Is the Road Through Takarau Gorge Paved?
New Zealand, oceania
7.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand, on the North Island, just north of Wellington, ready for a real adventure. Forget the tourist traps, we're heading into Takarau Gorge!
This place is seriously beautiful. The Ohariu River carved out this canyon, and the road (Takarau Gorge Road) follows right along with it. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is fully paved, but it gets *narrow*. Think winding, single-lane sections hugging steep cliffs, with blind corners galore. Definitely keeps you on your toes!
The whole stretch is only about 7.7 km (4.78 miles), connecting Ohariu to Makara Road in a kind of east-southwest direction. The views are incredible, but if you're not comfortable with heights or tight spaces, maybe skip this one.
Word to the wise: this road can get flooded, especially after a good rain. They'll close it down if it's too bad, so check conditions before you go. It's usually pretty quiet, but it does get busier on weekends and during the summer. Happy (and careful) travels!
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 7.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
hardWhat are the highest roads in Australia?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in the Aussie Alps, right? Not what you expect from Down Under, I know! We're talking proper mountains, part of that massive Great Dividing Range that runs down the east coast. This particular stretch of road? It’s a bit of a beast, climbing high into the hills. We're looking at a decent length, enough to make a day of it. Watch out for sharp turns and steep drop-offs – this isn't a Sunday drive in the park! But trust me, the views are totally worth it. Think rugged peaks, eucalyptus forests clinging to the slopes, and panoramas that stretch forever. Forget the beach for a day and head for the hills; this road trip will seriously blow your mind!
extremeTakaka Hill is an unforgettable drive in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for Takaka Hill! This mountain pass, also known as Pikikirunga Range, sits way up at 823m (2,700ft) in the Nelson Tasman region of New Zealand's South Island, separating Golden Bay from the more bustling Tasman Bay. State Highway 60, or Takaka Hill Highway, is completely paved and clocks in at 51.5 km (32 miles) long, connecting the towns of Tākaka and Motueka. This twisty road first opened way back in 1888, and it’s been a must-do ever since! The road's open 24/7, with traffic lights controlling one-way sections, and electronic signs keep you in the loop about any delays. The zig-zagging road isn’t too scary, but it's definitely steep and winding, with a whopping 257 corners, some of them hairpin turns! If you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared. The road surface is in great condition and offers plenty of laybys for passing, but keep in mind, it’s a slow and steady drive. You'll encounter some steep sections reaching a maximum 13% gradient. Allow about an hour for the drive without stops, but trust me, you’ll want to stop! The views are incredible, with panoramic vistas of Tasman Bay, Golden Bay, and Kahurangi National Park on clear days. Take a break at the summit to soak it all in! Plus, the area is known for its unique landscape, with amazing marble karst rock formations. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience!
moderateA challenging road to Mount Kosciuszko in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna conquer the roof of Australia (legally, of course)? Head to New South Wales and tackle Mount Kosciuszko! This ain't your average Sunday drive though - it's a 9.2km (5.71 miles) unpaved adventure in the Snowy Mountains, starting from Charlotte Pass. Picture this: you're grinding up Summit Road, a gravelly and rocky path through Kosciuszko National Park. Fun fact, this used to be a road for cars until '77! Now, it's all about bikes (and hikers). You can cycle up to Rawson Pass, park your ride at the rack, and then hoof it the rest of the way to the summit. Trust me, the views are epic! You'll cruise past the iconic Snowy River, swing by Seamans Hut, and eventually hit Rawson Pass at the foot of the mountain. Keep an eye out for Australia's highest public loos! The trail crosses the Snowy River at 4.5 km and gradually rises to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), before delivering you to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. It's an unforgettable ride through some seriously stunning scenery.
extremeDriving the unpaved road to Jollies Pass in Hanmer Springs
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're in New Zealand's South Island, near the resort town of Hanmer Springs. Want an adventure? Head north on Jollies Pass Road. It's about 11km of unsealed, backcountry road that takes you up to 845m (2,772ft) above sea level. This pass has some serious history, folks! Back in 1852, some pioneering folks drove 1,800 sheep across it! But be warned, this isn't a Sunday drive. After leaving Hanmer Springs, the pavement ends and things get interesting. You'll need a high-clearance 4WD to handle the bumpy sections and the insane 26% gradients on some of the ramps! Traffic is super light, so it's just you and the road. Keep an eye on the sky, too. The weather here can flip on a dime. Snow closes the road in winter, and summer can be scorching. But, oh, the views! You're in Hanmer Forest Park, so expect stunning vistas and plenty of places to pull over and soak it all in. Seriously, this drive is a feast for the eyes.