Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Old Woman Range
Old Woman Range is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,739m (5,705ft) above sea level, located in New Zealand’s Otago region. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Where is Old Woman Range?
The peak is near the northern Southland region border, in the southern part of the country, within the Kopuwai Conservation Area. At the summit, there’s a mountain hut offering spectacular panoramic views of Central Otago's landscapes.
Is the Road to Old Woman Range Unpaved?
The road to the summit is entirely unpaved and extremely bumpy. It follows an old gold mining track, and a 4WD vehicle is required to navigate it safely.
How Long is the Road to Old Woman Range?
Starting from Nevis, the road to the summit stretches 19.9 km (12.36 miles).
Is the Road to Old Woman Range Open?
Access is restricted and only open in summer during dry conditions. The area is often impacted by severe weather, and even in summer, conditions can turn dangerous quickly. This is a remote route with no mobile phone coverage, so if you get stuck, help may be hard to find. Never drive this trail alone, as vehicles are rarely seen here.
Pic&video: Rian Munro