11 Surprisingly Fun Things To Do When You Rent a Campervan in New Zealand
New Zealand, oceania
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easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Nevis Road in New Zealand! This gravel road is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) long, winding its way through the stunning Nevis Valley in Central Otago. You'll climb some serious elevation — we're talking from around 400 meters (1,300 feet) up to about 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) above sea level. The views? Absolutely breathtaking, showcasing that classic rugged New Zealand scenery. Now, here's the kicker: this road is no joke. It's narrow, steep in sections, and has some pretty gnarly drop-offs. Plus, there are a couple of river crossings that can get dicey depending on the weather. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you're up for an adventure and have a good 4x4, the Nevis Road delivers an unforgettable off-road experience!
Where is it?
11 Surprisingly Fun Things To Do When You Rent a Campervan in New Zealand is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.3371, 173.6888
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -41.3371, 173.6888
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhere is Nevis Road?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Nevis Road in Otago, New Zealand? Oh, you *need* to experience this drive. Think steep climbs, river crossings, and views for days! You'll find it snaking near the Southland border, in the lower part of the South Island. Clocking in at 65 km (40 miles), this unpaved beauty runs from Bannockburn Road (near Cromwell in Central Otago) all the way to State Highway 6 (close to Garston in northern Southland) — and it’s packed with adventure. A 2WD *might* make it to Duffers Saddle during the warmer months, but honestly, a 4WD is your best bet. It’s a fun drive in good weather with a decent 4WD. Heads up: beyond Duffers Saddle, you'll *definitely* need that 4WD. The Nevis Valley section, from Bannockburn to Garston, is strictly 4WD territory and can get pretty gnarly with lots of fords. Nestled high in the Old Woman Range, you'll hit a peak of 1,275 m (4,183 ft) above sea level. Keep an eye out for the sign proudly declaring it the highest public road in New Zealand! But fair warning, the weather can be a real wild card up here. The road's closed during the winter months (early June to September 30th). Even in summer, things can get dicey fast, with snow or high river levels shutting things down. Pro tip: Don't go it alone! Bring a buddy or another vehicle; you're a long way from civilization. This trip is REMOTE. There's zero cell service, so if you get stuck, you're on your own. Traffic is practically non-existent, and there are about 26 river crossings to navigate. You'll spot echoes of the area's history all around. After heavy rain, expect mud and deeper water crossings.
moderateDorat Road: A Memorable Road Trip
🇦🇺 Australia
Dorat Road, also known as State Route 23, is a very scenic, single-lane, sealed road located in the Northern Territory of Australia. The name "Dorat" is an acronym created during World War II (1942) for the Darwin Overland Road Authorities Transport. This collaborative body was established by state transport authorities from Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales. Its purpose was essential: to organize the movement of materials required for the construction of the Stuart Highway, transporting supplies north from the railhead at Alice Springs toward Darwin. It was built during World War II. In the 1960s, most bridges and floodways were resurfaced, and the entire length is currently sealed. The road is 65 km (40 mi) long and runs north-south, beginning at the Stuart Highway near the town of Adelaide River and then looping back to rejoin the Stuart Highway near the Long Airfield Airstrip. It comprises many narrow sections. No vehicles over 19 meters in length are permitted on this road. While originally part of the strategic Stuart Highway, the Dorat Road's many steep climbs and tight curves led to it being bypassed by the modern Stuart Highway. Today, it is primarily designated as a scenic and historic tourist drive (State Route 23). It is undulating, sealed, and narrow, contrasting sharply with the modern, high-speed main route. The road is fully sealed, but its narrow, undulating, and winding nature is a constant reminder of its historical use as a World War II access road. Drivers should be prepared for tight curves and varying grades. While it is a single-lane sealed road, it is generally well-maintained. The drive is definitely worth it and features scenic views. It provides access to tourist attractions including Robin Falls and Douglas-Daly Hot Springs, and several World War II heritage locations. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateStuart Highway
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Stuart Highway: Australia's Epic Red Centre Road Trip Want to experience one of the world's most legendary road journeys? The Stuart Highway stretches a massive 2,834 kilometers from Adelaide's coast all the way up to Darwin in the tropical north, slicing straight through the heart of Australia's stunning red centre. The route honours explorer John McDouall Stuart, who first made the epic south-to-north crossing back in 1862—and honestly, this highway is every bit as thrilling today. What makes this drive truly special is the constantly shifting scenery. You'll cruise through South Australia's famous Barossa Valley vineyards, then roll into the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy where locals have literally dug homes into the earth to escape the scorching heat. Further north, you can detour to see the magnificent Uluru, then push on to the outback frontier vibe of Alice Springs. The ancient sandstone formations of the Devils Marbles are absolutely mesmerizing. As you head into the northern section, the landscape transforms into lush tropical savanna before you finally hit Darwin's humid, steamy tropics. Fair warning though: between towns, this highway stretches dead straight for hundreds of kilometers through empty red desert. It's breathtaking but also relentless—the monotony and heat can really test your endurance, so come prepared and don't underestimate just how remote some stretches are.
extremeThe scenic Crown Range Road in NZ is often covered in snow
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Get ready for an unforgettable ride on the Crown Range Road in New Zealand's South Island! This baby is a wild one, packed with hairpin turns, switchbacks, and seriously steep climbs. Formerly known as State Highway 89, this 50km (31-mile) stretch connects Arrow Junction to the charming town of Wanaka, nestled on the lake's edge. It got a full makeover in 2001 with a smooth seal. Now, don't underestimate this road; it's a real rollercoaster! It can be a bit of a white-knuckle drive, especially for those who aren't fond of heights. Some of those bends are proper hairpins, and the drop-offs can feel like they lead to nowhere. If you're a newbie driver, maybe skip this one. It's not ideal for towing or anything longer than 12 meters. Reaching a dizzying 1,079m (3,540ft) at the Crown Range summit, it's one of the highest roads in the country. Heads up: winter (May-October) can be tricky. Snow's pretty common up top, so drive carefully and keep snow chains handy. Ice and snow can make things extra challenging. But here's the reward: the views are insane! Mountains as far as the eye can see, and vistas that'll take your breath away around every corner. Seriously, plan to stop often and soak it all in. Queenstown looks amazing from up here. The descent into the alpine valley is pure magic, especially in the late afternoon. Allow about 1.5 hours to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The road can get busy, so be patient and enjoy the ride!