State Highway 85: The Pigroot
State Highway 85, also known as the Pigroot, is a scenic route that connects the North Otago Pacific Coast to Central Otago, from Palmerston to Ranfurly. This highway, possibly named for the wild pigs that once roamed the area, is a picturesque journey below a string of mountain ranges into the high, drylands of the Maniototo Plain, with stunning views, especially in Winter when the Kakanui Mountains are capped with snow.
Journey Through Diverse Landscapes
If you are exploring the North Otago coast, State Highway 85 is the quickest route into Central Otago. Starting in Palmerston, the highway runs near the Shag River (Waihemo) and skirts the southwestern side of the Horse Range, a low mountain range that can be explored further at Trotters Gorge.
As you travel past Inch Valley, the landscape becomes increasingly remote. The Horse Range gives way to the higher Kakanui Mountains, and the road climbs steeply around Dead Horse Pinch, passes Pigroot Hill, and crosses the Kakanui Mountains at Red Cutting Summit, which stands over 600 metres high. From there, the highway descends gradually to the Maniototo Plain at 400 metres, continuing on to Ranfurly.
A Scenic Alternative Route
The Pigroot is often overlooked as a route from Dunedin to Ranfurly, with many travellers choosing the route via Middlemarch on State Highway 87, which intersects Highway 85 at Kyeburn near Ranfurly. The drive along the coast to Palmerston, then the Pigroot, is a scenic alternative and takes slightly less time.
Side Trips and Nearby Attractions
State Highway 85 also provides interesting side trips. A circuit through Naseby, north of Ranfurly, is a worthwhile detour. From there, you can head down State Highway 87 to Middlemarch, then take Moonlight Road and Macraes Road. Moonlight Road has spectacular views over Taieri Ridge to the Rock and Pillar Range. A short drive from there leads to Macraes, home to a large modern open-cast gold mine and rich mining history. From Macraes, it's a brief drive back to State Highway 85 and back to Palmerston.
Getting to State Highway 85
To access State Highway 85 from Dunedin, take State Highway 1 north to Palmerston. From there, head west on the Pigroot. To Ranfurly, the drive takes 100 minutes and is 132 km. From Ōamaru, it is 101 minutes and 136 km.
From Rafurly, you can explore beyond Naseby to Kyeburn Diggings and Danseys Pass. Or head northwest to the Ida Valley and Manuherikia Valley on SH85, with the highway terminating in Alexandra.
