Over the last three years Land Rover NZ Defender ambassador Sir John Kirwan has pushed his cars to the limits, exploring some of New Zealand’s stunning off-road adventures. 

Now, in conjunction with the driver trainers at DownForce, Sir John has compiled his top five off-road drives to tackle before the end of summer.

“New Zealand has some of the most picturesque drives in the world,” said Sir John. “And there are even better ones that are a little more hidden. From the Nevis Valley which runs down the side of the Remarkables, through to Molesworth Station which is a real 4WD  challenge.

“Crucially, anyone who plans to drive offroad should follow the guidelines for responsible care  and behaviour by Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa - or the Outdoor Access Commission - to ensure  we’re all using these spaces ethically and appropriately.” 

Jaguar Land Rover CEO Steve Kenchington also encourages drivers to enjoy off-road adventures responsibly: “Features in the Defender such as All-Wheel Driving and coil suspension are designed to adapt to challenging landscapes, while terrain response and tyre pressure monitoring system will provide information and reassurance to the driver. Good luck exploring  these trails, we’ve got plenty of great options to tick off the bucket list this summer.” 

The guidelines in the New Zealand Outdoor Access Code include: 

● Keep strictly to formed tracks 

● Do not leave vehicles where they block or obstruct gateways, tracks or entrances 

● Ensure that any access right or permission includes the use of motor vehicles  

● Even where access with vehicles is legally allowed, such as on an unformed legal road,  it is a courtesy to notify the adjacent landholder 

● Note that formed tracks may not necessarily be on the line of the legal road 

Here are Sir John’s picks of the best off-road driving: 

Hawksburn Road, Central Otago 

Hawksburn Road, often referred to by locals as Pylon Road, is a diverse trail catering to adventure seekers. It offers a mix of 4WD gravel roads, stretches of tar seal, and challenging steep climbs. Stretching over 25 km, the route is classified as intermediate to expert, serving as a link between Clyde and Bannockburn while skirting the scenic Cairnmuir Range along the southern side. Due to its exposed and elevated nature, drivers must prepare for diverse weather conditions and check weather forecasts before embarking on this historic road. 

Rainbow Road, Canterbury 

This track stands out for its breathtaking landscape, transitioning from extensive tussock lands and rugged slopes along the Clarence River to beech-covered mountains in the Wairau catchment. Under favourable conditions, a 4WD vehicle typically takes three hours to cover the 112 km stretch Rainbow Road is open to the public annually from December 26th until Easter Monday.  

Kawhia to Raglan, Waikato

If you’re travelling from Kawhia to Raglan, you could choose to take the main road, or you can head on an adventure next to the stunning coastline on a pebbled, gravel road. Starting at  Kawhia the road arches north towards the town of Raglan, offering unparalleled views of the world-class surfing destination. A word of warning for any adventurers: the conditions can vary significantly according to weather, so make sure you plan ahead and tackle it on a good day. 

The Nevis Valley, Central Otago 

Forging through the Nevis Valley, an isolated 4WD road connecting Bannockburn and Garston is an endeavour not suited for the faint-hearted. The Nevis Road route runs down the Eastern side of the Remarkables, following the Nevis River for nearly 70 kilometres. 

Molesworth Station, Marlborough 

Located in the South Island, Molesworth Station offers an iconic 4WD adventure. The journey includes a 4WD-only road that takes you through Tarndale to the Acheron Road. Molesworth Station, one of the largest farms in the country, opens its public road for 4WD enthusiasts during a limited period, from 5 January to 28 February 2024. The route showcases expansive high-country landscapes, featuring rugged mountains, vast grassy plains, and breathtaking views.