Kaikoura Range Inland Road

The Kaikoura Range Inland Road became famous overnight after the 2016 earthquake shut down State Highway 1, forcing traffic onto this forgotten mountain route that hadn’t seen serious use since the 1930s. The 132-kilometer track climbs from sea level at Kaikoura up through Puhi Peaks Station, past abandoned homesteads and musterers’ huts, before dropping into the Hurunui Valley. Engineer Pass at 1,100 meters offers commanding views of the Seaward Kaikouras, while the descent through Mount Lyford reveals why early settlers called this country ‘heartbreak hills.’

This is a challenging route that demands a capable 4WD with good ground clearance and recovery gear. Rocky sections, steep grades, and creek crossings make it technical enough to test your skills. Winter conditions can be treacherous with snow and ice above 800 meters. No permits needed, but inform someone of your plans — cell coverage is nonexistent for most of the route. Best attempted November through April. What you get is raw Canterbury high country accessed by one of New Zealand’s most historically significant back-roads.