An epic enthralling road to Rough Ridge in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
46.1 km
1,040 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Rough Ridge, nestled way up high in New Zealand's Otago Region, is calling your name! We're talking a lofty 1,040m (3,412ft) above sea level, so buckle up for some serious views.
This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be tackling the legendary Old Dunstan Road (aka The Dunstan Trail), a 46.1 km (28.64 miles) stretch of mostly unpaved glory, winding from Clarks Junction on State Highway 87 to Upper Taieri-Paerau Road.
Picture this: you start on smooth sealed sections, but before long you're bouncing along gravel, clay, and exposed rock. Things get steep in places, so be prepared for a bit of a climb! This track, high in the Lammermoor Range, offers scenery that'll blow your mind. Word of caution: this beast is usually closed from the first Tuesday in June until September 30th for winter, and after rain, parts can become a sticky, muddy mess. A 4x4 is highly recommended for much of the route!
Where is it?
An epic enthralling road to Rough Ridge in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.5348, 173.3779
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 46.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,040 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -40.5348, 173.3779
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow to Drive the Unsealed Lake Road in New Zealand's Eastern North Island
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Lake Road in New Zealand's North Island, heading straight for the gorgeous Lake Waikaremoana, right in the heart of Tuhoe country. Seriously, the views are epic! You'll find this gem nestled in the northern Hawke's Bay region, right inside Te Urewera National Park. It's part of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (also known as New Zealand State Highway 38), and honestly, most cars can handle it. Just be ready for stretches of gravel road that wind through lush rainforest and past cute little towns. Clocking in at 57 km (35 miles) from Frasertown, things get interesting after you cross that one-way bridge over the Aniwaniwa Stream where it becomes Waikaremoana Road. Take it slow, folks! The road is narrow, twisty, and you won't see tons of other cars. The gravel keeps the crowds away, which is kinda nice, but also means you need to be alert. The whole drive is a rollercoaster through the park, so buckle up for some adventure!
hardWhere does the Canning Stock Route start and finish?
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure! The Canning Stock Route snakes its way through the heart of Western Australia's deserts, stretching 1,850 km from Halls Creek in the Kimberley to Wiluna in the Mid West region. This isn't a Sunday drive – we're talking about crossing the Gibson, Little Sandy, and Great Sandy Deserts, passing through native title lands. This legendary stock route throws everything at you: think endless horizons, scorching sun, and over 900 sand dunes (some seriously huge!). You'll need around three weeks to tackle it, and your trusty 4WD better be up to the task. Forget luxury – this is about self-sufficiency. Pack enough food, water, and spare parts to last, and brush up on your car repair skills. There are no towns, no services, just you, your vehicle, and the raw beauty of the Aussie desert. While some wells have been restored, don’t count on them. This route sees enough traffic to keep it somewhat accessible, but it's definitely not maintained. So, gather your convoy, make sure your four-wheel drives are in top condition, and hit the road during the cooler months (April to September). Just remember to secure your permits beforehand, and maybe leave the trailer at home – this is about serious off-roading!
moderateConquer Oolloo Road: A Scenic Drive Through Crocodile Territory
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up for an Aussie adventure! Oolloo Road slices right through the Northern Territory's stunning heartland. Clocking in at around 70 km (43 miles), this north-south route kicks off from State Route 23 (Dorat Road) and leads you towards the Oolloo Crossing Conservation Area. Heads up – it's smooth sailing on pavement until Douglas-Daly, then you're hitting the dirt. Rainy season? Watch out! Flash floods can be a real buzzkill, turning the road into a temporary river or playing havoc with bridges. But hey, during the dry season, a 2WD will do just fine! Word to the wise: when you hit the Daly River at the road's end, resist the urge to take your car for a swim. Seriously, those waters are croc-infested (saltwater crocs, no less!). And don't forget your bug spray, those mozzies are relentless!
hardThe spectacular Skippers bridge in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're on the South Island of New Zealand, near Queenstown, about to tackle a drive that's legendary for its thrills. You approach the Skippers Bridge, a suspension bridge clinging to the side of Skippers Canyon, high above the Shotover River. We're talking almost 100 meters above the water! Built way back in 1901, this narrow, single-lane bridge is the gateway to the old Skippers gold-mining settlement - now a virtual ghost town. The bridge itself is a masterpiece, suspended on massive wire cables, but don't get distracted by the scenery. This ain't a Sunday drive. This is a real white-knuckle experience. The speed limit's a snail's pace 15km/h for a reason, and only one vehicle is allowed on the bridge at a time. The bridge is only 2.2m wide with a 2.5 tonne weight limit, so leave your Hummer at home. The drop is seriously intense, with sheer rock faces on both sides. But if you're up for an adventure with stunning views and a serious adrenaline rush, the Skippers Bridge is an absolute must-do.