Off-road driving and adventuring is one of the incredible benefits of living in a country like New Zealand.

Being able to explore the bush in a 4WD is a privilege that doesn’t need to stop when the sun goes down.

The most important equipment needed to explore the backblocks after dark is of course lighting.

More to the point, it’s rugged, quality lighting – a light bar, side light units, spotlights and even a hand unit plugged into the dash.

After that decision is made, it’s important to have a system that capable of supplying the electricity required to run the lights. The next clear step from there is a system that is resilient enough to power the equipment used in off-grid camping.

Turn off the tarmac and onto the dirt and the specific qualities needed for safe travel are immediately obvious.

Conversely, poor visibility can easily turn a great adventure into a disaster. If the driver can’t see an obstacle clearly, they will have a hard time avoiding it.

Driving light needs for 4WD trips and off-road differ from those used on main highways. It takes skill to navigate and drive 4WD tracks and off-road areas. Even the most knowledgeable and experienced 4WD enthusiasts can find themselves in trouble. One wrong turn or hasty acceleration into somewhere tricky can quickly get the vehicle stuck, or worse, damaged. Add poor visibility and the chances of running into a problem skyrocket.

To prevent this from happening, look for driving lights that produce high-contrast light and wide beams. This ensures driving lights won’t prevent the driver from differentiating colour and allows them to see the distinction between objects ahead. Being able to see more of the surroundings is also crucial for spotting the variety of hazards on tracks.

Choose lights that emit with a neutral white light between 3,000°K and 5,000°K colour temperature. LED lights are a go-to, their diodes are typically positioned to throw light into peripheral areas – something not possible with standard HID or halogen spotlights.