Where is Mount Cheeseman?

Where is Mount Cheeseman?

New Zealand, oceania

Length

111 km

Elevation

1,550 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're on New Zealand's South Island, about an hour and a half from Christchurch, heading into the Southern Alps. You're aiming for Mount Cheeseman, home to a sweet little ski area.

Now, getting there is part of the adventure. The Mount Cheeseman Access Road is about 12 km of pure, unadulterated 4x4 fun. Forget the pavement, this is a gravel road all the way! We're talking steep climbs, potentially narrow sections, and some serious drop-offs.

The road starts at SH 73, a couple of clicks past Castle Hill village. You'll dive into a beech forest before emerging into stunning alpine scenery. Trust me, the views are worth it.

Word to the wise: this is 4WD territory. And definitely bring chains, especially if it's winter. The weather up here can change in a heartbeat. You'll climb from around 1,550m to the ski area, with a side trip on the chairlift service road taking you up to 1,862m. Keep an eye out for road closures, and respect them: there's always a good reason! But if the road is clear, get ready for an epic drive.

Where is it?

Where is Mount Cheeseman? is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -43.1536, 171.6590

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
111 km
Max Elevation
1,550 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-43.1536, 171.6590

Related Roads in oceania

Take the Scenic Alpine Way and Discover Dead Horse Gapextreme

Take the Scenic Alpine Way and Discover Dead Horse Gap

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dead Horse Gap! Nestled in the gorgeous New South Wales, Australia, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,597m (5,239ft). You'll find it snuggled within Kosciuszko National Park, part of the stunning Victorian Alps high country. This beauty is part of the Kosciuszko Alpine Way, and it's a smooth ride all the way, thanks to being fully paved. This east-west route stretches for 123km (76.4 miles), linking Jindabyne to the New South Wales/Victorian border. Generally, you can cruise this road year-round. Heads up though: winter can bring closures due to wild weather. Speaking of winter, if you're rolling in a two-wheel-drive between the June and October long weekends, snow chains are a must between Thredbo and Tom Groggin. Be prepared for some steep climbs, with gradients hitting a max of 13% in spots! There are also some tight squeezes and seriously steep sections between Khancoban and Thredbo. Big rigs and caravans might want to sit this one out. But all those challenges are worth it for the views!

Is Moralana Scenic Drive unpaved?moderate

Is Moralana Scenic Drive unpaved?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: the Moralana Scenic Drive in South Australia. Think rugged Flinders Ranges, epic outback vibes, and a whole lotta red dirt! This 27.5km (17-ish miles) track, also known as Moralana Gorge Road, is mostly unpaved, so get ready for a bit of a bumpy ride. Most cars can handle it when it's dry, but things get dicey after rain – this baby often closes up when wet, especially at creek crossings like Moralana Creek. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck there! Late winter and spring? That's prime time for wildflowers and incredible views. Speaking of views, you'll climb up to 429m (that's 1,407ft) and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Wilpena Pound Range, Bunbinyunna Range, Black Gap Lookout, Elder Range, and the historic Old Cueing Yards. Seriously, it's an Instagrammer's dream. If you're chasing that true Aussie outback experience, this drive is totally worth it. Just remember to check local conditions before you head out, especially if rain is even a remote possibility. Adventure awaits!

What are Big Red and Little Red tracks?moderate

What are Big Red and Little Red tracks?

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, 4WD fanatics, listen up! If you're heading to the Glasshouse Mountains in southeastern Queensland, Australia, you HAVE to check out Big Red and Little Red. These aren't your average dirt tracks; they're legendary! Think you've got what it takes? Big Red and Little Red will put your 4WD skills to the ultimate test. We're talking serious obstacles that demand a capable vehicle, a spotter who knows their stuff, and a driver with serious experience. Big Red is the real beast, but don't underestimate Little Red – it's no walk in the park either. Trust me, photos and videos don't do justice to how intense these tracks can be. Now, a heads-up: these tracks are currently being used as a service road due to recent flattening and bulldozing for powerline maintenance. Rollovers are super common out here, so come prepared. You'll need low range gearing, high ground clearance, traction aids, and all the recovery gear you can carry. Even lifted rigs with mud tires can struggle, especially when things get muddy – which they often do! Basically, come ready to use your recovery gear...a lot. But hey, that's half the fun, right? Get out there and see if you can conquer these iconic tracks!

Is the road to Stokes Hill Lookout unpaved?hard

Is the road to Stokes Hill Lookout unpaved?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, so you're heading to South Australia? You HAVE to check out Stokes Hill Lookout! Perched way up high at 737 meters (that's 2,417 feet!), this natural viewpoint offers seriously epic views. Now, the road up there is a bit of an adventure. It's a 1.9km (1.18 miles) unpaved, rocky dirt track that winds steeply up the Flinders Ranges. Don't worry, you don't need a monster truck! Most 2WDs, AWDs, and 4WDs can make it, but definitely leave the caravan at home. The climb is only 71 meters total, but some parts get pretty steep, up to 9% grade! Is it worth it? Absolutely! The summit has a small parking area and the views are completely breathtaking. You get a full 360° panorama of the Flinders Ranges National Park, including the iconic Wilpena Pound. It's a super popular spot, but trust me, the views are unmatched. And if you can time it right, watching the sunset from up there? Unforgettable!