This 4WD road starts from the top of Symes Road and travels south along the range to the top of the Waikaia Bush Road.  

The road is in a very exposed and isolated area with sparse low lying vegetation that has adapted to survive the harsh weather conditions. The area often has boggy ground. Rock tors dot the landscape and extensive views can be had in good weather. This journey offers a look at the very unique landscape typical of the Old Man Range.

On a clear day you can see as far as Rakiura/Stewart Island, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tititea/Mt Aspiring.

Starting from Alexandra:

• Travel south along SH8 for 14 km to Fruitlands.
• Turn right onto Symes Road – this is a 4WD gravel road.
• Once past Mitchells Cottage, you will drive through an unlocked gate (leave it as you find it). Disregard any out-of-date sign requiring access permission, as Symes Road is a public road. But remember you are driving through private farmland and must keep strictly to the road until you reach the Kopuwai Conservation Area.
• After 12 km you'll reach the top of the Old Man Range.
• At the top turn left onto the 4WD road.

You can also go up Waikaia Bush Road if you want to do the 4WD road from there:

1. At Fruitlands head south on SH8.
2. After 12.4 km turn right onto Waikaia Bush Road – this is a 4WD gravel road.
3. After 12 km you’ll arrive at the turn off on the right to the 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).

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.