4WD Tracks in Gisborne

Tucked into the East Cape, Gisborne offers some of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding overlanding, where winding inland roads climb through bush-clad hills before dropping to wild, sun-first beaches. The 4WD tracks here range from coastal runs near Anaura Bay and Hicks Bay to rugged backcountry routes like Motu Road, rewarding self-sufficient travellers with isolation and spectacular Pacific views.

Anaura Bay

Anaura Bay is an easygoing East Coast beach drive near Tolaga Bay in Gisborne, with open sea views and soft sand to watch on the tides.

Beach Road

Beach Road is a short gravel access route on the Gisborne coast that drops onto an open East Coast beach, where drivers must thread around forestry slash.

East Cape Road

East Cape Road is a cruisy Gisborne gravel run out to the lighthouse at the easternmost point of New Zealand's main islands, with rugged coastal views.

Hicks Bay

Hicks Bay is a remote East Cape beach run in Gisborne, an easygoing drive along the sand with wide open coastal views, tide-dependent throughout.

Kinikini Road

Kinikini Road is an easy gravel drive inland of the Mahia Peninsula in Gisborne, with sweeping coastal views and a run down to Daria's Bay.

Lottin Point

Lottin Point is a remote gravel detour at the northern tip of Gisborne's East Cape loop, with coastal views and a campsite where the road ends.

Motu Road

Motu Road is a scenic Gisborne back-country gravel road on the old rally stage, mostly easy 2WD driving with big views and a ford to watch.

Ngaupokotangata Stream

Ngaupokotangata Stream is a short, easy detour off Takaputahi Road up Gisborne way, dropping to a riverside spot good for a break or a summer swim.

Otipi Road

Otipi Road is a rocky, overgrown 4WD climb into the Raukumara Ranges near Gisborne, with big valley views, birdsong and a Motu River ford.

Piripaua Road

Piripaua Road is a quiet Lake Waikaremoana connector through native bush, dropping to a small settlement in remote Gisborne backcountry.

Takaputahi Road

Takaputahi Road is an easygoing Gisborne backcountry gravel drive through bush and river scenery, ending at a riverside campsite reached by a ford.

Tunanui Road

Tunanui Road is an easy Gisborne gravel route linking SH2 through to the Mahia coast, with steady rural views on the descent.

Whakarau Road

Whakarau Road is a winding Gisborne back road through Motu hill country, an easygoing dirt shortcut with farmland, native bush and small fords.

Whangaparaoa Bay

Whangaparaoa Bay is a remote East Cape beach in Gisborne, reached by easy gravel road, with sand driving that depends on the shape of the beach.

Wharf Road

Wharf Road is a short East Cape gravel route near Hicks Bay, dropping down the cliffs to the abandoned old wharf and quiet coastal views.

Tracks in other regions

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