Discovering Hawksburn Road
Located near Clyde in New Zealand's Central Otago region, Hawksburn Road is a scenic, remote highlands drive from Clyde to Bannockburn that reveals the area's rugged beauty. This route is particularly captivating in autumn when the landscape is awash with vibrant colours.
Scenic Views and Road Conditions
The trip begins by crossing the single-lane bridge over the Clutha River / Mata-Au to Earnscleugh Road, where you will see a sign for Hawksburn Road.
As you drive a few kilometres up Hawksburn Road, you can reach a viewpoint, although it is not clearly marked. The road here is steep and narrow, with blind corners, so take extra care. The panoramic views of the region from this vantage point are especially striking in Autumn.
Continuing the Journey to Cairnmuir Flats
If you choose to continue, the road leads to Cairnmuir Flats, with a maximum height of around 700 metres. A windy section that eventually connects to Nevis Road and descends to Bannockburn. This part of the road is often only one lane wide, and you may need to back up if you encounter another vehicle. However, it is rare to meet other travellers on this remote road.
Farm Fences and Road Conditions
Along the way, you will pass through several farm fences. It is important to leave these as instructed or as you find them. On the Nevis Road side, there is a warning indicating that the road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only. However, we drove through in a 2WD from the Clyde direction without any issues. You can expect the road surface to be generally good in reasonable weather.
Exploring Remote New Zealand
Hawksburn Road, like Nevis Road, Danseys Pass Road, and the Old Dunstan Road, provides access to a remote and rugged part of New Zealand. These routes offer a glimpse into landscapes that are otherwise seldom seen. Pause for a moment and consider those intrepid Māori and Europeans who first explored these places on foot.
How to Get There
To reach Hawksburn Road from Clyde town centre, take Matau Street to the historic single-lane bridge over the Clutha River / Mata-Au to Earnscleugh Road. Head south and look for the sign indicating Hawksburn Road shortly after on the right. From Bannockburn, take sealed Bannockburn Road south to where it splits into Nevis Road, going straight ahead and Hawksburn Road veering to the left.
Near Clyde, you can also visit the Alexandra Millennium Track, including the Earnscleugh Tailings, Frasers Dam and Conroys Gully.
