With the opening of lots of high-country Department of Conservation tracks in October, we’ve been out and about, mixing and mingling with other trucks and their drivers. Chat around the campsites has revealed some clear favourites when it comes to wishlists for Santa. In no particular order, here is what your truck really wants for Christmas.

Another blog in my series looking at some of the best routes in my book and nearby towns and centres that make an ideal base. This time – East Otago and the town of Cromwell.

Another blog in my series looking at some of the best routes in my book and nearby towns and centres that make an ideal base. This time – South Canterbury and the towns of Fairlie and Omarama.

Another blog in my series looking at some of the best routes in my book and nearby towns and centres that make an ideal base. This time – West Otago and the town of Middlemarch.

Judging by sales of my 4WD guidebook and social media posts, there are a lot of keen off-roaders and overlanders out there planning their summer adventures. To help, here is the first in a series of blogs looking at some of the best routes in my book and nearby towns and centres that make an ideal base.

The most mundane food becomes a culinary marvel when it’s cooked on the tailgate of your truck or under a tent fly at some remote campsite. Something about it gives the tastebuds an extra zing. There are a few things to look out for, though, to make sure you don’t end up with a hungry and mutinous crew.

Water obstacles come in many types and sizes, from puddles with attitude to fast-flowing mountain rivers. With all of them, make sure you know what you are getting into before you get into it. Check the depth of the water and the nature of what lies beneath

For many people, the maxim “Take only photos, leave only footprints” says it all for how they relate to the great outdoors. For responsible 4WD enthusiasts, the equivalent is “Tread lightly”, a collection of rules and off-road driving techniques that minimise track wear and environmental damage. If you are driving up a river valley or along an access track for your next backcountry adventure, here are some ways to lessen your environmental treadprint.

Nearly 1400m up, the mist rolls back to reveal two jewels of Central Otago, lakes Wanaka and Hawea, far below. Along their shores a thin ribbon of road snakes from bay to point to bay.

One of the joys of owning a 4WD is that you can load it up with a tent, chilly bin and a few other essentials and head into the wilderness, beyond the point at which cars have to stop, to camp alongside a river or lake for a few days.