4WD Tracks in Tasman

Tasman covers some of the most varied terrain in the top of the South Island, from the rivers and goldfields of the Aorere Valley to remote forest passes and the rugged roads of D'Urville Island. The 4WD tracks here range from gentle valley drives to steep backcountry routes, so come prepared for changeable conditions and long days between settlements.

Aorere Goldfields

Aorere Goldfields is a technical 4WD loop near Collingwood in Tasman, running through historic goldfield country with steep climbs and big views up top.

Aorere Valley

Aorere Valley in Golden Bay is an easy gravel run through native bush along the river, leading to the start of the Heaphy Track.

Baton Valley Road

Baton Valley Road is a narrow Tasman gravel route running up the Baton River toward Kahurangi National Park, with bush hills and a backcountry feel.

Boulder Stream

Boulder Stream is a narrow, slow-going Tasman 4WD route hugging the cliffline to a hut, with rough rocky ground and roadside campsites along the way.

Braeburn Track

Braeburn Track is an easy, well-maintained gravel road in Tasman, climbing through the hills towards Lake Rotoroa with concreted stream crossings and good views.

Canaan Road

Canaan Road is a scenic Tasman gravel climb onto a high plateau by Kahurangi National Park, with a DOC campsite and a walk to Harwoods Hole.

Cape Farewell Lookout

Cape Farewell Lookout in Tasman is a short gravel road to a viewpoint over rugged sea cliffs and rock arches at the top of the South Island.

D'Urville Island - Main Road

D'Urville Island Main Road is a long, remote gravel touring route across a Tasman island, with quiet beaches and coastline reached only by vehicle ferry.

French Pass

French Pass is an easy Marlborough Sounds gravel drive out to a narrow tidal channel facing D'Urville Island, with big sea views both ways.

Graham Valley Road

Graham Valley Road in Tasman is a steep, part-unsealed climb through beech forest to Flora car park, a gateway into Kahurangi National Park.

Greville Harbour Road

Greville Harbour Road is a rough gravel descent on D'Urville Island in the outer Marlborough Sounds, leading to the quiet Moawhitu Campsite by the harbour.

Howard Valley Road

Howard Valley Road is a short, easy gravel run through gentle Tasman valley country, with a few bumpy river sections.

Inward Lookout - Wai-Iti

Inward Lookout near Wai-Iti in Tasman is a rough gravel climb on an active logging road, leading to a high lookout with valley views.

Leatham River

Leatham River is a scenic Tasman valley route to Barbers Hut, with rocky sections and plenty of river crossings, popular with hunters.

Louis Creek

Louis Creek is a gravel route through native bush in Tasman's Glenhope Scenic Reserve, with historic goldfields you can fossick in.

Mackay Pass

Mackay Pass is a short, easy gravel bypass in Tasman, a handy shortcut off the sealed road that any vehicle comfortable on unsealed roads can manage.

Maruia Saddle

Maruia Saddle is an easy gravel 4WD detour up Tasman way, climbing to 580m through West Coast bush with small fords and a run down to Matakitaki Road.

Matakitaki Road

Matakitaki Road is an easy Tasman gravel route running up alongside the Matakitaki River through forestry, a relaxed alternative to the main road.

Maungatapu Track

Maungatapu Track in Tasman is a scenic climb from Pelorus Bridge to a saddle, with old Nelson history, big views and a small 4WD playground up top.

Mt Patriarch

Mt Patriarch is a long, steady Tasman climb to epic views over Lake Chalice, easy going until a narrow final 2km alongside a sheer drop.

Pine Valley

Pine Valley in Tasman is an easy 15-minute gravel drive ending at a small river crossing and a spacious DOC campsite.

Porika Road

Porika Road is a scenic Tasman gravel run between St Arnaud and Lake Rotoroa, with a steep hairpin descent and big lake views.

Port Hardy Road

Port Hardy Road is a gravel spine across D'Urville Island in the Marlborough Sounds, linking the island's tracks with quiet coastal and rural scenery.

River Aceess

River Access is a short Tasman track dropping onto the open gravel flats of the Awatere riverbed, an easy way to reach the water.

Top Valley Road

Top Valley Road is a remote Tasman gravel route off Northbank Road near Blenheim, winding through backcountry bush and farmland for capable 4WDs.

Totaranui Road

Totaranui Road is an easy gravel run in Tasman, winding through native bush out to Totaranui campsite on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park.

Tumble Down Bay

Tumble Down Bay is a scenic Tasman gravel road running out to a tiny beach at Jerdans Bay, with coastal views and a few spots to stop for a swim.

Whanganui Inlet

Whanganui Inlet is a scenic Tasman gravel road tracing a coastal inlet, with low-tide river crossings and big sand dunes to play on.

Wharariki Road

Wharariki Road is a short gravel road at the top of the South Island near Farewell Spit, leading toward Cape Farewell and its wild northern coast.

Tracks in other regions

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