
Driving the Narrow Kiwi Road in Taranaki's Most Isolated Countryside
New Zealand, oceania
17.9 km
363 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventure seekers! Want a taste of real New Zealand? Then ditch the main drag and head to Kiwi Road in northern Taranaki!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking narrow, unpaved, and a little rough around the edges. Think winding tracks where two cars might have to play chicken. Plus, the edges are getting a bit crumbly, so leave the RV at home. But don't let that scare you off! It's a steep climb to 363m (1,190ft), but keep your speed down, and you'll be fine. Seriously, this feels more like a goat track in sections!
This 17.9 km (11.12 miles) gem runs from Moki Road to Okau Road, hugging State Highway 3 but offering a totally different vibe. Forget traffic jams – this is pure, isolated bliss through some of Taranaki's most stunning scenery. If you love nature, you'll be in heaven. Trust me, you'll want to build in time for photo stops – the views are insane!
The grand finale? The Kiwi Road Tunnel, a seriously cool, narrow tunnel built way back in 1915. At 154m (507ft) long, it's a tight squeeze and a total throwback. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Where is it?
Driving the Narrow Kiwi Road in Taranaki's Most Isolated Countryside is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.6693, 173.2733
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 17.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 363 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -40.6693, 173.2733
Related Roads in oceania
hardIs the Great Alpine Road paved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Great Alpine Road (B500), totally paved and ready to roll in Victoria, Australia! This isn’t just any road trip; it's a 303 km (188 mi) ribbon of asphalt winding through some of the most breathtaking scenery you can imagine. You kick things off near Wangaratta, cruising through farmland and vineyards until you hit Bright. Then, get ready for a climb after Harrietville! This stretch gets real – steep, twisty, with hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Trust me, you'll want to take it slow here. Mount Hotham's a highlight, but it’s also where you need to be extra careful. After that, a quick hop to Dinner Plain and then more of those thrilling curves before you roll into Omeo. The road between Omeo and Bruthen is pretty steep and still kinda twisty, but before long, you'll be cruising more easily to Bairnsdale, a city marking the end of the road! A word to the wise: this drive needs your focus. It's wide enough, but some spots are right on the edge with some serious drops. FYI, if you’re towing a caravan or have a larger RV, the section between Omeo and Harrietville is best avoided. Heads up: being one of the highest roads in the country, this route can get snowed in! The section over Mount Hotham climbs to 1,840m (6,040ft) and gets seriously snowy in winter. The road might be closed, so always check conditions and carry chains during the colder months. This road is open year round, but weather conditions can mean snow!
hardMount Banks
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're headed to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia? Ditch the highway and find Mount Banks Road! It's a seriously cool little mountain pass sitting pretty at 863 meters up. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, steep inclines, and a road that gets *real* narrow in places. It's only 1.2 km of unpaved fun, but after rain, it turns into a muddy, slippery adventure. Seriously, you might need a 4x4 to make it through, and even then, a big storm could shut it down completely. But when it's dry, most cars can manage the trek. The track winds through the Blue Mountains National Park, ending at a picnic spot about a kilometer from Mount Banks summit (look for the trig station!). The views are incredible. Trust me, the slightly hairy drive is worth it for the scenery alone!
extremeWhy is it called the Mitchell Freeway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! The Mitchell Highway in Australia is calling your name! This epic stretch of road connects Queensland and New South Wales, clocking in at a whopping 1,105 km (687 mi). It's named after some explorer guy, Sir Thomas Mitchell, so you know it's got history. Think stunning, classic Aussie scenery for days. But pro tip: this isn't a drive you want to tackle after dark. Animals are known to wander onto the road, and cell service can be spotty, so plan your stops and fuel carefully. And yeah, it's worth noting that the Mitchell Highway has sadly seen its share of accidents. It’s a vital route for getting around, but stay alert and respect the road, and you'll have an unforgettable adventure!
extremeAnne Beadell Highway in Australia is the perfect 4x4 trail
🇦🇺 Australia
The Anne Beadell Highway: If you're looking for a real adventure, this is it! This epic unsealed track stretches 1,325km (823 miles) from Laverton in Western Australia to the Stuart Highway near Coober Pedy in South Australia, carving its way through some of Australia's most isolated and rugged desert landscapes. Built by Len Beadell over nearly a decade (1953-1962) and named after his wife, Anne, this route isn't just a road; it's a journey through history and breathtaking scenery. Be warned, though: this isn't a Sunday drive! The track can be narrow, twisty, and often sandy. You won't find any towns or settlements along the way, and the longest stretch without fuel is a hefty 750 km (466 miles). Sand dunes dominate the landscape, so make sure you are well-provisioned and experienced with four-wheel driving. A GPS, HF radio, or satellite phone are essential. The best time to travel is May to September. Summer temperatures can soar to a scorching 50°C, while nights in other seasons can dip below freezing. Pack accordingly! Allow 5-7 days to complete the drive. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with the terrain slowly changing from clay pans and salt lakes to vibrant red sand dunes. The track passes through conservation parks and Aboriginal Land. Along the way, stop at the old Yeo Homestead, Yamarna Station and Djinkagara. Visit Anne's Corner, Volkes Hill Corner, Serpentine Lakes and the border. The Ilkurlka roadhouse offers a hot shower, supplies and fuel. Keep an eye out for Len's markers and signs.