4WD Tracks in Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay offers a rewarding mix of terrain for 4WD travellers, from rugged coastal drives along wild beaches to backcountry roads climbing into the Kaweka ranges. The 4WD tracks here range from river access points and remote gravel roads to scenic lookouts, taking you through pastoral country, riverbeds, and forested high ground well off the sealed highways.

Auroa Road

Auroa Road is an easy Hawke's Bay gravel road out to a riverside campsite, with handy river access and a quiet, low-key setting suited to most vehicles.

Blackhead Beach

Blackhead Beach is a remote southern Hawke's Bay coastal run on firm sand and gravel between Blackhead and Aramoana, with tides to watch.

Coast Road

Coast Road is an easy Hawke's Bay gravel run through rolling hill country down to the quiet coastal settlement of Akitio and its beach.

Comet Road

Comet Road is a short, easy gravel climb into the Ruahine Ranges in Hawke's Bay, with big views near the top and side trails good for camping.

East Beach

East Beach is a short Hawke's Bay sand run at the Mohaka River mouth, with a shifting crossing suited to capable, tide-aware 4WDs.

Gibraltar Road

Gibraltar Road is a formed gravel route in Hawke's Bay, a handy inland bypass when high tide makes the beach run impassable.

Huia Road

Huia Road is an easygoing Hawke's Bay gravel drive through native and exotic forest and rolling farmland, suited to a relaxed scenic run.

Kashmir Road

Kashmir Road is a scenic Hawke's Bay gravel climb into Ruahine Forest Park, ending at the Longview Hut trailhead with wide views over Central Hawke's Bay.

Kaweka Rd Lookout

Kaweka Rd Lookout is an easy Hawke's Bay gravel climb through native bush to wide coastal views, with a small 4WD play area and freedom camping up top.

Kuripapango Road

Kuripapango Road is an easy Hawke's Bay gravel run into Kaweka Forest Park, reaching the Lakes carpark and a short walk out to the lakes.

Lawrence Road

Lawrence Road is a short Hawke's Bay gravel run off the Gentle Annie, dropping through bush to a riverside camp with a steep 4WD climb back out.

Lotkow Road

Lotkow Road is a quiet gravel farm track in the Hawke's Bay backcountry with two fords and a small remote campsite at its end, suited to capable 4WDs.

Makahu Road/Mangatutu Hot Springs

Makahu Road in inland Hawke's Bay is an easy scenic gravel drive to the natural Mangatutu Hot Springs, with freedom camping and a soak at the end.

Marainanga Road

Marainanga Road is an easygoing Hawke's Bay backcountry gravel drive through forest and rolling farmland, suited to a relaxed scenic explore.

Mohaka Beach

Mohaka Beach is an easy Hawke's Bay coastal run down to a wide open beach where the Mohaka River meets the sea, good for a relaxed family day.

Mohaka Coach Road

Mohaka Coach Road is an easygoing gravel detour off SH2 through rolling farmland down to coastal views at the Mohaka River mouth.

Mohaka River Access

Mohaka River Access is a short, easy gravel detour off SH5 in inland Hawke's Bay, dropping to the riverbank below impressive cliffs.

Mohaka River Access North

Mohaka River Access North is a short Hawke's Bay spur dropping off the main route onto the Mohaka River bed, a handy stop for a look at the river.

N Block Road

N Block Road is a short, easy gravel climb through Hawke's Bay hill country, ending at a locked gate and giving access to several walking tracks.

Okahu Road

Okahu Road is an easy Hawke's Bay backcountry gravel track through quiet native bush, with water crossings, wild horses and good basic camping.

Pakaututu Road

Pakaututu Road is an easygoing Hawke's Bay dirt road climbing through farmland to a turn off for the hot pools, suited to most vehicles.

Pohokura Road

Pohokura Road is an easy Hawke's Bay gravel run through farm and forestry hills, with little waterfalls, good views and walking tracks along the way.

Porangahau to Blackhead

Porangahau to Blackhead in Hawke's Bay is an easy gravel coastal road through farmland and hill country, suited to most touring 4WDs.

Pourerere Beach

Pourerere Beach is a Hawke's Bay coastal drive on firm sand below dramatic cliffs, with tide-dependent sections that need careful timing.

Pourerere Beach (North)

Pourerere Beach (North) is a Hawke's Bay coastal 4WD run below cliffs, with soft sand, rocks and river crossings that need timing around the tides.

Spur Road

Spur Road is an easygoing Hawke's Bay gravel run through forest and farmland, well suited to relaxed scenic touring rather than technical 4WDing.

Waihoki Valley Road

Waihoki Valley Road is an easygoing Hawke's Bay gravel drive through native bush, exotic forest and rolling farmland.

Waikare Road

Waikare Road is an easy Hawke's Bay gravel run through East Coast farmland to a coastal campsite near the Waikari River mouth, fine for most vehicles.

Waikaremoana Road

Waikaremoana Road (SH38) is a scenic Hawke's Bay gravel highway around Lake Waikaremoana, no 4WD needed but rough and potholed in places.

Waimārama Beach

Waimārama Beach is an easy sand run on the Hawke's Bay coast southeast of Hastings, with open coastal views and a seasonal closure to the south.

Waipunga Road

Waipunga Road is an easygoing Hawke's Bay backroad on semi-sealed and gravel, winding through rolling hill country with sweeping views.

Waitara Road

Waitara Road is an easy Hawke's Bay gravel run through farm and forestry hills, with rolling views and a handy loop back to SH5 via Pohokura Road.

Whirinaki Forest

This route takes you deep into the Whirinaki Forest. You get a mix of tall native forest and pine as you work your way along, with plenty to look at the whole way.

Whittle Road

Whittle Road is an easy Hawke's Bay gravel climb to a 1000-metre lookout with far-reaching views.