One of the longest off-road adventures in the North Island, the 42 Traverse runs roughly 46km through the stunning Central Plateau, linking Kapoors Road near SH47 (National Park) and Owhango. This DOC-managed track was originally cut for forestry and is now a multi-use route shared with mountain bikers and hikers, so drive cautiously on blind corners and descents.

Expect native bush, stream and river crossings, and volcanic scenery, with a mix of wide graded forestry roads, rugged pinches and rutted descents. There's a rock face before the big river crossing that can need 4LO and lockers, a muddy section at the National Park end, and a steep rutted descent about halfway that gets slippery and demands careful wheel placement. In the dry it's an easy cruise suited to most stock 4WDs, though heavy bush rash (pinstriping) is guaranteed and wet weather makes the steep, rutted sections genuinely challenging.

There are spots to camp along the way, including near the river crossings and around 10 Man Hut. The route is remote, so travel with another vehicle and carry recovery gear. Conventionally driven one-way from SH47 to Owhango to ease passing.

A large slip near the middle has split the track in two, so you currently drive in from either end and turn back.