Where is Mount Cheeseman?
New Zealand, oceania
111 km
1,550 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're on New Zealand's South Island, about an hour and a half from Christchurch, heading into the Southern Alps. You're aiming for Mount Cheeseman, home to a sweet little ski area.
Now, getting there is part of the adventure. The Mount Cheeseman Access Road is about 12 km of pure, unadulterated 4x4 fun. Forget the pavement, this is a gravel road all the way! We're talking steep climbs, potentially narrow sections, and some serious drop-offs.
The road starts at SH 73, a couple of clicks past Castle Hill village. You'll dive into a beech forest before emerging into stunning alpine scenery. Trust me, the views are worth it.
Word to the wise: this is 4WD territory. And definitely bring chains, especially if it's winter. The weather up here can change in a heartbeat. You'll climb from around 1,550m to the ski area, with a side trip on the chairlift service road taking you up to 1,862m. Keep an eye out for road closures, and respect them: there's always a good reason! But if the road is clear, get ready for an epic drive.
Where is it?
Where is Mount Cheeseman? is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -43.1536, 171.6590
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 111 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,550 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -43.1536, 171.6590
Related Roads in oceania
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!
extremeHow to get by car to The Obilisk in the Otago region?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Central Otago in New Zealand's South Island, right? You're headed towards this crazy cool rock formation called The Obelisk, or Kopuwai if you want to sound like a local. This ain't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the country, topping out at 1,687 meters (that's a whopping 5,534 feet!). You'll find it near Alexandra, nestled in the ridiculously scenic Fruitlands area within the Kopuwai Conservation Area. Think lunar landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and views that will absolutely blow your mind. Now, heads up: You'll need a 4WD beast to tackle Symes Road, the old gold mining track leading to the summit. It's 11.9 km (or 7.39 miles) of totally unpaved, super bumpy fun starting from State Highway 8. Don't let the distance fool you, though – this climb is steep, gaining a massive 1,281 meters with an average gradient of 10.76%. Once you're at the top, you'll see a TV tower. Pro tip: park away from it, as those radio waves can mess with your car's electronics. The views from up there are insane panoramas of Central Otago! This road is only open in the summer when it’s dry. Winter is a no-go because of snow and the ground conditions. Speaking of conditions, weather can change on a dime up here, so check the forecast! Even in summer, bring warm, windproof layers. Fog can roll in fast, so pack a map and GPS to stay safe. Oh, and there's zero cell service, so don't even think about going solo. If you get stuck, you're on your own. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?
hardDriving through the Homer Tunnel in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Homer Tunnel! This epic tunnel punches right through the Darran Mountains in Fiordland, on New Zealand's South Island. We're talking serious elevation here - 945 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level! This isn't just any shortcut; it's a 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) long passage on the legendary SH94 (Milford Road), linking Te Anau to the breathtaking Milford Sound. A heads-up: winter can throw curveballs with road closures. During summer, traffic lights manage the flow, keeping things safe and sane. Carved straight out of solid granite and named after William Henry Homer, who spotted the saddle, this tunnel is a true feat of engineering that took 19 long years to complete. Can you imagine? Before this, Milford Sound was totally cut off! Inside, it's an adventure. The two lanes are cozy (just enough space for a bus and a car!), with no dividing line. It's a steep climb too, with a gradient of 1:10. Before you dive in, there's a spot to pull over for those essential photo ops. Once you're in the tunnel, ditch the sunglasses and switch on your headlights. The tunnel is unlit, so good visibility is a must! Get ready for a unique, unforgettable drive.
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Remutaka Pass in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, fellow road trippers, let me tell you about Remutaka Pass! Up here on New Zealand's North Island, just north of Wellington, you'll find this beauty sitting pretty at 556 meters (that's 1,824 feet for my imperial friends). Officially christened Remutaka Pass (gotta love that correct Māori spelling!), this route, also called Remutaka Hill, is a fave among Kiwi motorcyclists. Hop on State Highway 2 (Rimutaka Hill Road) for a fully paved, west-to-east adventure stretching 31 kilometers (almost 20 miles) between Upper Hutt and Featherston. Get ready for some seriously winding and steep sections; we're talking gradients hitting a whopping 21%! At the top, there's a parking lot with a lookout – a short, steep scramble away. The 360-degree views are insane (if the weather plays nice, that is!). It's a perfect pit stop overlooking the Hutt Valley on one side and Featherston on the other. Now, a heads-up: this isn't always a smooth ride. Perched high in the Remutaka Range, this road can throw all sorts of weather your way. Think frequent closures, slips, strong winds, and torrential rain. Winter can bring mist, snow, and more landslips. Keep an eye out for those wind gusts, especially on the exposed higher sections, and be aware that traffic can be heavy sometimes!