Driving the steep unpaved road to Ohau Snow Fields in the Mackenzie High Country
Ōhau Snow Fields is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.469m (4,819ft) above sea level located in the Mackenzie High Country, not far from the Mt Cook region on the South Island of New Zealand.
Is the road to Ōhau Snow Fields unpaved?
The good metal access road to the resort is called Ohau Mountain Access Road. It’s a smooth mountain road; one of the best alpine roads in the country. It’s unpaved, narrow, very steep, without safety rails, and the lake in the background makes the drop-offs look particularly hairy. Thankfully the road is very well maintained so it’s generally not too muddy, but a 4WD would be beneficial. The road was completed to the ski field in 1956.
How long is Ohau Mountain Access Road?
Starting from Lake Ohau Road, the ascent is 9.3 km (5.77 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 940 meters. The average gradient is 10.1%. Set high in the Ohau Range, the weather conditions can change throughout the day. Mountain visitors are advised to be prepared and carry basic survival equipment.
Is the road to Ōhau Snow Fields worth the drive?
The drive is definitely worth it. There are many excellent photo opportunities here. From the access road, the views up the valley to Aoraki Mount Cook and overlooking Lake Ohau are spectacular, with occasional glimpses of the snow field before it opens up to a full panorama upon arrival at the car park.
Pic: Brennan Hawkins