After nearly 40 years in Europe, 4x4 Explorer Adventures owner Richard Soult returned to New Zealand in 2014 and began overlanding around the South Island.
They are short, long, steep, flat. They are all epic. New Zealand has some superb off-road drives to explore, and right now is the best time to get out there.
It’s that time of year again. Warmer weather, longer days. The outdoors is waiting. Summer holiday plans are being made.
But where to go? What to take along?
Regular contributor Kevin Isemonger attended the New Zealand 4WD Association’s annual general meeting and was lucky enough to drive all five trips organised as part of the weekend.
Regular contributor Kevin Isemonger attended the New Zealand 4WD Association’s annual general meeting and was lucky enough to drive all five trips organised as part of the weekend.
In Part One of this article, we travelled from Picton and discovered the Eastern half of the North of the South Island, leaving you at Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.
The top of the South Island 360° views are beyond words! This is definitely the best view that I have seen from any summit in New Zealand and well worth the detour.
There is nothing like a pending Land Rover Series 1 run to sharpen your focus on all those niggling little issues that you were supposed to have sorted out
Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s South Island is the breathtaking Hopkins River Valley, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a wilderness escape.
The focus must first be on the ‘mechanical foundation’. Assuming the truck already exists, and is suitable for overland work, what does it need to survive rough use in remote places?
Despite having grown up in Christchurch in the 1970s, and having since lived in the UK and France, I have to say that I don’t really like living in Christchurch.
4 SUZUKI’S RIDE OF PASSAGE
8 NEW ARRIVALS
9 GENTLEMEN – UNPLUG YOUR ENGINES!
10 TOYOTA’S A TOP PICK TO TACKLE GRAVEL
12 TRUCKIN’ ON WITH THE LATEST TUCSON
14 KAROQ-ING DOWN THE HIGHWAY
18 MU-X-ING AROUND WHEN HE SHOULD BE WORKING
21 SUV ESSENTIALS
24 SUV BUYER’S GUIDE