We take our new 80 Series Landcruiser and the Hilux up into the hills above the Manawatu for a showdown - new vs old, husband vs wife - and to explore some awesome 4wd tracks high up in the hills. Driving with views this good is pretty hard to beat!
Alongside the Ballance Bridge, the Woodville Ferry Reserve is a large grassy plain on the Manawatu River, at the mouth of Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge. With easy access to the river, it's a popular spot for picnics and overnight camping, with plenty of open space so groups, dogs and campers can spread out and find their own patch. The river offers good swimming holes, and there's a small wetland planted with native trees where you might spot local wildlife. The ground is a bit bumpy in places, but it's easy enough to find a flat spot for a roof tent or camper. Facilities are basic: long-drop toilets with several stalls but no sinks, taps or hand-washing dispensers, so bring your own water for drinking and washing. A relaxed, spacious riverside reserve that's well liked by campers passing through the gorge.
In the hills above Palmerston North, North Range Road is a fun, scenic and ever-changing 4WD route that runs along the ranges between the Pahiatua Track and Saddle/Woodville sides. On a clear day you're rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views out to both coasts of the North Island, the wind turbines and the Manawatu plains, and you may spot wild goats along the way. The terrain is genuine 4WD country: slippery clay mud, ruts, off-camber sections, rock steps and deep bog and water holes, with the northern end being the most technical. Difficulty swings from moderate when dry to very hard after rain, when a snorkel and winch are often recommended. Plenty of optional side tracks and play areas add extra challenge for those wanting it. If it's your first time, head south to north, which offers more chances to turn around and less chance of needing to winch. Wider vehicles will find it tighter. Travel with at least one other vehicle, carry recovery gear, and a UHF is handy as the track is popular. Stick to the established lines.
Raumai Reserve is a tucked-away riverside campsite on the Pohangina River in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, just off the Manawatu Scenic Route and not too far from Takapari Road or North Range Road. It's a well-liked little spot, especially good in summer when the river makes for a relaxing place to park up. Head down onto the river itself to find the best of it - the campervan camping area up top is a little average by comparison, so it pays to make your way down for the better setting. Facilities are basic, with toilets on site. Sandflies can be about, so bring some bug spray to make your stay more comfortable. A handy, scenic base if you're exploring the surrounding ranges and back roads.
Takapari Road climbs deep into the Ruahine Ranges in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, topping out around 1400m as one of the highest public roads in New Zealand. On a clear day the views stretch for miles in every direction, so it's well worth picking your weather. The lower half of the route is the toughest, with rutted, slippery clay sections and a notorious obstacle roughly 1km in - a near-vertical winch wall, with an off-camber bypass cut through the bush. Both routes can demand a winch and proper recovery gear, especially when wet, so this is no place to tackle alone. Higher up the going eases as you reach the A-frame hut, a popular spot to look around or stay the night. Beyond the hut the track gets harder still before petering out into soft marsh, which shouldn't be attempted solo. Note the seasonal closure: the DOC section closes 13 September and reopens 1 January, with a locked gate to protect the road over winter.