
Why is it called Porters Pass?
New Zealand, oceania
32.4 km
948 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers, because Porters Pass in New Zealand's South Island is calling your name! This beauty tops out at 948 meters (3,110 feet), giving you some seriously stunning views. It got its name from the Porter brothers, local farmers back in the day, which is a cool little bit of history.
The road itself? Smooth sailing all the way, baby! We're talking fully paved State Highway 73 that winds right through the Torlesse Tussocklands Park. Keep an eye on the weather in winter, though, because it can get a bit dicey and might close temporarily. But when it's open, get ready for mind-blowing views of the Canterbury Plains.
The whole shebang stretches for about 32.4 kilometers (20.13 miles), cruising between the alpine charm of Castle Hill Village and the laid-back vibes of Springfield. Trust me, this isn't just a drive – it's an experience.
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 32.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 948 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
extremeHow long is Otaki Gorge Road?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're on the Kapiti Coast, North Island, New Zealand, about to embark on a 17.9km (11.12 miles) adventure along the Otaki Gorge Road. This dead-end beauty kicks off from State Highway 1 near Hautere and hugs the Otaki River all the way up towards the Tararua Ranges. For the first 13km, it's smooth sailing on paved roads. But hold on tight, because the last 5km are where things get wild! This is where the road turns into a narrow, winding gravel track with serious drop-offs to the river below on one side, and towering cliffs on the other. Seriously, stopping distances triple on gravel, so keep your wits about you. Now, about those conditions… After it rains, this road can get super tricky, with slips being a real possibility. Daytime is your best bet for travel here, and honestly, night driving? Not recommended. This journey isn't for the faint-hearted; some parts are seriously steep, so take it slow and easy – think under 20 km/h. **Important Note (April 2024):** The road's currently closed to both vehicles and pedestrians due to a slip at Blue Bluff. You *can* camp at Boielle's Campsite, but you'll have to hike in. There's an emergency track to Ōtaki Forks (5km long), accessible 200m past the locked gate. Despite the challenges, the views are insane. One highlight you absolutely can't miss is the Waihoanga Road Bridge – a stunning swing bridge offering killer views of the Otaki River and the surrounding gorge. Seriously, bring your camera! And for all you Lord of the Rings nerds (like me), this is where they filmed the Shire woods!
moderateHow to Cross the Defiant Kaitawa Bridge in the Manawatu Region?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up! Just southeast of Pahiatua on New Zealand's North Island, you'll find the Kaitawa Bridge, the gateway to the wild Ōtaki Gorge Road. Trust me, you *want* to find it. This isn't your average bridge; it's a 92-meter wooden suspension marvel slung across the Ōtaki River. Now, a word of warning: this baby's got restrictions. We're talking one vehicle at a time, and nothing wider than 2.5 meters. They beefed it up back in '86 so stock trucks could rumble across, but still. Built way back in 1932, this steel and concrete beauty carries Waihoanga Road – but be warned, it's a single lane only. Once you cross, the adventure really begins, although keep in mind the north side leads to some dead ends. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
moderateMcKillops Bridge is a significant engineering feat at the time
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Snowy River National Park in Victoria, Australia, and BAM! You stumble upon McKillops Bridge – and trust me, it's a showstopper. This thing is a serious feat of engineering, built way back in the 30s, and it's still the only bridge for miles that crosses the Snowy River. McKillops Road (aka C611) is, shall we say, an *experience.* Some folks even call it one of the trickiest drives around! The bridge itself is a long stretch high above the river, supported by these huge concrete piers. Oh, and keep an eye out for the ruins of the old bridge that didn't quite make it, washed away just before its grand opening. But hey, it's not all about the adrenaline. McKillops Bridge is the perfect pit stop to soak in those postcard-worthy views of the Snowy River gorge. Whether you're just stretching your legs or planning a mini-adventure, this place is pure Aussie gold.
extremeJacob's Ladder is a zig-zag mountain road in Tasmania
🌍 Tasmania
# Ben Lomond Road: Tasmania's Ultimate Alpine Adventure Picture this: you're winding through northeastern Tasmania, tackling one of the world's most insane hairpin turn sequences on your way to a 1,452m summit. Welcome to Ben Lomond Road—a 17.7km unpaved journey that'll get your adrenaline pumping and your camera working overtime. Starting at Upper Blessington off the C401, this spectacular drive climbs through dramatic dolerite cliffs with an eye-watering elevation gain of 1,089 meters. The average gradient sits at 6.15%, but throw in sections hitting 13% and you've got yourself a properly challenging mountain road. The real showstopper? Jacob's Ladder—a series of six legendary hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and nerve in equal measure. There's even a lookout platform at the top where you can catch your breath and soak in the views. Fair warning: only 22-seat buses and smaller vehicles are allowed here, and bus drivers need a special alpine license. Stick to 30 km/h, let oncoming traffic pass, and definitely use your engine brake on the way down. The whole experience takes about 45 minutes (without stops), and trust us—you won't want to rush it. You're driving through Ben Lomond National Park with stunning panoramas at every turn, surrounded by steep cliffs and sprawling rural plains. From here, you're also just 50km from Launceston and close to Tasmania's main ski fields. Winter? Bring chains and antifreeze (mandatory June–September), and watch for sudden road closures due to snow and ice. Keep an eye out for rockfall and local wildlife too. This is raw, real mountain driving at its finest.