Te Waipounamu, the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, packs the geology of a continent. Alps and glacial valleys in the morning, ancient lakebeds and wind-sculpted hills an hour or two down the road.
Overlay that geological wonderland with a network of tracks formed by Māori explorers and formalised since as public access and you have the stuff of 4WD dreams. Drive overland, camping along the way, and explore ghost towns, gold-mining relics, and places where humans haven’t even made a dent.
That’s what is so special about heading off-road in the South Island. While Aucklanders have to make do with a Sunday hoon-up at Woodhill Park, within two hours of Christchurch you could be heading up a glacial valley with the Alps in sight.
Better yet is a trip to the West Coast, Central Otago or Marlborough for a few days of remote camping and track exploring.
Camera essential, of course. Check out the photo gallery.
So let’s go!
Spoiler alert – 4WDs do get stuck sometimes. Which is why it’s best not to go alone. A quick tow from another truck can be all that’s needed to get you under way again. You’ll need rated tow hooks and a proper 4WD recovery strap for a heavy-duty ‘snatch’ tow.
Next on the safety list are a fire extinguisher, a decent first-aid kit, and a spade.
The sky and your wallet are the limit after that. Snorkels, winches, lockers, lifts – there’s lots you can do to improve your truck’s off-road capability. Lots also to make life comfortable for the campers, like rooftop tents, awnings, fridges, ovens, even tent heaters.
First, some rules. No. 1 – stick to the track. If we all do that, we’ll all get to keep enjoying the views. Like me, you’ll get to hate the sight of a backcountry hillside scarred by hoons, and the bad name can block access for all.
And No. 2 – thumbs up! When you grip the steering wheel, don’t wrap your thumbs inside it but keep them up and therefore clear of the steering wheel’s spokes. An unexpected rock can spin the wheel from lock to lock in a flash and if your thumb is in the way, whack! A broken thumb, even forearm, can result.
