Go Four Wheel Driving Around Ruapehu

Ruapehu has some great places for four-wheel driving. Whether you use your vehicle to get to your favourite camping or fishing spot, or to view the scenery and enjoy, there are many different places to choose from.

Enjoy but take care. If not driven carefully it's easy to damage fragile landscapes. It's essential that everyone using 4WDs, trail bikes, and other types of vehicles know how to drive with care for the environment and other recreationists.

Our favourite 4WD tracks are listed below:

42 Traverse
Open to 4WD vehicles between 1 December and 30 April. The area is a kiwi sanctuary and also a multiple use site. Drive carefully and slowly so that you can stop easily. Please stay on the road and contact Whakapapa Visitor Centre for the latest information before you leave. Ph (07) 892 3729, email whakapapavc@doc.govt.nz

Ohakune Lakes
There are good scenic picnic spots beside the lake.

Mangatepopo Road
This road offers good views of Mt Ngauruhoe. Please stay on the road.

Tukino Road  - SH1 to Tukino Ski Field
Great views of Mt Ruapehu. Travel with other drivers, as terrain can be difficult particularly in winter. Please stay on the road. An access key is required for the Tukino Ski Field. Contact Turangi Reception (07) 386 8607, email ttcinfo@doc.govt.nz

Brief details about 4WD roads are provided here. It's important to remember that you will be sharing the road with mountain bikers, trail bikers, walkers and in some places 2WD vehicles.

Road conditions vary. Some may have overgrown sections, rough and uneven surfaces and be periodically affected by flooding, slips or other natural events. Check conditions at the nearest visitor centre before you go.

Safety
Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you always have warm and waterproof clothing and are prepared for all weather and conditions. Take plenty of water, food, fuel, breakdown tools, spare parts and emergency communication equipment on trips. Carry maps and a compass or GPS and know how to use them. In remote areas travel with another vehicle, 4WD club or go with a licenced tour operator.

Weather
Changes in weather can have major effects on the road; rain can turn your road into a bog, a slope into a slide and create impassable streams very quickly. Get a weather report before you set out. For Metservice call 0900 999 + your area code or go to: www.metservice.co.nz.

Facilities and Services Change
Roads may be closed by natural hazards or maintenance work and huts are replaced or removed. Always check the latest information at the nearest DOC visitor centre. A list of DOC visitor centres is available from www.doc.govt.nz.

• Motorised Vehicle Care Code
• Avoid driving in sensitive areas. Alpine landscapes, swamps, waterways and riverbeds are easily damaged by vehicles
• Abide by the laws and regulations covering all vehicles and drivers
• Stay on roads. Avoid widening them
• Keep the environment clean. Take all your rubbish with you
• Respect wildlife, look but don't disturb. Keep your distance
• Find out if a permit is required for access. If your trip crosses private land obtain permission
• Leave gates as you find them
• Always thoroughly clean your vehicle before and after trips to minimise spreading weeds and diseases
• Respect the right of others for quiet enjoyment. Avoid noisy driving. Give way to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and others
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Drive at a speed which will allow you to stop if a hazard arises
• If winching is necessary, use another vehicle. If you must use a tree, use webbing or padding to avoid damage to the tree
• Cross waterways with care. Use designated crossings where possible 
• Join a 4WD club or go with a licensed tour operator and learn more about minimal impact practice