Can you drive to the Remarkables?
New Zealand, oceania
13.2 km
1,622 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising up to the Remarkables ski resort is an absolute must-do if you're in Otago, South Island, New Zealand! This isn't your average drive; you're heading way up to 1,622m (that's over 5,300 feet!). Starting just south of Queenstown and Frankton where Remarkables Road peels off from State Highway 6. It's about 13 km (8 miles) to the resort. The road even climbs to 1,844m (6,049ft) via a service road!
Okay, so it used to be known for being a bit wild, but they've added a bunch of safety rails, so it's much tamer now. The first 10km are sealed smooth, and the last 3km are gravel but usually in good shape. Get ready for steep climbs and hairpin turns where you'll want to drop it into low gear. We're talking a maximum gradient of 15% in spots! You'll gain 1296 meters in elevation, with an average grade of almost 10%.
The road’s generally open all year, but after a good snow, it can get pretty slick. Definitely check if you need chains, especially if you're not in a 4WD. And hey, if you're not feeling confident driving, there are shuttle buses available!
Oh, and why the name? Some say it's because it's one of the few ranges that runs perfectly north to south. Others say it's because the sunset views from here are, well, *remarkable*!
Trust me, the views are worth it. The whole drive takes about 25 minutes if you don't stop, but you *will* want to stop. Seriously, even from the start, it is breathtaking. There are killer viewpoints around the 4km and 6km marks where you can soak in the views of the lake and where the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers meet. It's pure New Zealand magic!
Where is it?
Can you drive to the Remarkables? is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -45.0577, 168.8081
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 13.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,622 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -45.0577, 168.8081
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhen was the Tablelands Highway built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ready for a true Aussie outback experience? The Tablelands Highway (aka State Route 11) in the Northern Territory is calling your name! Built back in the 60s to move cattle, this baby is remote. We're talking *no* towns, *no* services for the entire length. Picture this: 375 km (233 miles) of single-lane sealed road stretching from Barkly Homestead. Yes, it's bitumen all the way, but hold your horses! Some spots are rough, with a narrow strip of bitumen. Thankfully, traffic is light. It's undulating terrain, caravan-friendly, and generally open year-round. Now, for the nitty-gritty: If you see a vehicle coming—especially a road train—slow *way* down and get completely off the road. Trust me on this one. Also, watch out for washouts on the shoulders after rain. Oh, and cattle! This is unfenced country, so expect to share the road with our bovine friends. Keep your eyes peeled!
moderateDriving the paved Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, road trip dreamers, let's talk Charlotte Pass! Nestled high in New South Wales, Australia, this incredible spot sits way up at 1,840m (6,037ft). Fun fact: it’s named after Charlotte Adams, a total trailblazer who was the first European woman to conquer Mount Kosciuszko back in 1881. The road itself, Kosciuszko Road, kicks off from Jindabyne and stretches for about 40 km (24.66 miles) of pure, paved goodness. It winds its way through the stunning Kosciuszko National Park – prepare for some serious alpine scenery! The drive ends at a parking lot, but don't stop there! It's the trailhead for the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk. Also, at the top, you’ll find the Charlotte Pass lookout, offering panoramic views, and the Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, perfect for winter adventures. Just a heads-up: being in the Snowy Mountains, the weather can throw some curveballs, so be prepared. All in all, this drive is an epic way to soak in some of Australia’s most breathtaking mountain views.
hardHow long is the Plenty Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Plenty Highway (also known as State Route 12)! This iconic outback track slices through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory, offering a true taste of the Aussie wilderness. Stretching a hefty 494 km (306 miles), this beauty kicks off from a turnoff on the Stuart Highway, about 68 kilometers north of Alice Springs, and winds its way to Tobermorey Homestead on the Northern Territory/Queensland border, part of the Donohue Highway. Fun fact: it started life as a humble cattle access road. Now, let's talk terrain. You'll find the first 100km (from the Stuart Highway to Ongeva Creek) nicely sealed, but after that, it's all about the dirt! Don't worry, it's generally well-maintained. So, how long does it take to conquer the Plenty Highway? You could technically blitz it in 16 to 20 hours non-stop, but where's the fun in that? Give yourself two or three days to soak it all in. Aim for May to October for the best weather and avoid the scorching summer months. Just a heads-up: it can become impassable after rain. But be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Plenty Highway plunges you into some of the most isolated parts of the country. Keep an eye out for potential flood zones, especially in the east. And be prepared for sections of deep bull dust and the odd pothole—definitely a dry-weather-only kind of road. A 4x4 is essential, and it's not caravan-friendly. Oh, and don't forget to pack reliable communication and navigation gear! Get ready for vast landscapes, stunning sunsets, and an unforgettable outback experience!
moderateNavigating the Sydney Harbour Area
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Barkly Highway. We're talking proper outback stuff, stretching over 865km (537 miles) through the Northern Territory and Queensland. It's mostly flat, but don't be fooled, the vastness is the real challenge. Elevation is barely a blip, hovering around 200-300 meters (650-1000 feet). The biggest danger? Probably boredom, or roos hopping out of nowhere. But seriously, be mindful of wildlife, road trains (those mega-trucks!), and fatigue. The scenery is… well, it's the outback. Think endless horizons, red dirt, and sparse vegetation. It's beautiful in its own stark way, especially at sunrise and sunset when the colours are insane. Just make sure you've got plenty of water, fuel, and a sense of adventure, because this is one long and lonely stretch of road.