Mount Olympus: a road impassable without a 4wd, snow chains and nerves of steel
New Zealand, oceania
13.6 km
1,634 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've found a doozy of a road right here on New Zealand's South Island. I'm talking about Mount Olympus Access Road, leading up to the Mount Olympus ski area – affectionately known as the "Playground of the Gods."
This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 13.6 km (8.45 miles) unpaved, shingle track that climbs a whopping 1,052 meters from Harper Road to a summit of 1,643m (5,360ft). That's an average gradient of 7.73%, so hold on to your hats!
You'll find it nestled in the Craigieburn Range, and let me tell you, getting there is half the adventure. The road to the bottom hut? Manageable in a 2WD, maybe with chains. But from there to the ski area car park? It's a whole different ball game. High-clearance 4WD is essential, and chains are your best friend.
The last stretch is single-lane, steep, and a little, shall we say, exhilarating. Trust me, the sign that reads "Chains and courage are required" isn't kidding! But if you're not feeling up to it, no shame in catching a ride from the bottom hut with one of the locals. Just remember to check the snow report beforehand and obey all signs. This road has amazing views and some challenging sections. Happy trails!
Where is it?
Mount Olympus: a road impassable without a 4wd, snow chains and nerves of steel is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -38.6493, 175.9427
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 13.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,634 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -38.6493, 175.9427
Related Roads in oceania
moderateHow long is Stockton Beach 4wd Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you, your 4x4, and 30km (18 miles) of pure Aussie beach bliss! Stockton Beach, just an hour north of Newcastle in New South Wales, is calling your name. This isn't just any beach drive; it's a proper 4WD adventure through the Worimi Regional Park, stretching from Williamtown to Anna Bay. Get ready to tackle some seriously impressive sand dunes – some towering up to 30 meters! These aren't your average gentle slopes; they're steep, thrilling, and demand respect. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles attempting the climbs! But before you hit the sand, remember to deflate those tires and grab a permit. This track can get busy during peak seasons, so timing is key. High tide can make sections impassable, so aim to travel at low tide – the sand's firmer near the water's edge, making for a smoother (and safer) ride. Avoid sudden movements, and always drive straight down the dunes. Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defense systems scattered along the beach, and remember you are exploring the largest moving sand dune system in the southern hemisphere. The track can be closed at any time due to the weather. You might even recognize it from the original Mad Max movie!
hardOld Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Ready for an off-road adventure in New Zealand's South Island? Buckle up for the Old Dunstan Road in Otago, a legendary 4x4 track steeped in gold rush history! This is the route the prospectors took from Dunedin to the Central Otago goldfields back in the 1860s. Also known as The Dunstan Trail, this track is a mixed bag, starting with smooth sealed roads that soon turn to gravel after about 9 km. From there, expect a wild ride of gravel, clay, and bare rock. It's often rutted, slick when wet, dusty when dry, and completely off-limits during winter due to snow and ice. Respect the environment by sticking to the marked path. Spanning 46 km from State Highway 87 near Clarks Junction to Upper Taieri-Paerau Road, the road climbs steeply to Rough Ridge, peaking at 1,040 meters above sea level. Expect closures for roughly four months in winter (June to September). This route has no shelter, and the weather can change on a dime, especially when a southerly wind sweeps through. A 4WD vehicle is your best bet for tackling the Old Dunstan Road. Rainy days turn the track into a muddy challenge with deep water crossings. Dry conditions make the track more manageable, though loose gravel and flat rocks can still cause slips, particularly on downhill stretches. So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateClarks Road
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: Tasmania, Australia, southeast region. You're in the Mount Dromedary Forest Reserve, and you stumble upon Clarks Road. It's a dead end, stretching for just under 4 kilometers, but trust me, it feels longer. The road leads to a meditation center, so you know it's supposed to be peaceful. But getting there? Not so much. The edges are soft and crumbly, and let's just say tractors are on speed dial to rescue cars that have taken a tumble. We're talking 15-foot drops, people! Oh, and did I mention it's basically a one-lane road? Hope you're good at reversing, because you'll need those skills. As for the road surface, imagine driving across a rock quarry. Yep, that's about right. Flat tires are practically a souvenir here. Apparently, up to 50 cars brave this "road" daily. Seriously, it’s a bad accident waiting to happen. But hey, if you're looking for an adventure with a side of natural beauty, this could be your spot!
hardHow do you get to Mount Hutt?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, so you're heading to Mt Hutt Ski Area in New Zealand's South Island? Awesome! Getting there is half the adventure. The road, officially called Mount Hutt Skifield Road, kicks off from Mclennans Bush Road and winds its way up, up, up for 14.1 kilometers. Built back in the '70s, this isn't your average paved highway. It's a dirt road that climbs a whopping 1173 meters, taking you to 1.597m (5,239ft) above sea level. If you're feeling extra adventurous, check out the chairlift service road near the resort (-43.484616, 171.532040), which is one of the highest roads in the country that climbs up to 2.062m (6,765ft) above sea level. Expect some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients that max out at 24%! Plus, those corners can be tight and barrier-free. Keep in mind that this road is at the mercy of Mother Nature. Being high up in the Southern Alps, it can get icy, muddy, and downright slippery. Closures are common in bad weather, and with around 4 meters of snowfall a season, you'll want to pack chains just in case. On a clear day, though, a 2WD should handle it fine and the views? Totally worth it!