Fancy going far off the beaten path when you visit New Zealand?
Well, between them, both the North and South Islands have some epic 4×4 trails that will provide even the most discerning of adventure seekers with a major thrill.
Taking you through jaw-dropping landscapes and rugged terrain that’s changed little in hundreds of years, these tracks should only be attempted in a 4×4 with good suspension, sharp breaks and excellent tyres.
If you don’t have access to such a vehicle, make sure you book a 4 x 4 car rental with a company that will let you take them out on these types of non-sealed tracks.
Once you have procured one, here is where you should go on both the North and South Islands.
North Island 4×4 Trails
Here are some of the best 4×4 trails you can tackle on the North Island of New Zealand.
1. Takapari Road
From Palmerston North, drive an hour north until you get to Takapari Road. There you’ll find a spectacular off-road track that showcases incredible views of Horowhenua and beyond to northern Wairapara.
For the most spectacular vistas, make sure you drive the full 15 km distance along the Ruahine Forest Park boundary to the southern Ruahine Range’s summit.
However, before you do this, check the road status with the New Zealand Transport Agency. The ascent is very steep and can be rendered impassable under certain conditions. So, it is best to confirm you can drive it beforehand, rather than face problems further along the way.
2. Woodhill Forest
It is hard to believe that Woodhill Forest is just a quick 40-minute jaunt from Auckland, because it seems like an entire world away.
This world-class off-roading track takes you through a scintillating landscape of sand dunes, forests, mudflats and waterways, that is sure to get the adrenaline pumping through your veins.
Once you’ve had your fill of exploring it, head to the nearby town of Ponsonby where you’ll find some decent options for places to eat, and a car wash, which take it from us, you will be needing.
3. 42nd Traverse
If you happen to be on the North Island between 1st December and 30th April, make sure you hit up the 42nd Traverse.
This fantastic 46 km one-way track leads you through the ethereal Tongariro Forest Conservation Area, via a route that presents you with a challenging terrain.
When travelling through it, you’ll have to negotiate clay, rock, river and native forest crossings. All of which showcases magnificent views of Tongariro National Park, which is home to three active volcanoes. One of them, Ngauruhoe, was cast as Mount Doom in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy of films.
Expect this track to take you between four and six hours to complete overall.
South Island 4 x 4 Trails
Here are some of the best 4×4 trails you can tackle on the South Island of New Zealand.
1. Huxley Valley Tracks
Many people choose to hike the Huxley Valley Tracks while visiting the Ruataniwha Conservation Park in the Mackenzie Basin, near South Canterbury and Otago.
However, you can save yourself from the need of an extended foot rub by driving along the Lake Ohau Road up to Monument Hut.
This 9 km route up to the hut takes you along gravel tracks which should be a piece of cake for seasoned off-roaders to successfully negotiate and easy enough for novices to complete.
Along the way the alpine views will invigorate your soul, and if you do step out of the car, you’ll be able to fill your lungs with some of the freshest air its ever consumed.
2. Goldfields Track
If you fancy a real challenge, then look no further than the Goldfields Track.
Located north of the quaint town of Takaka, this track is not for the faint hearted and requires you to possess a fair bit of technical skill and off-roading experience.
While it is open all year round, the 11.4 km trail is best suited to doughty drivers that are well-equipped with the skills to tackle challenging sections and obstacles.
3. Eyre Mountains
Dominating the Taka Ra Haka Conservation Park, the Eyre Mountains is a protected mountain range area within the Southland Region.
You’ll find 4WD access that can take you to all of major valleys there on a range of surfaces of various degrees of difficulty. Think off-road tracks, metal roads and sealed roads.
If you want to take the scenic option, the Mt Bee 4WD track showcases superb views of Southland. However, as the track is on private property, you will need to gain approval to access it.
Final Thoughts
The above mentioned tracks are just six of the many wonderful 4×4 options you can tackle on New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
Whichever one you decide to tackle, it’s important to always check road conditions, get necessary permits as required, take out specialist travel insurance, and travel with the right gear to make your off-road experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.