The Best 4WD Tracks in NZ - North vs South Island Showdown

Kiwis love a good rivalry, and when it comes to the best 4WD tracks in NZ, nothing sparks debate like North vs South Island. The North Island serves up sandy highways and volcanic bush trails, while the South Island boasts alpine passes, river crossings, and cliff-hugging roads. Both are epic, but which takes the crown?

At RubberTree , we kit out plenty of off-road enthusiasts and hear all about why their hometown tracks are the best. So, we’ve lined up the top five tracks on each island so you can decide for yourself where the best off-roading is in NZ.

Top 5 4WD Tracks in the North Island

1. Woodhill Forest (Auckland)

Aucklanders are maybe the most guilty Kiwis of owning a 4WD just to sit in gridlock traffic. But they truly are spoilt for choice with this world-class off-road playground only 40 minutes from the CBD. Woodhill Forest has it all: sandy dunes, tight forest trails, mud pits, and water crossings. It’s a purpose-built venue, so you can push your ute or 4WD without worrying about trespassing or tide times. It’s beginner-friendly but still offers enough challenge to keep experienced drivers entertained.

2. 42 Traverse (Central Plateau)

If you’re after an adventure with scenery to match, the legendary 42 Traverse is hard to beat. Stretching 46 kilometres through the Central Plateau, the track winds through native bush, across streams, and past volcanic landscapes. It’s DOC-managed and only open December to April, with conditions ranging from smooth forestry roads in summer to rutted mud pits after rain. This 4WD track is a bucket-list drive, especially if you travel in a group.

3. Ninety Mile Beach (Far North)

It may be officially classed as a highway, but Ninety Mile Beach is no ordinary road. This 88km stretch of sand offers a one-of-a-kind driving experience at the very top of the North Island. Timing is everything. At low tide, it’s firm and fast, but hit it too late and you’ll risk a soggy bogging. Recovery gear and sand-driving skills are a must, as are sharp eyes for streams and people. The trick is to follow the ruts carved by the big tour buses, which know the safest lines.

4. Pouto Lighthouse (Kaipara Harbour)

History and adventure collide at Pouto Lighthouse, built in 1884 to guard one of NZ’s busiest harbours. Getting there means tackling shifting sand dunes, long stretches of beach, and the ever-present threat of quicksand. It’s a constantly changing landscape, so recovery gear, tide planning, and escape routes are non-negotiable. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be rewarded with epic views, 100km of 4WD opportunities, and the chance to explore a part of NZ most people never see.

5. Thompson’s Track (Kaimai Ranges)

Straddling the line between Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Thompson’s Track is one of the North Island’s toughest tests. Steep, narrow, and notorious for mud that’ll swallow tyres whole, it’s a favourite among hardcore 4WDers. Even in summer, it can be slippery and technical, demanding recovery gear and a capable rig. For those who love a proper challenge, Thompson’s Track is as authentic as it gets, a Kiwi classic that separates the keen from the casual.

Top 5 4WD Tracks in the South Island

1. Macetown (Arrowtown)

Macetown is a 4WD goldmine, both literally and figuratively. Established in the 19th century during the Otago gold rush, Mactown was once a bustling settlement and has since become one of the best off-roading tracks in New Zealand.

Following the Arrow River, the track is as scenic as it is challenging, surrounded by towering peaks, rugged valleys and containing over 20 river crossings. Once you arrive, the stone ruins and restored buildings make for a fascinating wander through history.

2. Skippers Canyon (Queenstown)

If you like your thrills with a dose of danger, Skippers Canyon is for you. Carved into the cliffs above the Shotover River, this 27km single-lane gravel road is regularly ranked among the world’s most dangerous. With sheer drops, blind corners, and nowhere to pass, it’s not for the faint-hearted or the inexperienced. But if you’ve got the nerve, it rewards you with jaw-dropping views and access to the old Skippers township, a gold rush relic that feels frozen in time.

3. Clarence Reserve (Kaikoura Ranges)

For pure remoteness, the Clarence Reserve delivers. Straddling the Seaward Kaikoura Range, this 30km high-country track takes at least two hours and demands serious preparation. Slips, floods, and steep terrain are common, and access requires a permit from Muzzle Station ($100 fee). In return, you get a wild adventure into one of NZ’s most untouched landscapes, with DOC huts scattered through the valley for overnight stays. It’s a true off-the-beaten-path experience.

4. Molesworth Station (Awatere Valley)

At the other end of the spectrum is Molesworth Station, NZ’s longest public-access gravel road. Open from October to Easter, it’s a relatively easy drive but offers spectacular high-country views through Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. Often combined with Rainbow Road to form a loop, Molesworth is a must-do for anyone keen on big-sky scenery without technical obstacles.

5. Eyre Mountains (Southland)

Tucked away in Southland, the Eyre Mountains offer a range of 4WD opportunities from formed gravel roads to proper off-road challenges. The Mt Bee track is a highlight, with sweeping views across the region that make the climb worthwhile. Because the tracks run through private property, you’ll need to gain permission before heading in. Less famous than Skippers or Macetown, the Eyres are a hidden gem for those wanting something truly off the tourist trail.

Gear Up for the Best 4WD Tracks in NZ

The best 4WD tracks in NZ aren’t just about the drive; they’re about the memories. And the key to a great off-roading experience is preparation: check tides, permits, and track conditions before heading out, and always travel with the right gear.

And don’t forget to look after your ride. After a day of sand, mud, and wet boots, a set of RubberTree canvas seat covers  and rubber floor mats  will save your interior from a hiding.