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Kāwhia Road: Highway 31, Waikato
Photo: Johnragla · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Waikato, New Zealand Auckland, Waikato and the Coromandel

Kāwhia Road: Highway 31

SH 31, Kāwhia Road, Kawhia Road · Ōtorohanga → Kāwhia

Twisty32 mi45 min3,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,200 ftOne way
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The drive

State Highway 31 is the way to Kāwhia: 51 km (32 mi) from Ōtorohanga west to the harbour town, in about 45 minutes. It starts on SH3 in Ōtorohanga and shares Kāwhia Road with State Highway 39 for the first 14 km, until Tihiroa, where State Highway 31 turns west.

From there the road winds through hill country and bush to the west coast, with three twisty stretches and moderate curves between them. It is the only sealed road in and out of Kāwhia, so it is a dead end and you return the same way.

Along the way

  1. Ōtorohanga
  2. Kāwhia
Elevation
3,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,200 ft
ŌtorohangaKāwhia
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
ŌtorohangaKāwhia
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The western section is winding, so allow extra time and drive with care.
  • Underslips have reduced the road to one lane at times, so check NZTA's journey planner before you go.
  • It is the only sealed road in and out of Kāwhia, and trucks use it.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journey Planner.

Questions about this drive

How long does Kāwhia Road take from Ōtorohanga?

State Highway 31 from Ōtorohanga to Kāwhia is 51 km (32 mi) and takes about 45 minutes.

Is the road to Kāwhia sealed?

Yes. State Highway 31 is sealed all the way, and it is the only sealed road in and out of Kāwhia.

Is State Highway 31 to Kāwhia twisty?

State Highway 31 has mostly moderate curves with three twisty stretches, and the western section is described as winding.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

All 8 drives in Waikato, New Zealand ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Kāwhia Road: Highway 31, from Ōtorohanga to Kāwhia