Off-roading in New Zealand can mean anything from extreme off-the-beaten track adventuring for hunting and fishing expeditions to simply going down a wild and winding coastal track to catch a wave — or fish — at a remote beach. Peta Stavelli of Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine looks at the hows and whys of remote RV travel.
While we’re fortunate to live in a country where proximity to the coast is a given and nowhere in New Zealand is more than 130km from the coast, proximity and access are different concepts.
Not everywhere close to the sea has a paved road to the beach or boat- launching ramp. And, as another measure of our national psych, this seems to be the way we like it, for in a nation where access to the sea — or a lake, river, or waterway — is so highly rated, a certain level of grit (and a vehicle designed for 4WD adventuring) is often required to get to it.
Winding roads and off-the-beaten track adventures
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has more than 200 basic camps nationwide. These spectacular and often free campgrounds are frequently at the end of some challenging roads. Many of these are steep and winding tracks unsuitable for caravans, while others are only suited to 4WD vehicles.
Take the coastal campgrounds of the Catlins region as but one example, or Abel Tasman’s spectacular Tōtaranui Campground, as another. Getting into either of these places is a serious undertaking.
In the latter case, after you’ve negotiated the perils of SH60 over Tākaka Hill, you’ve still got the final 12km of narrow, winding, gravel road to undertake. While both of these national treasures are worth the drive, before you head off down any coastal path, cross a dry riverbed, or head to a well-hidden fishing spot at your favourite river or lake, you'll need to be prepared for the journey.
Choosing the right recreational vehicle for difficult terrain is a great place to begin.
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How to choose the right recreational vehicle
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Safety tips
Preparation is key when it comes to planning and executing the perfect intrepid journey. Even if your vehicle is fairly new, it pays to give it a thorough inspection inside and out — before you head off-grid.
Check tyres, brakes and external fixtures and fittings or take your vehicle to a certified mechanic before you go bush. Inside the vehicle, ensure everything is secure and be certain that nothing you have stowed away can rattle loose.
If you’re going to be outside of phone coverage, pack an alternative communication device such as a personal locator beacon. Even if you don’t need it, you could save the life of someone else in an emergency.
Planning your itinerary
Team up with a buddy or gather a group for your wild adventure. Ensure that someone outside your circle knows where you’re going and when you plan to return.
Plan your itinerary and route well in advance using a detailed map or a specialised app designed for off-road travel. Check the long-range weather forecast, always bearing in mind that conditions can be unpredictable in remote areas of New Zealand. Plan to stay away from riverbeds and banks during weather events, and don’t cross streams or rivers in extreme conditions.
Even the best-laid plans can be altered by circumstances beyond your control. Pack as if you plan to be waylaid with clothing for all conditions and extra provisions such as food and water. Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, vehicle maintenance tools and recovery equipment — such as a powerful winch or tow strop.
Drive to survive
You may have driven down a wild and winding road using extreme caution and encountered someone who knows the road coming full tilt towards you as if they own it. If you’re new to RV life and unscarred by rural roads, pay attention to warning signs. Drive at a speed that ensures your safety in hazardous conditions, such as slippery surfaces or uneven terrain and roads with steep drop-offs. Assume there’s a hazard around every corner.
Before you venture into remote territory, check local conditions and search for restricted roads or tracks that may require permits. Be especially vigilant in national parks where overnight camping is not, or may no longer be, permitted. When you arrive, and especially when you leave your off-grid paradise, do so in a way that avoids damage to wildlife and vegetation — leaving only your track marks.
Find out what it's like to own a rear wheel drive motorhome.
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The team at Wilderness are experts at helping their customers to find the perfect vehicle and — as I found out recently — they stock one of the best off-road vehicles around. Check out my review of the luxury 4WD experience of the Hymer MLT 570 CrossOver and ask the team how to get the most from your off-grid adventures.
- Peta Stavelli |
This story was originally published in Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine in September 2023.
