Summer is here which means one of the best tracks in the North Island is open - the 42 Traverse, a 46 km remote route through the centre of the North Island. The track has been well graded for the 2020 season, but not everything goes to plan for one of the trucks...
Tucked away in the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, Pokaka Mill is a super basic campsite that delivers a proper off-grid experience. The recommended access is John McDonald Rd from SH47 - a rough gravel road that's manageable in a stock 2WD with a little ground clearance, and the drive in takes around 25 minutes.
The road opens out into a large clearing with heaps of room and plenty of private spots to choose from, including a great spot down from the main camp. There are caves nearby worth exploring too. Facilities are simply a long-drop toilet and nothing else.
On calm days the bird song is fantastic, and on clear nights the stars are incredibly bright. It's a quiet, peaceful place that rarely gets crowded - many regulars rate it among the best campsites in the North Island. Just note it's exposed and remote, so come prepared with warm gear even in summer, and especially in winter. Avoid the Pukehinau Rd route via Hillary OPC, which is badly overgrown - stick to John McDonald Rd.
This rough gravel road runs out to the Pokaka Mill campsite on the Central Plateau, in the Waikato. The main route is an easy if bumpy drive that suits most setups, with lower tyre pressures making it more comfortable.
Along the way, stop off and explore the caves — there's an interesting walk to reach them, though you'll want a cooler day for it. A loop or alternative route also connects to the campsite via John MacDonald Road; it's narrow, rutted and overgrown, so expect tighter going and the chance of bush rash if you take it. Many find it easier to take the loop out from the campsite rather than in, especially at night.
The campsite itself is a quiet, genuinely off-grid spot popular with those wanting to get away from everything. Native birdlife is a highlight, and you may even hear deer roaring. Facilities are minimal — just a long drop — so come fully self-sufficient and bring everything you need. A great choice for a peaceful overnight stop with caves and bush to enjoy nearby.
One of the longest off-road adventures in the North Island, the 42 Traverse runs roughly 46km through the stunning Central Plateau, linking Kapoors Road near SH47 (National Park) and Owhango. This DOC-managed track was originally cut for forestry and is now a multi-use route shared with mountain bikers and hikers, so drive cautiously on blind corners and descents.
Expect native bush, stream and river crossings, and volcanic scenery, with a mix of wide graded forestry roads, rugged pinches and rutted descents. There's a rock face before the big river crossing that can need 4LO and lockers, a muddy section at the National Park end, and a steep rutted descent about halfway that gets slippery and demands careful wheel placement. In the dry it's an easy cruise suited to most stock 4WDs, though heavy bush rash (pinstriping) is guaranteed and wet weather makes the steep, rutted sections genuinely challenging.
There are spots to camp along the way, including near the river crossings and around 10 Man Hut. The route is remote, so travel with another vehicle and carry recovery gear. Conventionally driven one-way from SH47 to Owhango to ease passing.
A large slip near the middle has split the track in two, so you currently drive in from either end and turn back.