Tucked into the Akatarawa Forest in the Wellington region, Waiotauru Road (also known as Odlins or Waiotautu Road) drops into the Waiotauru Valley. It's named for the Odlin's milling operation. Public access is open 24/7 with no permit or key needed, making it a firm favourite with local 4WDers, and it can get busy and tight for room on weekends.

This is a genuine technical challenge, not a track for the inexperienced. Right from the road it welcomes you with a climb, then serves up big ruts, steep climbs, large side-angles and heavy bush rash throughout, with plenty of places to slide or roll if you get it wrong. A lift and decent mud terrains help, and a winch or recovery gear plus a second vehicle are strongly recommended. It's also a classic for snapping CVs with a heavy foot.

Most vehicles reach the summit; pushing on to the Waiotauru hut is harder again. Beyond the Snowy River crossing the route continues toward Otaki Forks for trampers, but vehicle access is generally limited. Allow around two hours each way and bring a sense of humour about your paintwork.