Where is Obelisk/Kopuwai?
New Zealand, oceania
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand, surrounded by unreal landscapes. You're heading to the Obelisk, or Kopuwai, a seriously cool rock formation perched way up high.
Getting there is half the adventure. The road's a gravel track, an old gold mining route that climbs and climbs from a paved road for about 15km. You'll gain about 800 meters in elevation, so it's a steady uphill trek.
The views from the top are killer, panoramic vistas of Central Otago. Just don't park near the mast, apparently it messes with your car's electronics! The rock formations at the summit are totally worth the drive.
Now, here's the catch: this road is only open in summer, and even then, only when it's dry. Winter brings snow and dicey conditions. This area can have extreme weather any time of year, so check the forecast before you go. Temps change fast up there, so pack warm, windproof gear, and maybe a compass, because fog can roll in outta nowhere.
Oh, and one more thing: you're way out there. Zero cell service, so if you get stuck, you're on your own. Seriously, don't drive this road alone. It's a real remote area. But hey, if you're prepared, it's an unforgettable adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow To Travel The Great Central Road of Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Ready for the ultimate Aussie adventure? The Great Central Road carves right through the heart of Australia, connecting the Northern Territory and Western Australia in an unforgettable drive. Think of it as a highlight reel from the 2,800 km Outback Way, with the Great Central Road section clocking in at a cool 1,107 km (688 miles). This legendary road stretches from Laverton in Western Australia's Goldfields-Esperance region all the way to the Lasseter Highway near Yulara in the Northern Territory. Along the way, get ready for a landscape that seriously delivers. We're talking sacred Aboriginal lands, wide-open spaces that stretch to the horizon, and dramatic mountain ranges that'll have you reaching for your camera. Now, let's be real – this isn't your average Sunday drive. While the road is regularly maintained, you will likely encounter corrugations, bulldust, potholes lurking in disguise, rocky bits, and soft, sandy riverbeds. Road conditions are always changing, and heavy rains can make sections impassable. Aim for April to October for cooler temps and lower chances of rain-induced closures. About 10,000 vehicles make this trek each year, proving that the adventure is worth it. Just remember, you're heading into remote desert scrub country. Facilities are few and far between, so communications equipment is a must. A 4WD is highly recommended, but a sturdy 2WD can also handle it. Caravans? Only if they're built for serious off-road conditions.
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!
hardWhere is the Street with No Name?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about a seriously creepy spot just west of Sydney, Australia. Locals whisper about a truly unsettling vibe around this old viaduct and the nearby park, especially after dark. They call it "The Street with No Name," though officially it's Maxwell Road in Annandale. Picture this: an overgrown, skinny alley squeezed next to a light rail viaduct, leading to the arches of a railway bridge by Jubilee Park. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong! This place has a dark history. People who've been there report feeling a heavy sense of dread, anxiety, and even being unable to breathe. Others claim to hear phantom footsteps, smell strange odors, and experience sudden chills. And apparently, it can bring out some seriously weird behavior, especially in kids and dogs. With unsolved murders in its past, it's no wonder this place has earned its reputation for eerie happenings and strange sightings. Definitely not your average park stroll!
extremeHow to get by car to The Obilisk in the Otago region?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Central Otago in New Zealand's South Island, right? You're headed towards this crazy cool rock formation called The Obelisk, or Kopuwai if you want to sound like a local. This ain't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the country, topping out at 1,687 meters (that's a whopping 5,534 feet!). You'll find it near Alexandra, nestled in the ridiculously scenic Fruitlands area within the Kopuwai Conservation Area. Think lunar landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and views that will absolutely blow your mind. Now, heads up: You'll need a 4WD beast to tackle Symes Road, the old gold mining track leading to the summit. It's 11.9 km (or 7.39 miles) of totally unpaved, super bumpy fun starting from State Highway 8. Don't let the distance fool you, though – this climb is steep, gaining a massive 1,281 meters with an average gradient of 10.76%. Once you're at the top, you'll see a TV tower. Pro tip: park away from it, as those radio waves can mess with your car's electronics. The views from up there are insane panoramas of Central Otago! This road is only open in the summer when it’s dry. Winter is a no-go because of snow and the ground conditions. Speaking of conditions, weather can change on a dime up here, so check the forecast! Even in summer, bring warm, windproof layers. Fog can roll in fast, so pack a map and GPS to stay safe. Oh, and there's zero cell service, so don't even think about going solo. If you get stuck, you're on your own. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?