Rock And Pillar Ridge

4WD track in the Otago region

Rock and Pillar Ridge is a rough, rutted high-ridge 4WD track in Otago climbing to 1,450 m with panoramic range views, best driven in dry summer.

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Rock and Pillar Ridge Road is a 15 km 4WD track traversing the southern half of the Rock and Pillar Range in Otago. The track begins approximately 300 metres north of McPhees Creek ford on Old Dunstan Road and ascends to McPhees Rock at 1,310 metres above sea level, then continues northward along the ridge to Summit Rock at 1,450 metres.

The reward for the climb is a high, open ridge with awesome panoramic views across the surrounding ranges. Expect a rough, rutted surface with mud holes in places, and a number of alternative side tracks branching off the main route, so there's plenty of room to pick your line.

The clay-based surface becomes very greasy and slippery when wet or after snow, so this trip is best tackled in dry summer conditions. Because the Rock and Pillar Conservation Area is so exposed, visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry appropriate gear and experience.

Medium

Grade

16 km

Distance

1 hrs

Time

High country

Environment

Rocks

Surface

South Island

Island

Photo source

Gallery

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