South Island Solo EP4 | The Macetown 4WD track - 40+ river crossings, Porika Road + the West Coast!

The best 4wd track in New Zealand? Quite possibly! We explore the old gold mining settlement of Macetown before heading up the West Coast, stopping in at some awesome spots then onto the Braeburn Range and up Porika Road before heading up to Picton to catch the ferry back to Wellington.

Trip area

In this video

Macetown

If water crossing are your jam don't miss Macetown with it's 20 something river crossings each way. Explore the abandoned gold mining town and the rich history of the area.

Grade
Hard
Time
3 hours
Distance
10 km

Crown Range

A viewpoint with amazing views out over Queenstown

Glenorchy to Paradise

A easy gravel road up through Paradise. Enjoy the mind blowing views of the mountains and ancient forests as you cruise through. Should be doable by any vehicle.

Grade
Gravel
Time
2 hours
Distance
12 km

Fantail Falls

Awesome little waterfall just off the side of the Haast Pass!

Otto/macdonalds Campsite

An easily accessible campsite. You can boat, fish for trout or swim in Lake Mapourika.

Powered sites
0
Un-powered sites
20

Pancake Rocks

A uniquely West Coast experience, this short walk takes you out to the blowholes and pancake rocks.

Cape Foulwind

Cape Foulwind is a prominent headland on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, overlooking the Tasman Sea. It is located ten kilometres west of the town of Westport.

Braeburn Track

A simple gravel road that cuts through the hills. Join it up with Porika Road to create a longer track.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
11 km

Porika Road

Skip the highway and get an amazing view out over Lake Rotoroa as you descend the steep hill down. Be careful in the wet, it's pretty steep!

Grade
Medium
Time
1 hours
Distance
14 km

Whatamango Bay Campsite

Camp beside the beach and go fishing, explore and enjoy the peace only 15-minute drive away from the Picton ferry.

Powered sites
0
Un-powered sites
50