Kopuwai 4WD Road
Located in Kopuwai Conservation Area in the Otago region
|
Introduction
This is high altitude 4WD road with exceptional views, unusual vegetation and unique landforms typical of the Old Man and Old Woman ranges.28 km one way
Mountain biking
Advanced: Grade 4Other activities
- Four wheel driving
- Horse riding
- Quad and trail biking
Seasonal restrictions
In winter this area is blanketed in snow, extremely cold, and exposed.
Dog access
The Kopuwai 4WD road begins at Nevis Rd and ends at Hyde Rock.
Kopuwai 4WD Road travels over the Old Woman Range and onto the Old Man Range. This brings the road through a large chunk of the Kopuwai Conservation Area. The terrain is rough with some boggy areas.
Traveling mostly over 1000 m altitude this road offers extensive views. On a clear day, you'll have views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, Southland, and even Rakiura/Stewart Island.
This 4WD road provides access to:
The Kopuwai 4WD Road can be started from its two ends:
- Nevis Road end, and
- Hyde Rock from the 4WD road from Symes Rd to Waikaia Bush Rd – this is around 18 km from SH8.
For the Nevis Road start point begin at Bannockburn:
- Go up the Bannockburn Road.
- Turn onto Nevis Road.
- Turn left after Duffers Saddle onto Kopuwai 4WD Road.
Winter access – roads impassable
Road access to Kopuwai Conservation Area is on dry-weather, largely un-maintained legal roads. In winter the roads become impassable because of snow and ground conditions.
This area is subject to weather extremes at any time of year and roads can become very wet and swampy. Check the weather forecast or contact Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.
Roads are unmetalled, rough, and often wet – make sure you have experience in tough conditions.
- Stay on the formed marked roads and do not widen them. This is a fragile natural environment.
- Travel in groups. If winching is necessary use another vehicle rather than a landscape feature to avoid damaging the landscape.
Follow the 4WD care code. This helps the long-term sustainability of the activity and the environment.
Vehicle use, motorbikes, and 4WD are allowed within Kopuwai on the formed roads marked on the map in the Kopuwai Conservation Area brochure (PDF, 1,935K).
The road is mostly above 1000 m altitude, traversing high ranges and often boggy ground.
Weather
Weather and fog: Temperatures at this altitude can change suddenly even in mid-summer. Take warm and windproof clothing. Fog can roll in quickly – take a map and GPS to help with navigation during the fog.
Avalanches: Be avalanche aware as this area has ‘simple’ avalanche terrain.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Wānaka Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre |
|
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 443 7660 |
| wanakavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Ballantyne Road Wānaka 9305 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |