The Desert Road in New Zealand - a few drone shots before it rained.

How long is Desert Road?
The straight road, part of State Highway 1, is totally paved. It’s 63km (39 miles) long crossing the alpine desert and links the small towns of Turangi, on the North Island Volcanic Plateau in Waikato región and Waiouru, in the Ruapehu District.
Why is it called Desert Road?
The drive is rather remote. Due to the unproductive nature of the land, the region is largely uninhabited. Be careful as the weather can change very quickly. The scenery is stunning. The area is frequently lashed by wind. This road gains its name from being completely remote. Rangipo Desert (Te Onetapu) is a barren desert-like environment. Its inhospitable weather makes it an interesting route to drive along.
When was Desert Road built?
The road was constructed in the 1940’s, as part of a strategy to increase the tourist flow in the area.