Where is Haast Pass?
New Zealand, oceania
139 km
569 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, road trip lovers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Haast Pass on New Zealand's South Island. Seriously, they say it's one of the most stunning alpine routes in the whole country, and I'm here to tell you, they aren't wrong.
This beauty straddles the West Coast and Otago regions, and it's not just a pretty drive – it's got history! The Maori used this route for greenstone, and it took decades of hard work (think picks and shovels!) to build the road we cruise on today.
State Highway 6, also known as the Haast Pass-Makarora Road, is completely paved. You'll be winding your way for 139 km (86 miles) between Wanaka and Haast, with no towns to stop at in between, so fill up before you leave!
Now, a heads up: This isn't a Sunday drive. Expect countless curves and bends. Keep an eye out for one-lane bridges (heavy vehicles, take note of the speed limits) and be aware of slip hazards, especially in bad weather.
Located in the Mount Aspiring National Park, you might encounter closures after heavy snow or ice, but usually, it's just a temporary thing. Allow about 2 hours for the drive itself, but trust me, you'll want to stop! You'll be driving through rainforests, past wetlands, lakes, and rivers. It's a feast for the eyes, so don’t forget your camera!
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 139 km
- Max Elevation
- 569 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow long is Queen Charlotte Drive?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Drive in New Zealand's South Island is a must-do! This incredible coastal route connects Havelock and Picton, winding for about 33 km (20.6 miles) between the towns. While it's fully paved and open year-round, don't expect to break any speed records! The road climbs gently, but its twists and turns will keep you at around 40km/hour – but trust me, the views are SO worth it. Picture this: turquoise bays peeking through lush ferns. Magical, right? Keep an eye out for cyclists, as it's a popular route for them. The road can be narrow in sections with plenty of bends. Plan for about 50-70 minutes of driving if you don't stop, but you'll want to budget extra time to soak it all in! The drive hugs the southern shore of Mahakipawa Arm, showcasing hidden bays and native forests. Honestly, the views are some of the best you'll find in New Zealand, and there are tons of lookout points along the way. Take it slow, be careful, and pull over when you can to really enjoy the awesome scenery! You'll meander through peaceful views of the iconic Marlborough Sounds, fringed with native forest that is unforgettable.
easyDriving the scenic Harington Point Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Harington Point Road, right at the tip-top of the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand's South Island. This isn't just any drive; it's a coastal dream! For about 11.5 kilometers (around 7 miles), you're hugging the coastline, with the ocean practically at your window. The whole road is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. You'll be making your way from the cute town of Portobello all the way out to Taiaroa Head, where the wind *really* picks up and the views are insane. Trust me, this road trip is all about those killer ocean vibes.
extremeStuart Highway is an iconic Aussie Trip
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie road trip! The Stuart Highway, also known as the Explorer's Way, is a legendary north-south trek right through the heart of Australia. We're talking 2,834 km (1,761 mi) of paved road connecting Darwin in the tropical Northern Territory to Port Augusta in South Australia, passing through iconic spots like Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. This isn't just a drive, it’s an adventure across a dramatically changing landscape, from the lush Top End to the arid beauty of Central Australia. It's named after John McDouall Stuart, the first bloke to cross Australia south to north and live to tell the tale! Give yourself at least 7 days to soak it all in, plus extra time for exploring the quirky towns along the way like Woomera, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, and Katherine. Don't forget Darwin and Adelaide at each end – both are packed with things to see and do. Keep an eye out for the signs – some sections even double as emergency landing strips for the Royal Flying Doctor Service! Word of warning though, this trip calls for some serious planning. The outback can be unforgiving, and you'll find yourself in some pretty remote areas. Fuel stops are roughly every 200 km, but they're not all open 24/7, so plan your refills strategically. Top up whenever you see a truck stop, just in case! The highway's usually busy, but it's still smart to pack food and water. The weather can throw curveballs too – scorching heat in summer, and near-freezing temps overnight. Some say the stretch between Darwin and Pine Creek is particularly hairy, so stay sharp. Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!
extremeMacquarie Pass is one of Australia's best drives
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts, because Macquarie Pass in New South Wales, Australia, is calling your name! Nestled in the Southern Highlands, about 115 km southwest of Sydney, this iconic drive winds through Macquarie Pass National Park, promising stunning scenery at every turn. The Illawarra Highway (A48, Tourist Route 8) is fully paved, stretching 13.7 km (8.51 miles) from Tongarra to Robertson. Be warned: it's a narrow, twisty beast, with centerlines popping up in a few spots but mostly absent, adding to the thrill! Macquarie Pass is generally open year-round, but keep an eye out for closures due to wild weather, landslides, or fire danger. Heavy rain can also cause flooding. Trucks, take note: you're better off sticking to Mount Ousley Road and Picton Road. This pass is seriously steep – we're talking gradients of up to 9.9%! Hairpin bends galore will keep you on your toes. Many corners have sneaky humps or dips, visibility can be limited, and those hairpins? Seriously tight. Expect some single-lane sections mixed with two lanes and double "no overtaking" lines. And just to keep things interesting, you'll often be hugging a rock wall on one side and a drop-off on the other. Watch out for other drivers (especially on weekends and holidays when motorcyclists flock here) as this route demands focus. Trucks can struggle with the tighter corners, often needing to swing wide. Leaves, twigs, and damp patches can also add to the challenge, even on otherwise clear days. But it's all worth it, because the views are simply breathtaking. Opened in 1898, Macquarie Pass offers incredible bushwalking, birdwatching, waterfalls, ocean views, and the fiery beauty of Illawarra flame trees. If you're looking for a memorable adventure on the south coast, this is it!