We're back out exploring! In this episode we head head through Thompsons Gorge, head up Mt Moka for a quick look before making our way over to Skippers Canyon Road, also know as New Zealand's "Most Dangerous Road" and out towards the abandoned town where we were blown away with how epic it was! Exploring the South Island in winter is pretty amazing!
A scenic farm track climbing over the tops through Thomson Gorge in Central Otago, linking the Bendigo area with the Omakau end. It connects nicely with Hawksburn Road for a day trip out of Queenstown, and also makes a handy back-country route towards St Bathans and the Manuherikia. Expect magnificent views across the gorge and down to the stream, plus a real slice of history — there's an old gold mining area near the top, with a tunnel and battery well worth the short walk. The surface is essentially gravel and farm road, with some steep climbs and descents and a few shallow water crossings. There are a lot of gates to open and close along the way (around 16 to 20), so allow extra time. Generally rated easy to medium and best enjoyed in dry weather, as conditions firm up the route considerably. A 4WD is recommended to be safe, and the optional Mt Moka detour is a much harder, more technical side trip.
Hawksburn Road is a scenic farm and gravel route in Central Otago, linking Alexandra, Clyde and Bannockburn, and a popular way to reach the back of Bannockburn and connect with Nevis Road — handy for avoiding gorge traffic. The surface is a mix of seal, gravel and alpine rock, climbing high into open country with sweeping views over the hills towards Clyde and Cromwell that stretch as far as you can see. The flora and fauna add to the appeal. There's a big climb at the start and a few steep descents, so go easy on your brakes and transmission; low-range is convenient on the steeper slopes. Otherwise it's an easy drive that most 4WDs can manage. Near the highest point you can park by a pylon and walk a short single track to a great lookout. Expect several gates to open and close along the way, so bring a friend. Best treated as a dry-weather road, as some sections get very slippery after rain.
High in the hills above Queenstown in Otago, Skippers Canyon Road is a spectacular gravel drive into one of New Zealand's most storied gold-mining landscapes. Often billed as one of the country's 'most dangerous roads', the driving itself is straightforward, but the route is extremely narrow with massive cliff drop-offs and few passing places, so take it slow and watch for oncoming traffic. Some patches can get muddy and rutted in the wet, but most stock 4x4s handle it comfortably. The reward is unreal canyon scenery and a wealth of preserved history. The 1862 gold rush lured thousands of miners here, and at its peak Skippers boasted a post office, hall, hotel, stores and a school. The school closed in 1927, became a woolshed, then sat derelict for around 20 years until DOC restored it in 1992. Take your time to read the information boards, look out for wild goats, and you can even camp at the old Skipper township. A memorable day trip well worth the journey.