alert and drive smart. Flooding happens, too, especially near rivers.

Your guide to exploring Moralana Scenic Drive through Flinders Rangesmoderate

Your guide to exploring Moralana Scenic Drive through Flinders Ranges

🇦🇺 Australia

Located in South Australia, the Moralana Scenic Drive winds through the Flinders Ranges, offering great views of the landscape. The Moralana Scenic Drive, also known as Moralana Gorge Road, is mostly unpaved as it traverses the Flinders Ranges. It's usually passable for most vehicles in dry conditions but can be challenging after rain, often closing when wet. The drive is especially scenic in late winter and spring. Covering 27.5 km (17.08 miles), it links Outback Highway (B83) to Flinders Ranges Way. Despite its beauty, caution is needed during wet weather, particularly at creek crossings like Moralana Creek, which can flood after heavy rains. Always check local conditions before setting out. Reaching heights up to 429m (1,407ft) above sea level, the drive offers stunning views of Wilpena Pound Range, Bunbinyunna Range, Black Gap Lookout, Elder Range, and the historic Old Cueing Yards. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a great outback adventure. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.