The Central Plateau is full of amazing spots to explore - from barron volcanic landscapes, amazing rivers, ancient native forests, epic campsites - it has it all!
Join Daniel as he heads through Tukino Road, Waipakihi Road, State Forest 70, Link Road/The Centre of the North Island in the Pureora Forest Park and the Pokaka Mill Campsite, one of our favourites.
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 — some drivers drop tyre pressures to smooth the ride. Leaving the track risks an $800 DOC fine, and it's a dog-free zone.
It's a there-and-back day trip, roughly an hour to the top and back, with no camping on the mountain but plenty of campsites nearby. 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.
A popular and scenic 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, with decent ruts throughout before it opens into a scenic riverside area.
The main feature is a deep washout on the descent just before the river. It's manageable with care and a good line, and some rock packing has created an s-bend route down, but 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 an epic 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. Pack out your rubbish.
Waipakihi Campsite Access is a short access track in the Waikato that drops down to riverside campsites on the Waipakihi River, near the Kaimanawa Forest country. The route runs through to an end-of-road camp set in a well-loved spot that's a long-time favourite with 4WDers and campers alike.
The track itself is generally rated easy, but it has a rough, eroded character with some sizeable washouts along the descent, so a maneuverable 4WD with decent tyres is the sensible choice. Capable drivers have made it down in fairly standard utes without a lift on all-terrains, taking it carefully.
The reward is a peaceful riverside camp beside the water, with low bush rash. Facilities are minimal at this end-of-road spot, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Take care of the place — its continued access depends on people treating it well.
Tucked into the Kaimanawa Forest Park in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, Urchin Campsite is a popular and sheltered spot that makes an excellent base for hunting, tramping, walking and mountain biking, with a variety of tracks close by. The setting is quiet and bush-fringed, with plenty of nearby walks to keep you busy.
Facilities are basic but well-kept: non-powered tent sites, non-flush toilets, and water from the stream. There's room for both tents and campervans, and campfires are allowed except during fire bans.
Visitors consistently describe it as tidy, with clean toilets and a good, welcoming vibe, holding up well even in wet weather. Being a well-liked site, it can fill quickly, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to secure a spot.
Rangipo Inlet Road is 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 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.
Tucked away in the stunning Pureora Forest Park, Waikato, this scenic route marks the geographic centre of New Zealand's North Island. The drive follows a well-formed gravel road through dense native forest, with big rimu trees, abundant birdlife and plenty of kaka calling overhead.
It's an easy run that's generally manageable even in 2WD, though the road carries plenty of potholes, so take your time and enjoy the surroundings. There are numerous side tracks and good camping spots at either end, plus a restored caterpillar crawler, dozer and old tractors worth a stop. Hunting and exploring the many offshoots keep it interesting.
A short, well-marked walk (roughly 10-15 minutes) leads to the centre marker, though signage for the turnoff is poor, so download a map before heading in as there's no cell reception. Look out for the lookout tower that rises above the canopy for views of native birds from above. You can also walk to the top of Mt Pureora from the road. An accessible, rewarding detour off the highway and an amazing piece of New Zealand.
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.