New Zealand has some great places for four-wheel driving. Whether you use your vehicle to get to your favourite camping or fishing spot or just to view the scenery and enjoy. There are many different places in Department of Conservation (DOC) managed areas to choose from. Enjoy but take care. If you don’t drive carefully it’s easy to damage fragile landscapes. It’s essential that everyone using four-wheel drives, trail bikes, beach buggies and other types of vehicle know how to drive with care for the environment and other people. This list identifies places to go.
Safety
Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you always have warm and waterproof clothing and are prepared for all weather and conditions. Take plenty of water, food, fuel, break-down tools, spare parts and emergency communication equipment on trips. Carry maps and a compass or GPS and know how to use them. In remote areas travel with another vehicle, 4WD club or go with a licensed tour operator.
Weather
Changes in weather can have major effects on a road; rain can turn a road into a bog, a slope into a slide and create impassable streams very quickly. Always get a weather report before you set out from Metservice, call 0900 999 + your area code or go to www.metservice.co.nz
Facilities and services change
Roads may be closed by natural hazards or maintenance work and huts are replaced or renewed. Always check the latest information at the nearest DOC visitor centre. A list of DOC visitor centres is available from www.doc.govt.nz.
Motorised vehicle care code
• Avoid driving in sensitive areas. Alpine landscapes, swamps, waterways, sand dunes, river beds and beaches are easily damaged by vehicles
• Abide by the laws and regulations covering all vehicles and drivers
• Stay on roads and avoid widening them
• Keep the environment clean and tidy. Take all your rubbish with you
• Respect wildlife, look but don’t disturb. Keep your distance
• Find out if a permit is required for access. If your trip crosses private land obtain permission
• Leave gates as you find them
• Always thoroughly clean your vehicle before and after trips to minimise spreading weeds and diseases
• Respect the right of others for quiet enjoyment. Avoid noisy driving. Give way to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and others
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Drive at a speed which will allow you to stop if a hazard arises
• If winching is necessary, use another vehicle. If you must use a tree, use webbing or padding to prevent damage to the tree
• Cross waterways with care. Use designated crossings where possible
Learn more about minimal impact driving by joining a 4WD club or going with a licensed tour operator.
Where can I drive?
It’s important to remember that you will be sharing the road with mountain bikers, trail bikers, walkers and other vehicles. Most of these roads are described in detail in other publications. Note that the Department of Conservation takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information in these publications. Check local conditions before you set out and take an appropriate map.
