What are the highest roads in New Zealand?
Lying in the south-western Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is an isolated, geologically dynamic island nation defined by astonishing topographical contrasts. While composed of two main islands and numerous smaller ones, the landscape is overwhelmingly mountainous, dominated by the colossal Southern Alps which form a rugged, towering spine along the South Island.
This extreme relief—encompassing glaciers, deep fiords, and volcanic plateaus—has dictated the country's remote infrastructure. This geography has forged a spectacular network of challenging, high-altitude roads and passes, inviting drivers to explore the raw, untamed beauty of the islands' highest points.
Highest roads in New Zealand
| Road | Elevation | Zone | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Hutt chairlift | 2.062m (6,765ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Ohakune chairlift | 2.052m (6,732ft) | North Island | Gravel |
| Dobson Peak | 2.019m (6,624ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Cadrona chairlift | 1.876m (6,154ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Mt Cheeseman chairlift | 1.862m (6,108ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| The Remarkables chairlift | 1.844m (6,049ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Whakapapa chairlift | 1.778m (5,833ft) | North Island | Gravel |
| Mt Dobson Access Rd | 1.748m (5,734ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Old Woman Range | 1.739m (5,705ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Tukino Skifield | 1.705m (5,593ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Obelisk/Kopuwai | 1.687m (5,534ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Cardrona Alpine Resort | 1.660m (5,446ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Cardrona Alpine Resort | 1.648m (5,406ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Mt Olympus Access Rd | 1.634m (5,360ft) | South Island | Gravel |
| Ohakune Mountain Road | 1.630m (5,347ft) | North Island | Asphalt |
| Whakapapa ski | 1.624m (5,328ft) | North Island | Asphalt |
| The Remarkables | 1.622m (5,321ft) | South Island | Gravel |