4x4 & Adventure
Goin’ Bush: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery via some thrilling 4WD tracks you never even knew existed!
The Terrain You'll Encounter
Goin’ Bush is not for the faint-hearted. With endless miles of gravel roads, broken up by a vast array of steep forest landscapes, and an ever-changing combination of clay, mud, rock, silt, and shale. It’s breath-taking scenery but stay focussed as it can switch it up every few metres. Here’s what you’ll need to be prepared for:
- Dense Forests: Cut your teeth on fun filled forestry and bypass roads like the famous 309 and Kiwi Routes, Kaimanawa Forest and Centre of the North Island Track, working your way up to the sheer thrill of the 42nd Traverse, and Thompsons Track.
- Mud and Clay: Forests naturally attract rainfall, especially areas like the West Coast of the South Island and its more challenging tracks like Napoleon Hill and Big River. These tracks should not be attempted in winter without a winch, a good recovery kit, and a convoy to help pull you out if necessary.
- Steep Climbs & Descents: What goes up, must come down! You are guaranteed excitement and some epic views on the steep slopes of Mount Kyeburne, Johnstones Creek & Saddle Ridge Tracks. Always engage low range to moderate your speed, maintain control, and let your vehicle do the hard work for you.
Taming the Trails
Taming the Trails
- Remote Alpine Conditions: The collision of the Ausralian and Pacific Plates have formed a stretch of mountains the length of NZ. High altitude environments where weather conditions can change quickly, from sun to snow in an instant and you should always check the weather before leaving. Snow chains, EXITRAX, spotlights, recovery gear and a strong shovel are absolute necessities’, along with additional food, water and warm clothing in case the weather sets in without warning.
- Rocky Trails: With all this volcanic terrain if you’re not driving on rock up and across the mountain top, then you’re driving over it on the riverbeds below. As breath-taking as some of these vistas are they also offer some of the most technical four-wheel-driving in NZ. Be prepared with good tyres, tyre deflators, pressure gauges, and tyre repair kits.
- Water Crossings: More river crossings in NZ than anywhere! Always check the depth of the water before crossing. Work together as a team with an anchor vehicle ready on the other side equipped with rated recovery points, and your winch ropes extended, ready just in case. Oh and snorkels aren’t just an accessory, they’re a good investment here.
Essential 4WD Tips for Goin’ Bush
Before embarking on your trip, ensure you’re well-prepared to handle the rugged conditions of the Goin' Bush. Follow these tips:
- Plan Your Route: Bush tracks vary significantly in difficulty and by season. Do your research before you go to ensure the track suits your experience level and your vehicle’s capability.
- Understand Weather Patterns: Conditions in the Bush can be highly unpredictable. Check forecasts before your trip and be prepared for sudden changes. Heavy rainfall can wash away tracks and make water crossings dangerous.
- Travel with a Convoy: Remote conditions make having additional vehicles in your group a safer option and make recovery much easier if you get stuck.
- Engage Low Range: Tracks with steep gradients require you to engage low range gearing to maximise traction and control.
- Tread Lightly: Always air-down, help keep our bush beautiful by staying on established tracks and leaving no trace of your adventure.
Recovery Equipment You'll Need
Goin’ Bush will take you to some of the most remote locations and the challenging terrain makes having proper recovery gear essential. Gear up with the following items before heading off-road.
- Recovery Tracks: These boards provide traction in muddy or soft ground, helping to free your tyres when stuck.
- Winch: A high-quality winch is invaluable for self-recovery or recovering other vehicles on steep, slippery tracks.
- Shovel: A durable folding shovel is useful for clearing debris, mud, or sand from around your tyres during recovery efforts.
- Snatch Strap and Shackles: A snatch strap allows a second vehicle to recover a bogged vehicle with momentum. Use rated shackles to attach straps securely to recovery points.
- Air Compressor: Reduce your tyre pressure for better traction on rocky or muddy terrain, then use a portable air compressor to reinflate your tyres when you return to firmer ground.
- tyre Repair Kit: Sharp rocks can puncture tyres. A tyre repair kit ensures you can fix small punctures and continue your journey.
- Tree Trunk Protector: If using a winch, protect trees using a tree trunk protector strap to minimize environmental damage.
- Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves protect your hands during recovery situations, especially when handling winch cables or shackles.
- Jack and Jack Plate: A heavy-duty jack, combined with a base plate for stability, is crucial for lifting your vehicle on uneven or soft ground.
- Spare Fuel and Water: Long distances between fuel stops make extra fuel necessary, while water is essential for both the engine and staying hydrated in remote areas.
- UHF Radio or Satellite Phone: Mobile service is spotty in the High Country, so a UHF radio or satellite phone is critical for communication in emergencies.
- Personal Locator Beacon: If it all turns pear-shaped out there, a Satellite-based distress system will ensure you are found no matter what!
Know How Guides:
Find out some of the main reasons to use a handheld UHF radio in this Know How, made with help from our friends at GME.
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A winch is one of the most essential pieces of recovery equipment a 4x4 enthusiast can add to their vehicle. Find out how to install a winch quickly and easily with this Know How.
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Lengthy road trips are always a great adventure, but when things go wrong, you'll want to be as prepared as possible.
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