Don't let bad weather stop you! Join us for a few days of exploring New Zealand's Central Plateau area. From epic forests to driving up the side of a volcano, it's a pretty hard area to beat!
This cruisy gravel road winds through the ancient native forest of the Kaimanawa Forest Park, in the Waikato region. It's a scenic, easy-going route that's consistently well-rated and beginner-friendly, making it a great introduction to backcountry driving while still feeling remote and immersive. The road runs through stunning, clean native bush with plenty of spots to camp and hunt along the way, so it's popular with hunters, especially in season. Expect potholes throughout, but nothing serious, and the route is generally manageable in a capable vehicle. About a third of the way along, keep an eye out for an optional quarry track heading off to the left, which offers a trickier 4x4 challenge for those wanting to test themselves. It can be tricky to spot, but it's logged in Navigator Pro. A relaxed, picturesque drive with good camping and a touch of adventure if you want it.
A spacious bush campsite in Kaimanawa Forest Park, in the Tūrangi/Taupō area of the central North Island. It's reached by an easy gravel road that winds through native bush, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding park. The setting is quiet and remote, with a big open main area and smaller, more private sites dotted off side tracks. Facilities are simple but cover the essentials of a DOC campsite: non-powered tent sites, multiple fire pits for campfires (except during fire bans), non-flush toilets that campers regularly note are clean, and water from a nearby stream. With plenty of room to spread out, low crowds, and the occasional deer wandering through after dark, it's a consistently well-loved spot to settle in for a night or use as a hub for the area.
A short but technical climb up to a quarry in the Waikato. Don't let the modest length fool you - this is a Hard-graded track with deep ruts and fun obstacles that reward good lines and careful spotting. The big challenge is a tricky log section near the top: getting up the final stretch needs a hectic lift, twin lockers and plenty of clearance, and one wrong move can leave you digging out for a while. Many rigs make it about three-quarters of the way before turning around, so it's a rewarding day even if you don't crest the top. The reward for those who do is a cool view from up there. Thanks to the ruts this is no longer suited to standard vehicles, so come prepared with the right gear. Keep an eye out for other track users, take it steady and don't rip up the track.
This short, hard-packed gravel road runs out to the Waimarino River Mouth on the lake edge in the Waikato. It's an easy, fun little drive for most of its length, finishing with an epic view across the lake that makes the short excursion well worth it. The character of the route changes near the end, where deep water collects in puddles - these can be over a metre deep and have been known to reach nearly hood height, so diff breathers and a snorkel are worth considering if you intend to push through. Stay off the lakefront beach; park up and walk the last little bit to take in the view. Be aware there's limited room to turn around at the far end. This area is popular with fishermen, so keep an eye out for them as you make your way through.
This scenic loop in the Waikato winds through the Kaimanawa area on a mix of seal and gravel, linking up the local points of interest. A highlight is the operational dam you can actually drive over. The route runs through stunning native forest, with cool views and plenty of atmosphere — especially memorable in early morning drizzle or fog. It's an easy, well-graded drive that consistently earns high marks from those who travel it. The going is gravel for much of the way and narrows in spots, so take care on corners where you may meet oncoming traffic. There are also several easy side tracks branching off the loop if you want to explore further. All up, it's an accessible, relaxed scenic drive that suits a wide range of vehicles and makes for a rewarding day out among the trees.
A short, scenic side road winding through stunning native forest in the Waikato region. The drive itself is straightforward and easy-going, well suited to those after a relaxed bush outing rather than a technical challenge. What the route lacks in difficulty it makes up for in surroundings, with the towering native bush giving a good reminder of what much of this country may once have looked like. Expect lush greenery on all sides, with minimal bush rash to worry about. A pleasant, low-stress detour for anyone wanting to soak in the forest scenery without committing to a demanding track.
A short, easy detour off the Desert Road in the central Waikato, leading to the impressive water cannon and outlet for the Rangipo dam. The main route is a cruisey sealed and gravel road that's suitable for most vehicles, making it a popular spot for families and kids. It's a bit hidden away, so it's rarely busy, and the powerful gush of water at the inlet is well worth the trip. On clear days you'll get good views of snow on the nearby mountains. There's a little extra gravel road that loops around to the outlet, plus a network of side tracks following the power line maintenance trails up top. These optional detours are fun for the adventurous but can get scratchy with bush rash, so the cautious can stick to the easy main route. A great quick stop for a smoko break or to show the kids a remote dam in action.
A popular run out to the Waipakihi River, an easy diversion off the Desert Road in the central Waikato. The track starts on old tarseal with a few potholes before turning to dirt and getting progressively rougher, opening into a scenic riverside area. The main feature is a deep washout on the descent just before the river — manageable with care and a good line (some rock packing has been done), though climbing back out can be challenging without lockers. The Waipakihi River crossing is good fun over a rocky base and generally needs a snorkel; levels can rise quickly after rain, so check before committing. Across the river you can work your way down to riverside campsites — tight and noisy beside the water but a great spot to camp for a night or two. Expect plenty of bush rash on the scratchy track down to the sites, so it's not one for an unblemished paint job. A steel gate sits at the track but has generally been open. Graded medium, mainly for the river crossing and washout. Pack out your rubbish.
Driving up the side of an active volcano is something pretty special. The Tukino Access Road climbs the eastern flank of Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park, near Waiouru in the central North Island, and rewards you with stunning, otherworldly views — the rocky, barren landscape has more than one driver feeling like they're on Mars. It's an amazing drive year round: head up in summer for the unique scenery, or in winter for some epic (and far more challenging) snow driving.
The route is rocky, rough and corrugated in places, with a couple of small stream crossings. Beyond the 2WD carpark it climbs steeply and gets very exposed to strong wind and rapidly changing weather. It's not technical and most 4WDs (often 2WDs in good conditions) manage easily, but sharp rocks can cut tyres, so take it easy. Leaving the track risks an $800 DOC fine, and it's a dog-free zone.
The gate roughly three-quarters of the way up is locked when the ski field is closed; a free key (donation appreciated) is available from the Waiouru Army Museum or the Taupo, Turangi and Ohakune visitor centres. Without it you can still drive most of the way and miss only the steep final section.