I took the all-new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado on a proper Overland NZ style adventure - from the coast to the hills.
A short, easy run along the sand on the lower North Island west coast. Flat and open, with the surf rolling in alongside you, it's good for a relaxed cruise or a spot of fishing.
The going is mostly straightforward, though it can tighten up at high tide, so keep an eye on the water. Off to the right past the toilets the dunes and softer sand make a bit of a playground if you're after some fun.
There's a toilet at the entrance, and it's out-and-back, so you turn around and head back the way you came.
A well-formed gravel road climbing into the Tararua Forest Park, this one follows the dams that feed the old Mangahao Power Station. There's a real sense of the country's early hydro history up here, with an information display near the first dam covering how it was all built. As you head up, the bush closes in and it gets quiet and remote.
The road is easy enough for most vehicles, including 2WD with a bit of ground clearance, though it's narrow with blind bends in places. Watch for oncoming traffic and walkers, as there have been close calls. A few gentle side tracks drop down to the river or branch off into the hills if you fancy a bit more, and these are where a 4WD earns its keep when it's been wet.
Near the first dam there's Arapeti, a small self-contained campsite run by a local landowner, handy if you want to pitch up for the night. Worth knowing there's no cellphone coverage in places. An easy day trip out of Wellington way and reliably popular.
A quick drop off the road brings you down to the Mangahao River through a bit of native forest before it opens out at the water. Barely a minute's drive in, so it's an easy one to tick off.
Keep in mind the level can change quickly here, so keep an ear out for the siren. Don't attempt a crossing without another truck along, as the consequences of getting it wrong are high.