Old Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
9.2 km
1,040 m
hard
Year-round
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!
Where is it?
Old Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.6695, 174.0920
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 9.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,040 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -41.6695, 174.0920
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