Danseys Pass Road

To avoid doing house/garden work we went for a drive down Danseys Pass Road which runs between SH83 (just before Duntroon) and SH85 (Naseby) in North Otago, about a 700km round trip from Christchurch. We did take the tent as there are two campgrounds on the road - one about 15km from S83 and the other at Naseby. Both are reported to be quite nice however the Danseys Pass campsite lead to one of the "was that it", "whoops, must have blinked" moments when going past. I think it would be easier to sight coming from the Naseby end. We were irritated by Naseby (stupid small town NZ shops being closed despite claiming to be open etc, no wonder they go out of business) so we didn't even drive past the Naseby camp although it is reported to be quite a nice option. Of the two, I'd probably pick Naseby or simply keep driving!

The road? Sealed for about 14km from Duntroon then a well-graded gravel road. During the warmer months, the road would be easily manageable in 2WD although some of the climbs were rutted and with snow/ice could be problematic without 4WD. Most of the ruts were on the Naseby side, oddly enough after the Danseys Pass summit! The road peaks at about 900m.

The scenery is a pleasant mix of North Otago tussock and rock with an "on top of the world" feeling due to the rolling hills within view. The road did leave us a bit cold which I think was due to there being no snow and the path generally feeling a bit functional. Still, a nice drive. Lots of people stop at the Danseys Pass pub for a drink which is about 15km out of Naseby.

Overall, a pleasant drive although I think it would be more fun in late autumn. Some of the climbs/winding areas are quite blind and could be a little more challenging with some good ol' fashioned Otago snow! A pretty easy starting drive for new 4wd'ers.

Some piccies...


Danseys Pass Road


Maerewhenua River


Mind the edge!


Kyeburn Cemetery




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Naseby side

The Rose