Why Was The Zigzag Considered Dangerous?
New Zealand, oceania
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the middle of New Zealand's South Island, cruising through Arthurs Pass National Park. Epic, right? You're on State Highway 73, but forget the boring highway part – this is an adventure!
Now, let's talk about a former white-knuckle section nicknamed "The Zigzag." This part of the road used to climb a steep section on a constantly shifting scree slope. Imagine trying to maintain a road that’s always being eaten away by erosion, flooding, and landslides! This crazy section kept sliding down the mountainside! Over time, the road was moved almost 215 feet back up the slope!
Driving The Zigzag was gnarly. The steep incline meant you were practically crawling, and the constant threat of rocks tumbling down made it an adrenaline rush (maybe a bit too much of one!). It got so bad they eventually had to ditch it because the risk was just too high.
Thankfully, engineers came to the rescue! They built the awesome Ōtira Viaduct to bypass The Zigzag's treacherous slopes. This viaduct offers a much safer and smoother ride through Arthurs Pass. You still get the stunning scenery, but without the nail-biting danger of the old Zigzag! You'll still experience the beauty of the West Coast Road, but now you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in oceania
hardWhen was Talawana Track built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Talawana Track is a rough and often corrugated drive in the center of Western Australia. This track is extremely remote. When was Talawana Track built? The main portion of the track was constructed in 1963 by Len Beadell and the Gunbarrel Road Construction Party. This development was integral to establishing a network of connecting roads intended to support the operations of the Woomera rocket range in South Australia. How long is Talawana Track? This track is one of the most spectacular desert experiences. It is 596 km (370 mi) long, running from Windy Corner on the Is Talawana Track unpaved? The road is totally unsealed and has severe corrugations, washouts, soft sand, salt pans, and sometimes mud. To prevent road surface damage, weight restrictions apply, and the track is in poor condition with average speeds of 20 - 30 kilometers per hour. The drive is shocking as corrugations make any speed uncomfortable. These corrugations must be the result of sustained travel by the trucks. It is often closed after rains. Is Talawana Track remote? This isolated desert track is extremely remote and needs to be driven with extreme caution. You will need to be self-reliant, and traveling alone is not recommended. Supplies are very limited, and facilities along the track are nil. By any standard, this is a long and tough haul through very remote territory. Its isolation requires travelers to be totally self-sufficient with water, food, and fuel. Driving the scenic Great Ocean Road in Australia Tamborine Mountain Road is The Goat Track Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateHow to drive the iconic Mt Victory Road in Victoria’s Grampians National Park?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising through the Grampians National Park in western Victoria? You absolutely HAVE to take Mt Victory Road (aka C222)! This is THE road that plunges you straight into the park's incredible scenery and gets you up close and personal with some seriously iconic Aussie landscapes. Starting in the bustling tourist hub of Halls Gap, nestled in the Grampians' foothills, Mt Victory Road snakes its way west and northwest, carving through some seriously rugged terrain. Think breathtaking views around every corner! You’ll connect to a few other cool roads along the way, eventually hitting the Western Highway (A8) near Wartook and Zumsteins – your gateway to Stawell, Horsham, and beyond. And get this: you'll climb up to a whopping 712 meters (2,335 ft) above sea level! The road gets steep right out of Halls Gap, rewarding you with insane panoramic vistas. Plus, you can't miss these spots along the way: * **Boroka Lookout:** Jaw-dropping views of Halls Gap and the Fyans Valley. * **Reed Lookout:** A quick stroll from the parking area leads to Victoria Valley views that will blow your mind. * **The Balconies:** Seriously cool rock formations with views for days. * **Mackenzie Falls:** One of Victoria’s biggest and most famous waterfalls. * **Zumsteins Historic Area:** Perfect spot for a picnic surrounded by history. Mt Victory Road is fully paved and has two lanes, making it easy for most vehicles (cars, campervans, motorbikes) to tackle. Just a heads up: * Expect some tight curves and steep climbs, especially right after leaving Halls Gap. * Take it slow! There are plenty of curves, wildlife (keep an eye out for kangaroos and emus!), and it can get slippery when wet. * Lots of pull-off areas at the lookouts and trailheads, but not a ton of spots to pass. * Speed limits vary, but generally hover around 60–80 km/h, depending on where you are.
hardHow long is the Blue Rag track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Craving an Aussie off-road adventure? Blue Rag Range Track, nestled in Victoria's High Country, is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a remote and challenging 15.9km (9.87 miles) of pure 4WD heaven. Starting from Dargo High Plains Road, you'll wind your way along a rough gravel track to the Wongungarra River. Get ready for rocky, steep climbs and descents along those precarious mountain edges! How high does it get? You'll be scaling the heights of the Australian Alps, topping out at 1,715m (5,626ft) near Mount Blue Rag. Keep an eye on the weather, though – snow can fall anytime! Dargo High Plains Road might even be closed during the snow season, so check ahead. Is it tough? You bet! This isn't a trail for beginners. We're talking tight, narrow sections, tricky turns, and steep climbs with serious drop-offs on either side. Some turns require multiple attempts, and ruts can form during rainy days. Grab your experienced friends and a second vehicle for safety. Allow 2-3 hours for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to take longer. The breathtaking scenery of Alpine National Park is a visual feast, and the 360º views from the summit of Blue Rag are simply awesome. Just remember to drive responsibly!
extremeDriving in New Zealand: A guide to navigating its most scenic and remote roads
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand's a driver's dream...if you're up for a challenge! Forget freeways, we're talking winding mountain passes, shingle roads that test your suspension, and weather that can change faster than you can say "Lord of the Rings." Distances can be deceiving! That epic road trip might take longer than you think, thanks to those hilly, twisty roads. Flying is fine for getting from city to city, but rent a car to really *experience* the countryside. If you're tackling the South Island's wild spots like Skippers Canyon, consider a 4WD or SUV. Campervans are classic Kiwi, but remember those switchbacks and potential high winds! Lodges are lovely, but holiday parks and DOC campsites are where it's at for road trippers. If you're in a campervan, get familiar with Freedom Camping rules – you'll need a self-contained vehicle and designated zones to park. Book ahead, especially during peak summer (Dec-Feb)! New Zealand roads are often narrow with little to no shoulder. Locals know the roads well, so use those "slow vehicle bays" to let them pass. It's Kiwi road etiquette! Take time to explore the small towns along the way, soak in the Māori and early settler history. While TripAdvisor is great for hotels, check out the Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) website for up-to-the-minute road closures, especially during winter when Arthur's or Haast Pass could be blocked by snow. Apps like CamperMate are great for finding campsites and water fill-up spots too! Out there in the wilderness, stock up on essentials! Pack water and snacks, because help can be hours away. Always check the weather before hitting the mountain passes – that sunshine can turn into a blizzard real quick. New Zealand has over 13 national parks! Many of the most amazing views—Milford Sound or the glaciers—are reached via technical tunnels and steep descents. Whether you're hiking, biking, or kayaking, remember that the roads leading to these spots are often the most challenging part of the adventure. Respect the terrain, manage your fuel, and get ready for one of the most rewarding driving experiences on the planet.