Lindis Pass

The Lindis is the highest point on the South Island's state highway network at 971 metres, and it is the crossing between the Mackenzie Basin and Central Otago - the road climbs out of the Ahuriri and drops into the Lindis Valley through rounded hills covered in tussock and almost nothing else. The absence is what makes it: no trees, no fences visible from the road, no buildings for long stretches, just folded golden slopes. It photographs best in early morning or late afternoon when the low sun rakes across the tussock and the hills separate into ridges of light and shadow. A lookout near the summit has parking and interpretation. In winter the pass carries snow and ice regularly and is one of the routes most often closed or chain-restricted in the South Island - conditions are worth checking between about May and September. There are no services on the pass itself.

What's there

• The tussock hills - folded golden slopes with nothing built on them.
• The summit lookout - parking and the view down both valleys.
• The low-light effect - ridges separating into light and shadow.
• The highest state highway point in the South Island - 971 metres.

When to go

Early morning or late afternoon for the light, any month. In winter check road conditions - the pass closes or goes to chains regularly between May and September.

Good to know

There are no services, fuel or facilities on the pass. In the middle of the day the hills flatten out and look ordinary. Winter driving here needs care and sometimes chains.

Nearby

Omarama and the Clay Cliffs are north; Cromwell and Central Otago are south.

Key facts