
Where is Lake Road?
New Zealand, oceania
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits on this epic road in New Zealand's North Island! It's your gateway to the gorgeous Te Urewera National Park and beyond.
You'll find this beauty snaking through the northern Hawke's Bay Region, right in the heart of the Te Urewera National Park as part of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (New Zealand State Highway 38). Good news: most cars can handle it! You'll be cruising along sections of unpaved road, twisting and turning through lush rainforest and cute little rural towns.
It's a decent stretch, mind you. Once you pass that one-way bridge over the oh-so-inviting , traffic is pretty light, but stay alert. Because it's a bit out of the way, it's never too crowded. Just remember the entire route twists and turns. It's not scary, but it is not for the faint of heart!
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
moderateTravel guide to the top of Porters Pass in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along State Highway 73, also known as the Great Alpine Highway, right in the heart of New Zealand's South Island. You're climbing up to Porters Pass, which tops out at a cool 948 meters (that's about 3,110 feet!). This beauty is smack-dab in the Canterbury region, specifically in the Torlesse Tussocklands Park, named after a couple of farming brothers back in '58. The road stretches for about 32.4 kilometers (or a little over 20 miles) between the alpine village of Castle Hill and the small town of Springfield. The whole route is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy dirt tracks. You can usually drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter – it can get a bit dicey and close temporarily if the weather turns nasty. But trust me, the views are totally worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the Canterbury Plains spread out below. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
moderateCooloola Beach Drive is One of the Longest Beach Roads in the World
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you, your 4x4, and sixty kilometers of pure, unadulterated beach driving bliss. Cooloola Beach Drive, nestled in Queensland's Gympie Region and part of the awesome Great Sandy National Park, is calling your name! This isn't just any beach – it's a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline that ranks as one of the world's longest beach drives. Starting near Noosa North Shore and cruising all the way to Rainbow Beach, this route is an absolute stunner. Just a heads-up, though: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking soft, rough sand and potential washouts, so a high-clearance 4WD is a must. Also, be sure to grab your Cooloola Recreation Area vehicle access permit and have it displayed to avoid a fine. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, Cooloola Beach Drive promises scenery you will never forget.
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!
hardHow challenging is the Old Andado Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in the Northern Territory of Australia, itching for an adventure. Forget the main highway, because the Old Andado Track is calling your name! This outback dirt track slices through the edge of the Simpson Desert, the world's biggest parallel sand dune desert – some dunes stretch for almost 200km! Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect soft, wet sections, especially after rain. This track isn’t exactly pampered with maintenance, so brace yourself for corrugations and dust galore. Seriously, a 4WD is a must, and be prepared for unstable, shifting surfaces. Watch out for flash flooding, even in the dry season. It's about 240km of pure, raw Aussie outback, part of the larger Binns Track tourist route. "Remote" doesn't even begin to describe it! But if you crave solitude and want to disconnect, this is your road. Just come prepared: stock up on water, fuel, and communication gear (no phone service here!), and maybe brush up on your tire-changing skills, because those rocks are no joke. It’s a true remote-area experience!