
Where is Old Woman Range?
New Zealand, oceania
19.9 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand's Otago region, itching for an adventure. I've got just the spot - Old Woman Range! We're talking seriously high altitude here, one of the highest roads in the whole country.
You'll find this peak chilling near the Southland border, smack-dab in the Kopuwai Conservation Area. The views from the mountain hut at the top? Forget about it! Panoramic doesn't even begin to cover it. Think stunning Central Otago landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Now, a word of warning: this ain't your typical Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, and bumpy as anything. We're talking old gold mining track stuff, so a 4WD is an absolute must. We're talking about 19.9 km (12.36 miles) from Nevis to the top!
Heads up, this road is usually only open in summer and only when it's dry. The weather here can be super unpredictable, even in summer, so conditions can change in a heartbeat. Plus, you're way out in the boonies, with zero cell service, so getting stuck is a real possibility. Seriously, don't even think about tackling this one solo. You barely see another soul out there. But for views like this? It's hard to find.
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 19.9 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
extremeMilford Road is a truly epic road in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Get ready for the Milford Road, an absolutely stunning drive slicing through South West New Zealand from Te Anau to Milford Sound! This paved beauty, part of State Highway 94, carves its way for 118km through Fiordland National Park, a chunk of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Seriously, this is wilderness on steroids. Construction took ages, starting in 1929 during the Great Depression and finally wrapping up in 1953 (with a little break for WWII). Budget about 1.5 to 2 hours for the drive, but pro tip: triple that. You'll be stopping every five minutes to gawk! Think Mirror Lakes perfectly reflecting the Earl Mountains, the cascading waterfalls of the Cleddau River, and the mind-bending Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain. Lord of the Rings vibes are strong here, with mighty cliffs, snow-capped peaks, and fern trees doing their gravity-defying thing. This is the *only* road to Milford Sound, a must-see. Don't miss the Homer Tunnel, a 1,270-meter-long feat of engineering carved straight through solid granite! Clocking in at 940 meters above sea level at its highest point, this is one of the highest highways in New Zealand. Winter can be wild, with snow a real possibility. Chains are a must between June and November (and legally required!). Even in summer, snow can fall on the higher parts. Avalanches can be a threat in winter, too. This is remote territory, so fill up the gas tank in Te Anau (limited fuel is available at Gunns Camp and Milford Sound). Keep your wits about you, as the injury crash rates are a bit higher than average in New Zealand. Landslips, treefalls, and washouts can happen anytime, causing closures. Flooding can also happen, especially near rivers.
extremeMimiwhangata Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising south of Helena Bay, hugging the east coast of Northland, New Zealand. Suddenly, you hit Mimiwhangata Road, and BAM! Adventure time. This isn't your Sunday drive – it's a proper adrenaline rush, so maybe skip it if you're feeling a bit delicate! We're talking about 6.9 km of unsealed, seriously narrow, twisty road. Think remote wilderness vibes, so come prepared. Zero cell service, people. And those views? Insane. Seriously, some sections are barely wide enough for two cars, meaning someone might be doing some serious reversing on those hairpin turns. Caravans and huge RVs? Hard pass. Trailers are *maybe* okay if you're a pro driver, but seriously, know your reversing skills! But trust me, it’s SO worth it! At the end of this wild ride is a massive coastal park (2,000 hectares!) nestled in a marine reserve. The views are absolutely stunning, so pack your camera, charge those batteries, and clear some memory space. This drive is a MUST!
moderateHow long is Oolloo Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Oolloo Road, a totally unforgettable outback experience in the Northern Territory! This beauty stretches for about 69 km (or 43 miles for you imperial folks) from State Route 23 (aka Dorat Road) heading southward. Fair warning: it's mostly unpaved. Be ready for some serious corrugations! Mother Nature throws a few curveballs here. Heavy rain can lead to flash floods that can submerge the road or even damage bridges and culverts. On the flip side, when it's dry, the road is generally accessible with a 4WD, perfect for exploring the wild landscapes! You'll pass through the Oolloo Crossing Conservation Area. Keep an eye out for the Daly River down at the southern end. Gorgeous spot, but don't even think about driving down to the river's edge! This is definitely croc country, and those saltwater fellas aren't messing around! This road offers some breathtaking scenery.
hardWhy is Allison Road famous?
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: Allison Road, snaking through the quiet countryside near Devonport in Tasmania’s North West. Seems innocent enough, right? Wrong! This little stretch has a seriously spooky rep, whispered about by locals for decades. It all started back in 1921 when poor Chrissie Venn, just 13 years old, vanished on her way to run errands. Days later, they found her… in a tree stump. Gruesome, right? The case was never solved, and now, legend has it, her spirit is still hanging around. So, what can you expect if you dare to drive Allison Road? People talk about seeing a ghostly girl by the roadside, weird lights tailing their cars, and engines mysteriously cutting out near this one spot called "The Dip." Some even swear they've picked up a hitchhiker who vanishes into thin air! And it's not just visual stuff. Think your GPS is reliable? Not on Allison Road. People have reported them going haywire, along with headlights flickering and cars getting unexplained scratches. It's like the road itself is messing with you! There's even a local tradition, a sort of dare, to walk around the tree stump where Chrissie was found at midnight. Talk about a test of courage! One guy even told a story about buying a used car and driving it home at night, only to get completely lost and have his check engine light come on out of nowhere near "The Dip." The light went off and he found his way as soon as he cleared the area. Creepy, right? Whether it’s true hauntings or just collective imagination running wild, Allison Road has definitely earned its place in Tasmanian folklore as one of the scariest drives around. Are you brave enough to uncover its secrets?