Dansey’s Pass runs from Kurow on SH83 through to Naseby, near Ranfurly on SH85. The road winds over an alpine pass almost reaching 1000m in altitude. Road surface is usually firm and is pretty good condition, though it is quite windy. As some parts of the road are very exposed wind can be a factor in places and can make a warm day feel quite cold, and the road is regularly covered in snow, or closed due to snow in winter. As with all alpine passes being prepared for varying weather conditions is advised.
Near the South end is the Dansey’s Pass Coach Inn, a riverstone and timber 19th century coach inn built in 1862 that is well worth the stop to check out.
Contributed by: @eddieb
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Bumpy, Firm, Undulating
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Intermediate
River crossings? No
I’ve run the Danseys race half a dozen times now on knobbly and road tyres 😉
The last time I was there I saw a KTM990 Superduke, Triumph Tiger XC and Aprilia RVX550 all playing like Drift Superstars almost side by side at the Duntroon end. There were three parallel lines where gravel had been sprayed on almost every corner!
I’m told that the rider on the Triumph ‘had to do’ 165kph on the straights to even see the little Aprilia toward the Naseby end.
I believe at least 3 Star 555 calls were made that day.
On the same trip I had to pull over to let some dick towing a boat get past. He was hogging the road and refused to give way but hey, size matters and my protests would have been pretty stupid had I ended up in the gully below
Keep an eye on weather when crossing.
We rode over in the snow 2weeks ago .. ill add a link 2 a video f i can work out how lol ..
https://youtu.be/V_VlHoUIj1o
looks a bit nippy…..
Heres part 2 of our trek over danseys pass .. its a great road sun or snow n wind .. by the time lisa an i got to the summit we were frozen . Still an amazing ride
https://youtu.be/38Qv3i98n_E
Just did Danseys pass today, road is in great condition, started from Omaru, headed out on to 83 then to Livingston Duntroon rd, then on to Danseys pass road, stopped at the Hotel as you do, from Danseys pass rd I then went on to Ridge rd and on to 85 back to Omaru, the road of 85 is great, nice and windy and great condition. Throughly recommend this route!?
Will be doing it again on the TT2000 in a weeks time – can’t wait!
Danseys Pass is located at the boundary of the Waitaki and the Central Otago districts, in the South Island of New Zealand. It’s a mountain pass at an elevation of 935 m (3,068 ft) above the sea level located in the Kakanui Mountains. The stunning scenery here is nothing short of picture perfect.
Please check the video from my recent ride
https://youtu.be/qZAxA6jlEVg
Danseys pass has been closed for almost a month due to flooding having washed part of the road away. It is expected to open again at any time now.
More info at: https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/north-otago/danseys-pass-due-reopen
Yeah, she’s all good now. Did it last Tuesday and had a great ride followed by a coffee at the pub before carrying on.
Hi guys
i Completed the Danseys pass on the weekend of 14, 15 December 2024. Awesome ride with smooth gravel road and very little corrugation. Stayed at the hotel at the end of the pass, well worth a stay if you are in the area.
Rode this one today on the Afrika Twin. Great ride, road condition still really good (as long as its dry) and the surroundings are just stunning!