When was Summit Road built?
New Zealand, oceania
28.2 km
500 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Summit Road in Canterbury, on New Zealand's South Island. This isn't just any drive; it's a total experience! This epic road, built back in the late 30s, winds its way through the Port Hills (Te Poho-o-Tamatea). It's all paved, stretching for a solid 28.2km from Sumner Road (just south of Christchurch) all the way to Gebbies Pass Road, near Motukarara.
You're basically hugging the edges of old volcanoes that formed Banks Peninsula, climbing up to a max height of 490m. Just a heads-up, though: things can get a bit tight and twisty up there, especially if you meet a big truck or camper. It's narrow, windy, and sometimes has sheer drops, with summits between 300 and 500 meters. But hey, the views? Absolutely worth it. Think panoramic vistas of Christchurch and the surrounding landscape. Just take your time, and enjoy the ride! (Note: parts of the road were closed for a bit after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 but some sections are open again now.)
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 28.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 500 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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extremeExploring Australia by Road: Best Destinations for Your Next Drive
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