4WD Tracks in Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty serves up a brilliant mix of terrain for 4WD touring, from the volcanic ranges and forested valleys inland to the long, open beaches along the coast. Expect winding backcountry roads, river crossings, and routes that climb from farmland into native bush. These 4WD tracks suit travellers chasing variety, sun, and a true taste of the region's diverse landscape.

309 Road

The 309 Road is an easy gravel crossing of the Coromandel with kauri groves, Waiau Falls swimming holes, Castle Rock and the famous wild pigs.

Boulders Creek

Boulders Creek is a short, rough Bay of Plenty 4WD descent into a quiet valley, dropping down to a riverside campsite that needs low-range to reach.

Hamilton Road

Hamilton Road is a Bay of Plenty forestry track that's scratchier than its easy-connector reputation, with side tracks, tricky ruts and bush rash.

Kohioawa Beach

Kohioawa Beach is a soft-sand beach drive in the Bay of Plenty with a dune track behind it, suited to 4WDs carrying recovery gear.

Manawhare Road

Manawhare Road is an easy Bay of Plenty gravel loop around the top of Lake Rotoma, with forest scenery, lake views and rougher side tracks for the keen.

Mangamate Campsite Access

Mangamate Campsite Access is a short Bay of Plenty bush road leading to a quiet campsite and a nearby waterfall, easy going for any vehicle.

Matahi Valley Road

Matahi Valley Road is a long, scenic Bay of Plenty gravel route following the Tauranga River inland, with easy fords and plenty of river access.

McIvor Road

McIvor Road is an easy Bay of Plenty gravel loop through farmland and forest, a relaxed drive and a handy backcountry connector

Motu Falls

Motu Falls is a remote eastern Bay of Plenty gravel and farm-track drive out to a waterfall that runs hard after rain, suited to A/T-shod 4WDs.

Okui Road

Okui Road is a rough, narrow Bay of Plenty bush track out to Okui Hut, with scratchy going and a river crossing where the old bridge once stood.

Otara Road

Otara Road is an easy Bay of Plenty gravel run through farmland and bush, suited to most vehicles and a handy link to Boulders Road camping.

Pongakawa Valley Road

Pongakawa Valley Road is an easy Bay of Plenty gravel drive through native forest above Lake Rotoehu, with cheeky side tracks and a lake loop option.

Porter Road

Porter Road is a tricky Bay of Plenty forest route through native bush and plantation, with greasy climbs that suit confident drivers in well-equipped 4WDs.

Porter Road (Side route)

Porter Road is a tricky forest side route in the Bay of Plenty with steep, root-laced pinches through shaded native and plantation bush.

Potikirua Road

Potikirua Road is an easy gravel coastal drive in the eastern Bay of Plenty, more about the sea views than any technical going.

Rotoehu Road

Rotoehu Road is an easygoing Bay of Plenty gravel run through native bush, well away from the highways and good for a relaxed backcountry drive.

Sanctuary Road

Sanctuary Road is a rough gravel run through Bay of Plenty native bush, following the Minginui Stream out to the Sanctuary Campsite.

Tapu Coroglen Road

Tapu Coroglen Road is an easy Coromandel gravel road through native forest, with big range views and the famous square kauri tree about halfway along.

Tauranga River

Tauranga River is an easy, fun Bay of Plenty drive with multiple river crossings where the braids shift and you pick your own line as you go.

Thorton Beach

Thornton Beach in Bay of Plenty is an easygoing coastal sand run from Matata to Thornton, with a big 4WD dune park across the river for all abilities.

Tracks in other regions

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