How to Drive the Unsealed Lake Road in New Zealand's Eastern North Island

Lake Road is an amazing route with stunning views located in the North Island of New Zealand. The road leads to Lake Waikaremoana, in the heart of Tuhoe country.

Lake Road

Where is Lake Road?

The road is located in the northern Hawke's Bay Region of New Zealand's eastern North Island, within the Te Urewera National Park.

Is Lake Road Unpaved?

The road, part of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (New Zealand State Highway 38), is navigable by most passenger vehicles. It has long sections of unsealed gravel road and winds its way through native rainforest and past small rural settlements.

How Long is Lake Road?

The road is 57 km (35 miles) long, starting from Frasertown. Beyond a one-way bridge over the Aniwaniwa Stream, at the junction with Aniwaniwa Road, it continues as Waikaremoana Road.

Is Lake Road Busy?

It's best taken at a sedate pace—traffic is sparse, but it's narrow and twisting. The number of visitors to the area is mitigated by the unsealed road that must be taken to reach it. The whole route snakes its way through the park, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

 

 

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