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. Here is a selection of great 4WD adventures.

North Island
Boulder Hill
A short 8.2-km out-and-back trail near Lower Hutt, Wellington. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of three hours to complete. This is a popular shared trail for camping, hiking, and off-road driving, so share with care.
The track runs from Dry Creek Campsite to the summit of Boulder Hill located in Belmont Regional Park. Pass through regenerating bush for some scenic views of Hutt Valley. At the top of Boulder Hill (442m), there are views of Porirua Harbour. Access from Hebben Crest situated between Lower and Upper Hutt.
Grading: medium.

42 Traverse
This is a challenging multi-use 46 km track through the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area. It’s named after the old State Forest 42, the bush area which surrounds it.
4WD vehicles, quad bikes and motorbikes can use either end of the track, but not the full track due to a large landslip. Mountain bikers and trampers can use the full track via a bypass.
4WD vehicles are not permitted between 1 May-30 November.
Dog access: dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Grading: hard.

Old Whangamomona Road
The Old Whangamomona Road is an unmaintained road following the Whangamomona River and passing through native bush with old tunnels on the way. It leads from Whangamomona Hotel to the Bridge to Somewhere. This track is popular for 4WD driving, walking, running, and mountain biking. Summer is the best time of the year to do this track – it can get very muddy.
Grading: medium (hard if wet),

Thompson’s Track
Located south of Te Aroha and accessed from Thompsons Road. It’s a nice wide 23km track mainly used for 4WDing. Lower sections are fine for shinies and SUVs, but the track is quite damaged in parts and excessively muddy for roughly 1500m due to vehicles using it. There are views of the Hauraki Plains. In theory, it’s possible to cross from Hauraki Plains to the Bay of Plenty using the track, but it’s been a while since anybody managed it in a 4WD.
This track is shared by trampers, mountain bikers, horse riders, and 4WD vehicles.
Grading: easy (lower) to hard (upper).

Tukino skifield road
This is a popular 4WD alpine road located in Tongariro National Park. It leads from State Highway 1 (also known as the Desert Road) to Tukino Ski Field Alpine Village, 1700 metres above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in New Zealand, mainly used for off-road driving but also for other activities such as cycling, running, and hiking.
Fine for ‘shinies’ provided all-terrain or mud terrain tyres are used. It’s recommended to check the road status before driving.
Grading: medium.

South Island
Baikie Hut Track
Baikie Hut is a remote spot ideal for an overnight trip or a picnic with views. The hut is named in remembrance of the family who owned Pukaki Downs station before returning the area to public ownership. It’s a 19km shared track popular for 4WD driving, mountain biking, walking, and horse riding. The Baikie Hut is a small basic hut (four bunk beds) built in 1948. No fee or bookings are required to stay at the hut.
Note: 4WDers found the track closed when they tried to drive it in 2023, so check access with DoC before tackling the drive. Access off Mount Cook Road.
Grading: easy.
Beebys Hut track
This track takes you from the southern end of Tophouse Road to Beebys Hut in Mount Richmond Forest Park. It’s suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and also seasonally for 4WD vehicles. Vehicle access is permitted between 1 December and 30 April each year, and a permit is required from the the Rotoiti / Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre. Fees are required to stay at the hut. Bookings for the are not required – first come, first served.
The 7.6km track follows a steep 4WD road up to the bush line where the track opens up, still ascending gently to the trig station at 720m. From there, the road is exposed: views of alpine grasses and tussocks and an amazing panorama across mountains and valleys. Gently descend to Beeby’s Hut which is nestled behind trees with lots of tent space.
Grading: Hard.
Huntsbury track
Short but sweet: this is a short 4.3km trek up a wide road/path to amazing views stretching out over Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour. Uphill the whole way but still easy enough to bring the whole family. There’s often strong wind, there’s zero shade, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated. It’s a shared path with mountain bikers and also walkers.
Grading: easy.

Macaulay Hut track
This 18.8km off-road track takes you to Macaulay Hut, located in Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park near Twizel. It’s a serviced 14 (bunk) bed hut managed by Mackenzie Alpine Trust – Lake Tekapo. Bookings for the hut are not required – first come, first served. A recommended donation of $10.
This track is another one to do in a group for safety and fun. Bring recovery gear.
Dogs are not allowed in the hut but can be kept outside (not recommended in winter).
Grading: hard.

Macetown
Pretty legendary among 4WDers, the Macetown track leads from Arrowtown to the former Macetown settlement, where it is possible to camp. Many river crossings are part of this trip, so a ‘proper’ 4WD with good wading depth rating is a must. Do this one in a group of two or three 4WDs for greater safety and fun.
This 13.0-km point-to-point trail is generally considered a challenging route. It’s great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and the trail is open year-round.
Grading: medium.