Nevis Road — Bannockburn to Garston over DuffersSaddle.
Distance
90 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,400 m
Nevis Road — Bannockburn to Garston over Duffers Saddle.
The Nevis is New Zealand's highest public road, a summer-only gravel crossing between Central Otago and northern Southland that tops out at Duffers Saddle (1,275m). From the goldfields above Bannockburn it climbs the Carrick Range, drops into a remote tussock valley with river fords, and rejoins the seal near Garston. Loose surfaces, steep drop-offs and no services for 70km — 4WD and adventure bikes only.
Quick facts
SurfaceOff-road
Distance90 km
Days1
Total climb1,400 m
Fuel stops1 along route
DifficultyExpert
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The route.
CromwellStart · Fruit-bowl town on Lake Dunstan — last full services, fuel and food. The Nevis is snowbound in winter, so ride it only in summer.
BannockburnFuel Stop · Old sluiced goldfields above the Kawarau. The seal ends here and the Nevis climb begins — top off, because there is nothing ahead for 70km.
Duffers SaddleMountain Pass · At 1,275m this is the highest point on any public road in New Zealand, high on the Carrick and Old Woman ranges. Loose gravel and big drop-offs — take it steady.
Nevis Valley — southern descentMechanical · After a long remote valley and several river fords, the gravel drops toward SH6. A good place to check tyres and brakes before the seal.
GarstonEnd · Reputedly the New Zealand town furthest from the sea. Rejoin sealed SH6 for a café stop — route complete.
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