Page 30 Load carrying; Page 32 Rooftop tents LAST

CHANCE
TO WIN
A SEIKO SUZUKI
JIMNY WATCH
go to page 21.

NOVEMBER 2024

FULLY LOADED
Mitsubishi Triton
GLX-R

Pl u s
ÄDENNISTON
PLATEAU ADVENTURE
ÄCHRISTCHURCH
4X4 EVENT
ÄFORD RANGER PHEV
ÄAUTOMECHANIKA
ÄNEW NISSAN PATROL SIGHTED
OPENING SHOT

Snow on the hills, stunning blue skies. Regular contributor Richard Soult headed up the Wilberforce Valley recently with a few mates in superb
weather, enjoying a break away in the South Island’s majestic interior.
 News

6 Ford Ranger PHEV

8 New Nissan Patrol
10 Toyota Tundra for Aussie
12 Atrina swamp buggy
13 Toyota Prado Wald

Features

30 Load carrying 6
32 Rooftop tents

Regulars

20 Events
22 Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R
tested
26 Suzuki Jimny five-door
tested
36 Adventure: Denniston
Plateau
42 Adventure: Everest on safari 22

48 Weekend Drive
52 My 4WD: a Hilux reborn
55 4WD Sport
58 Dirt Nation
60 Geoffzone
61 Vahryous thoughts
64 Torque Talk

36

2 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 NZ4WD
FROM THE
Volume 28 No 10. NOVEMBER 2024

EDITOR
EDITOR
Mark Baker
EMAIL: [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Rachel Walker

CONTRIBUTORS:
Geoff Anders, Bryan Chang,
David Coxon, Kevin Isemonger,
Ashley Lucas, Peter Vahry
Things are looking up
EVENTS MANAGER
Ashley Lucas
EMAIL: [email protected]
Fine weather, fun times ahead
This is a great time of year. Busy, but great.
NZ4WD ADVERTISING MANAGER Christmas is just weeks away, springtime has carpeted the outdoors with
Dan Prestige
green, and 4WDers can feel summer adventure in the air.
EMAIL: [email protected]
The national trials series kicks off this month, and there are heaps of safari
PUBLISHER events to take us into places we’d never see otherwise.
Cathy Parker The beach beckons, for day trips or week-long camping; the bush and
EMAIL: [email protected]
mountains too.
SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER & ENQUIRIES So many ways to enjoy 4WDing, alone or with mates.
Annette Colbert Recent new vehicle sales paint a rosy picture for 4WDers too, now that the
EMAIL: [email protected] EV-ICE playing field has been levelled.
Ford’s Ranger was the top model in September after selling 928 units, a
PROOFREADING
George Ward 53.4 percent jump from 605 in the same month a year ago.
In second spot was the Toyota Hilux on 624 registrations, a year-on-year
Adrenalin Publishing Ltd increase of 15.8 percent from 539 units, and Mitsubishi’s Triton was third with
56 Kuru Place, Papamoa, 3118
270 after a 36.4 percent increase from 198 sales in the previous September.
PO Box 65092 Mairangi Bay,
Auckland 0754 Ford was top brand in September too, with 1,061 total new vehicle
Phone: 09 478 4771 registrations. So the Ranger makes up most of Ford’s sales.
The Ranger also leads the way on the year-to-date ladder with 8,729
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
registrations and a 27.2 percent share of the market.
NZ4WD magazine is an 11 issue magazine
plus one Annual Subscription in NZ $114 The overall top seller in September was the king of AWD SUVs, Toyota’s
(incl GST). Please call us for overseas rates. RAV4.
New Zealand remains a 4WD nation, and long may it continue that way.
COPYRIGHT:
A year ago, I made some bold/easy predictions for 2024, and can tick
NZ4WD is copyright and may not be
reproduced in whole or in part without the them all:
written permission of the publisher. Neither „ The new vehicle market will rebound (took a while)
editorial opinions expressed nor facts „ Double cab utes and SUVs will continue to dominate (well obviously)
stated in advertisements are necessarily
„ The booming accessory market will continue to boom (and it sure has)
agreed to by the editor or publisher of
NZ4WD and, whilst all efforts are made „ The first hybrid electric utes will make their debut (yep, and we’ve driven
to ensure accuracy, no responsibility will them)
be taken by the publishers for inaccurate „ Any full EV ute will remain a distant prospect (indeed. Even EV brand BYD
information, or for any consequences of
is going with a hybrid for its first real 4WD ute).
reliance on this information.

PRINTING: SCG
DISTRIBUTION: Are Direct
ISSN 1175–1827 (Print)
ISSN 2253–2773 (Online)

Check out our website: www.nz4wd.co.nz

Log in and sign up for our FREE newsletter.

www.facebook.com/NZ4WD Online at www.nz4wd.co.nz

On Facebook, search NZ4WD Magazine

4 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

Built tough. Built to explore. Conquer any road (or lack thereof)
with the unstoppable 7-seat Isuzu MU-X. Tow the boat, haul the
gear, seat the crew - all with legendary Isuzu toughness and a
mighty 3,500kg braked towing capacity.

isuzuutes.co.nz/mu-x-runout
 Ford launches Ranger PHEV hybrid
Limited-run Stormtrak model highlights the range

Plug-in hybrid pickups take a step forward

with Ford confirming its new Ranger
PHEV.
The PHEV drivetrain will be available in
Wildtrak, Sport and XLT Rangers, and Ford
is introducing a PHEV-exclusive Stormtrak
launch edition. The limited-run vehicle
features a new Chill Grey paint colour, the
practical Flexible Rack System5 and a
luxurious cabin with unique finishes.
The new model offers the same towing,
payload and off-road performance as
other Rangers along with electric-only
driving ability, strengthening Ford’s
leadership of the pickup market in
Australia and New Zealand.
Ranger PHEV combines a 2.3-litre
Above: Ranger's tow rating unaffected by new drivetrain.
turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost Below left: power tools and accessories. Below right: new version gets its own badge.
petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor
(e-motor) and 11.8kWh (usable) battery
boosting the off-road and towing
capability that Ranger owners need for
work and play.
The ability to provide smooth, electric-
only driving for a targeted range of more
than 45km enhances the on-road appeal
of the latest Ranger model.
Ranger PHEV also introduces Pro
Power Onboard2 to the Ranger line-up,
enabling customers to power up to a
maximum of 6.9kW of tools directly from Ranger a loyal customer base in Australia and EV-only capability for family life,” said
the onboard battery rather than needing and New Zealand. We ensured our first Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford
a generator. PHEV pickup in Australia and New Australia and New Zealand.
“The Ranger PHEV delivers the benefits Zealand would be a hugely capable tool The Ranger PHEV will be produced in
of electrification together with the for work and off-roading, as well as a Silverton, South Africa, with initial
hard-working performance that has built smart vehicle with the tech, connectivity customer deliveries expected in 2025.

6 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

ENGINEERED FOR PROTECTION
DESIGNED FOR SAFETY

On and off road, premium Ironman

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requirements.
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Common Foam Cell Kits to suit

most utes:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu
D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda
BT-50, Holden Colorado, Nissan
Navara (Leaf Springs)
and more...

WWW.IRONMAN4X4.CO.NZ | 0508 IRONMAN (0508 476 6626)

 Nissan reveals next Patrol
Farewelling the mighty V8

The long-awaited new- Y62. Its all-new customisable

generation Nissan Patrol has adaptive air suspension uses
been shown in Abu Dhabi, but e-damper technology, which
there’s a long wait for a right- automatically adjusts damper
hand drive version. settings, to provide a
The new Y63 Patrol is the comfortable and seamless
first new version in 14 years. transitions between on and
The 5.6-litre four-cam V8 off-road driving. Its
engine used in the current Y62 suspension is capable of
will be replaced by a choice of providing 70mm of ride height
V6 engines. adjustment.
A 3.5-litre 317kW/700Nm The transmission features six
turbocharged petrol V6 is drive modes – standard, sand,
confirmed as the engine fitted rock, mud, eco and sport – as Armada/Patrol gets a fresh new look.
to versions of the Y63 coming well as a 4WD transfer mode
to Australasian markets. interlock system. In addition, accordingly; clever ‘EZ flex’ around view monitor; smart
There will also be a naturally the Patrol has Vehicle Dynamic seats, which allows access to rear view mirror; rear zoom
aspirated 3.8-litre V6 Control, traction control and a the third row without view; automatic emergency
producing 236kW and 386Nm tyre pressure monitoring removing a child seat; a braking with pedestrian
of torque for some markets. system. third-row power-fold function, detection, predictive forward
The Y63 Patrol will use a Inside, the higher grades get which can fold and return the collision warning; and rear
Jatco-sourced nine-speed dual 14.3-inch digital displays third-row seats via a automatic emergency braking.
torque converter auto paired and dual 12.3-inch media touchscreen control; USB The Y63 will make its
with the familiar full-time 4WD screens for row-two Type-C ports in every row; a showroom debut in the Middle
system. occupants. Other key interior wireless phone charger pad in East this year. While Australia
The Patrol will ride on a features include a combined the front centre console; and a and thus New Zealand will
new platform underpinning a nine litres of storage across panoramic sunroof is standard become the first right-hand-
35mm longer (5202mm) and the glove and console box; across the range. drive markets to offer the Y63
35mm wider (2030mm) Biometric Cooling tech, that The Y63 Patrol is equipped Patrol, production of RHD
vehicle riding on the same can detect body temperatures with seven airbags including a versions is only scheduled for
wheelbase (3075mm) as the and adjust settings driver’s knee airbag; a 3D 2026.

Expect the next Patrol to go as well offroad as always.

8 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

HEAVY DUTY, STANDARD HEIGHT Shock Absorbers
RAISED SPRINGS -
HEAVY DUTY, RAISED All 4WD’s & SUV’s

SUIT - RAISED SPRINGS

POLYURETHANE BUSH KITS

HEAVY DUTY,
STANDARD HEIGHT

t s
a l is
ec i
S p
 Big steel for Aussie
Toyota confirms its first-ever RHD Tundra

Toyota’s full-size Tundra pickup platform that underpins the LandCruiser wired Android Auto compatibility,
will officially go on sale in Australia 300 Series and are powered by a 3.5-litre 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster,
in November 2024 following final twin-turbo V6 engine that generates dual-zone climate control, and trailer
approval of the project by Toyota Motor 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque, brake controller.
Corporation in Japan. driving through a 10-speed automatic The new premium grade is
Toyota Australia has partnered with transmission. distinguished on the outside by its
Walkinshaw Automotive Group to The Tundra’s engine is mated to a unique grille, black painted alloy wheels,
re-engineer the US-built Tundra from part-time 4WD system with a dual-range black-accented tailgate, a panoramic
left-hand drive to right-hand drive, with transfer case and offers a 4.5-tonne moonroof and other cosmetic changes.
the vehicle to be produced at braked towing capacity. Inside, it takes the luxury to a new
Walkinshaw’s manufacturing facility in In Limited guise, the Tundra will feature level with standard equipment including
Melbourne. 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, leather- leather-accented seats that offer a
The new Tundra will launch in Limited accented seats with power adjustment, massage function for the front and
grade with a new Australian top-of-the- heating and ventilation for the driver and heating and ventilation for the rear
range premium version to join it in the front passenger, 14-inch multimedia outboard positions, power adjustable
second quarter of 2025. touchscreen with a 12-speaker JBL audio steering column and heated steering
Both versions use the TNGA-F system and wireless Apple CarPlay and wheel, and 10.9-inch head up display.

Outlander updated
Best-selling PHEV gets increased range

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has 80 kilometres. 12.3-inch display, enhanced connectivity

launched an updated plug-in hybrid It features optimised S-AWC, updated features, and seat ventilation. There is a
electric vehicle (PHEV) model of its suspension and new tyres. Interior new audio system developed in
Outlander crossover SUV. and premiered convenience and comfort have been collaboration with Yamaha Corporation.
it in Europe. An update for the petrol- improved with the introduction of a Three of the six-model range in New
only model is planned to follow in 2025, navigation system featuring a large Zealand are 4WD.
and both PHEV and gasoline The first-generation Outlander
models will then be refreshed in PHEV was launched in 2013 in
markets including North America, Japan as the world’s first plug-in
Australia, and New Zealand. hybrid 4WD SUV.
Mitsubishi Motors says the A fully redesigned model was
Outlander PHEV brings together released in December 2021, and a
the best of the brand’s total of more than 370,000
electrification and all-wheel Outlanders have been sold across
control technologies. The model the two generations. Today, the
is a three-row seven-seater. Outlander PHEV is the world’s
The PHEV has a bigger battery best-selling plug-in hybrid 4WD
to boost EV range to more than SUV.

10 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 BMW first to go hydrogen
Mapping out a diverse fuel future

BMW will launch its first mass-market

hydrogen-powered car in 2028, followed
by multiple other fuel-cell variants
of existing models, making it the first
manufacturer to do so in what it has called
“a milestone in automotive history”.
It is likely the first model to benefit will
be the X5 SUV.
BMW was the first to create a hydrogen
powered vehicle when it built a 7 Series
that burned hydrogen in its internal
combustion engine 20 years ago. That
project was a demonstration of the
practicality of the fuel. More recently,
BMW also produced an X5 that burns
hydrogen in its internal combustion
engine, again as a proof of concept.
The new fuel cell cars being developed
for sale will use powertrains co-developed
with Toyota with the announcement
coming as part of a strengthening of the
two car firms’ partnership to develop the
technology.
Meanwhile, Volvo is the latest brand to maker had earlier planned to sell only continue to offer a range of drivetrains for
backpedal on its EV plans. The auto- electric vehicles by 2030, but will now the foreseeable future.

Power for the things you need most

Shop now at www.ecoflowtech.co.nz

11
 A new swamp buggy
Atrina gets out into the muck
The mad world of swamp buggy all- hydraulically driven ‘boat’ frames that engine with a capacity of 52kW runs
terrain vehicles is getting popular. Joining rotate about their axis and can fold almost through five-speed manual gearbox.
the Atlas, profiled recently by NZ4WD, and in half. Maximum speed is 50km/h; fuel
the Sherp, apparently available in New Two hydraulic cylinders, which are used consumption four litres per hour. There
Zealand, is Atrina. for folding and roll, can be adjusted are two 60 litre fuel tanks.
It’s a completely new all-terrain vehicle flexibly. It is possible to set any elasticity In the cab, an on-board computer
that runs – like others in the global due to the variability of oil pressure. The displays the status of all the all-terrain
‘swampy’ market – on ultra low-pressure unit is also powered by road wheel vehicle’s systems. There is a built-in roll
tires. It can be used to transport goods, rotation. cage.
equipment, people, and is also being used In the process of overcoming obstacles, Atrina’s forward section carries two
for recreation, hunting, fishing and the volume of air can move between the people; the rear section holds eight.
mining. rear and front wheels, thus ensuring the The low-pressure tires are 1.6 metres
Atrina’s design consists of two passage of areas with difficult terrain. It is tall and 600mm wide, ground clearance is
independent and absolutely sealed powered by a four-cylinder, 1.5 litre petrol 600mm.

Atrina joins the growing throng of

all-terrain swamp buggies on the market.

12 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 Tweaked Prado
Aftermarket suppliers get busy ahead of launch

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is due

by the end of 2024, but the aftermarket
accessory sector is already busy.
The Prado has already been beefed up by
Japanese car customiser Wald International,
creating a wildly modified Prado.
While the factory version has bold,
confident styling, Wald has taken the Prado
to another level with almost every panel
tweaked.
There are custom lights, front grille and a
wild front bumper along with a bold new
bonnet featuring a large air intake flanked by
bulges on either side.
Off-road tyres and six-spoke alloy wheels
are also offered.
Wald body kits and alloy wheels range in
price, with details yet to be shared on the
Prado upgrades. Expect an invoice between
$1,000 and $5,000.

Kia’s ute draws slowly closer

Desert testing video reveals more details of the new 4WD

It may be the longest vehicle launch in early 2025. of the body except the unusual
announcement ever, but Kia’s 4WD ute The company has posted official wheelarch ‘eyebrows’ seen in all official
appears to be set for a proper unveiling video of the truck being tested in the photography to date.
desert at Al Qudra in the United Arab Kia said the Tasman will have a
Emirates, which reveals a little more of global launch, but it specifically
its layout, including a live, multilink rear mentioned Korea, Australia, Africa, and
diff and coil spring rear end. the Middle East as target markets to
Media overseas reckon the engine start. We have to presume New Zealand
will be a version of Kia’s 2.2-litre will get the truck about the same time
turbodiesel engine. as Australia.
The flat-fronted truck still wears its View the desert test here: https://
arty camo wrap, concealing any styling youtu.be/V2wB7jwwxFY

13
 Wrangling over Wrangler
Mahindra rocks a bigger Thar

Three years ago, Indian auto maker loosely based on the Jeep CJ4 – even paint and a choice of 18 or 19-inch alloy
Mahindra launched the Thar. It appeared came to New Zealand. wheels wrapped in 255/60 tires.
to ‘quite similar’ to Jeep’s Wrangler. They may have also borrowed some The Thar Roxx is longer by 443mm than
That sparked a bit of a stoush between styling cues from those vehicles over the the standard Thar. It has 650mm of
Jeep and Mahindra. years. water-wading capability.
Now, Mahindra has created a new But back to the Thar Roxx itself. The The interior largely remains the same as
variant of their go-anywhere 4WD with boxy SUV gets a six-slat grille that’s the three-door version of the Mahindra
two extra doors and a longer body. divided into two tiers. It has LED daytime Thar. There are two 10.25-inch displays;
Say hello to the Mahindra Thar Roxx. running lights around the round LED one is a digital instrument panel while the
Perhaps this one also bears a resemblance headlights. other is the touchscreen infotainment
to another 4WD. Those rear doors have handlers built system. Other features include a
Mahindra used to make the Jeep under into the window frames, giving the SUV a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats,
license, and some of those vehicles – two-door look. There’s optional two-tone a nine-speaker Harman & Kardon sound
system, a wireless charging pad, and a
cooler glovebox.
Mahindra says the Thar Roxx rides on a
new ladder frame that “delivers better
road manners while still retaining its
rugged ability to cover uneven terrain”.
The front suspension has double
wishbones with coil springs while the rear
suspension has a live axle with a Watts
link for improved handling.
Engines are either a 2.0-litre turbo-
petrol or Mahindra’s familiar 2.2L mHawk
inline-four turbo-diesel. engine.
Transmissions are six-speed manual or
six-speed automatic made by Aisin.
The 4WD system comes with
electronic locking differentials, multiple
terrain modes, and a crawl smart assist
system.

14 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 Isuzu will electrify the D-Max
Stock-looking EV version goes on sale next year

Isuzu has followed Toyota’s lead in

showing a near-production battery-
electric version of its best-selling ute, the
D-MAX.
The BEV version was confirmed at the
time of its announcement as being
developed for the Australian market. First,
a production model will be ready for the
Norwegian market next year, based on a
prototype that features a 130kW/325Nm
dual-motor powertrain and 66.9kWh
lithium-ion battery.
Crucially, the D-MAX EV can still tow
3500kg and maintains the diesel’s
circa-1000kg payload.
Isuzu has been developing the EV
version since 2023, and is also said to be
working on hybrid and plug-in hybrid
versions of the Isuzu D-MAX for markets
where charging infrastructure lags behind
the EV transition.

Everrati boosts the

G-Wagen
Another electric 4WD from
leading auto modifier

Everrati’s Arcade Sojourn is a completely

restored and updated luxury 4WD based on the
Mercedes GE 230.
The company’s ‘reimagination’ of the
Mercedes-Benz G Class, one of the world’s
most renowned off-roaders, creates a fully
zero-emission electric 4WD.
Available with a 55kWh battery, combined with
an electric motor offering 112kW and 300Nm of
torque, the Sojourn has a 240km range
The GE 230 has served in military, civilian,
and expeditionary roles and become
synonymous with adventure, reliability, and
luxury.
The two-door, six or eight-seater, soft top
Arcade Sojourn is completely customisable to
the owner’s individual specifications. All donor
vehicles are sourced from the Swiss Military
and the Sojourn blends G Class toughness with
cutting-edge technology. Modern
conveniences range from the finest interior
materials to the very latest entertainment
systems and advanced vehicle control and
safety features, bridging the gap between
tradition and innovation.

15
EVENT

Not often you get to see the Carlos

Sainz, Mini John Cooper Works Buggy,
2020 Dakar winner in the flesh.

Wiesel
prototype, small
tank for the Bundeswehr Eagle V 4x4 MRAP
– suspension by Koni. of the Bundeswehr.

Automechanika
4WD highlights at mega-show

The bi-annual Automechanika show The editor of our sister publication, interesting vehicles plus some accessories
in Frankfurt is the world’s largest expo Motor Equipment News, attended this and repair equipment.
focussing on automotive repair, parts and year’s event and found lots of interest in We always think the pictures tell the
accessories. the 4WD area – starting with some story at events like this!

16 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 Terrain Tamer were flying the As were Raptor – UPOL who had
ANZAC flag at Automechanika. a stand and this 4x4 camper on display.

Dana had a Wrangler ComeUp Blazer M2 race winch

on display with a beefy Dana 60 axle. with twin 8.0hp motors and up to 70mpm retrieval speed.

Ford off-road truck with

massively braced front diff (right).

A full rebuild on a
Mercedes Unimog adventure Series 3 – original chassis
truck taking on a very steep ramp. but body is a fibreglass replica.

17
EVENT

Above and below:

tough 4WDs – and a Mini-Me – in the sun.

Sun, springtime and 4WDs

Excitement at the Christchurch 4x4 Outdoor Expo
Words by Scott Fellers, images by Kristen Fellers

The 4x4 Outdoor Expo in favourites with mine being an hoping that was an indication vendors also had small freebies
Christchurch kicked off on a older white SAS Hilux Surf with of things to come. Covering the in the form of stickers, air
warm spring Saturday. The two some retro Toyota yellow, arena floor there were a fresheners, candy and the like.
day event at the Wolfbrook orange and red stripes down multitude of vendors with Jack treated the venue like
Arena was full of eye popping the side, it even had a model every 4WD accessory or Halloween, filling his tote bag
4WDs and all the cool gear truck sitting on the dash with accoutrement you could dream further at each stop. Everyone
you could ever want. So with the same decals. Kristen and my of. Many booths also had a was happy to get the little guy
shorts and sunnies on, our son Jack both got a kick out of jaw-dropping 4WD decked out fired up.
family jumped in the 4WD and a dented matte black Surf with a with their latest gear. There The one thing that seemed
headed down. sky-high lift, but for different were a number of perfect GQ to permeate through the event
Upon arrival it was reasons. My son Jack enjoyed Safaris scattered around that was the sense that everyone
impossible not to go straight to being able to stand straight had come from the North was enjoying themselves.
the show and shine lot. The upright beneath it and Kristen Island and the most extreme There were smiling faces across
place was absolutely packed was entertained by the licence Ranger I’ve seen was sitting in the event. It was hard not to get
with amazing rigs. There were plate “4 YMAK.” The Waimakariri the Maxxis booth. excited with so many like
so many trucks that it was River is known for its truck- In addition to all of the minded people all in one spot.
almost hard to take them all in, swallowing mud holes, so the amazing trucks there were all For those who missed it this
though each one separately funny custom plate seemed sorts of amazing deals. It year, I’d highly recommend
would have turned my head on appropriate for such a huge rig! seemed like every booth had a shining up that old 4WD and
any other day. Once inside the arena we special on something from getting down to the event next
We all picked out our grabbed our 4x4 Expo tote bag t-shirts to rooftents. The year.

18 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
 A lovely 40-Series pickup. The show featured a few
crazy offroaders.

Advocacy stands
were also a feature.

Outdoor accommodation done right.

Well named Toyota. A classic Kiwi landie.

Everybody loves a modified 40-Series. Lift kits were super-popular.

Check out that tail-chop.

Everyone wants to show off their undersides.

Underbody
Tough truck, inside and out. protection for everyone.

Serious rubber for all conditions.

Big mods were on display,

including mega-articulation.

19
 Image by Daniel Howat.

Where to go, what to see and do – and when

2 NOVEMBER 8 FEBRUARY 2025 Hosted by Counties 4WD Club. 3/30 Omaiko
NZFWDA National 4x4 Trial – Round 1 High county 4WD Camping Adventure Road, Kaiatea, Whangarei.
Hosted by Hawke’s Bay 4WD Club, the first Hosted by the Taranaki Family 4x4 Club. 570 Te More info: www:nz4x4trials.co.nz/calendar
round of the 2024/2025 season kicks off in sunny Marama Road, Waikawau. Camping available
Hawke’s Bay. 1383 Argyll Road Otane. both Friday night from 5.00pm and Saturday 15-20 APRIL 2025
More info: www:nz4x4trials.co.nz/calendar night. Bring your own food, refreshments, tents, Land Rover Rally
and camping gear. To be held in Wanaka with three days of
30 NOVEMBER Bring your bush truck or road going shiny, but safaris followed by two days of vehicle displays
NZFWDA National 4x4 Trial – Round 2 beware you may scratch it. at Wheels in Wanaka. All models of Land
Hosted by Thames Valley 4WD Club. 1051 Tahuna This is a follow the leader event, 4WD Rovers and Range Rovers from 1948 to 2025 are
Road, Waiterimu. experience required, low range, high clearance, invited to join in for an action-packed Land
More info: www:nz4x4trials.co.nz/calendar towing, and winching and UHF radio required. Rover-only rally with exclusive off-road safaris
Please bring shovel, first aid kit, fire exploring seldom accessed high-country
18 JANUARY 2025 extinguisher, and recovery gear. stations.
NZFWDA National 4x4 Trial – Round 3 Phone: 0274 473 184 The trustees and organising committee for
Hosted by Levin 4WD Club. 2247 Rangiwahia Wheels ‘25 are delighted with the number of
Road, Rangiwahia. 22/23 FEBRUARY 2025 vehicle display registrations received so far, with
More info: www:nz4x4trials.co.nz/calendar NZFWDA National 4x4 Trial – Round 4 next Easter’s event destined to be the biggest,
Hosted by Manawatu 4WD Club. 89 Pollock best and last. Participants must be members of
25-27 JANUARY 2025 Road, Colyton. the NZFWD Association, either as a member of
Matiere Cosy Club Safari Date may change from Saturday to Sunday to be an affiliated club, or as a United Club member:
Hosted by King Country 4WD Club. Matiere is confirmed. To attend the wheels at Wanaka check out
a historic settlement on the Forgotten World More info: www:nz4x4trials.co.nz/calendar their website to buy exhibiting enthusiast and
Highway in the heart of the King Country with supporter tickets for yourself, friends and family
panoramic views of river, railway, bush and 23 MARCH 2025 now: www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/exhibit/
farmland. Camping at the Matiere Rugby Club, NZFWDA National 4x4 Trial – Round 5 exhibitors
the safari will travel over hilltops and through Hosted by Bay of Plenty 4WD Club. 1201 As previous events, all Landies attending will
valleys with local guides. Open to all 4WDs with Rangiuru Road, Te Puke. have their own dedicated parking & display area
good M/T tyres. More info: www:nz4x4trials.co.nz/calendar at the Wheels venue.
This three-day event costs $480.00 for driver More info: Colin Brown 0274 333 033
and passenger with all meals supplied. 12 APRIL 2025 [email protected]
Register at www.kc4wd.co.nz NZFWDA National 4x4 Trial – Round 6

If you, your club or anyone you know are planning any events, please get in contact with our Event Manager Ashley Lucas. We can
assist in promotion of the event and may be able to offer some assistance in other areas. Email [email protected]

20 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 AS E I KO S U Z U K I
JIM N Y W A T C H

CLOSING
SOON

To celebrate Suzuki’s great finance offer of no deposit and low finance, Suzuki are
giving away a limited edition Seiko Suzuki Jimny watch valued at $1,000 USD
To enter the draw email your details to [email protected]
Seiko Suzuki Jimny is stainless steel, camo-painted dial with Jimny’s rhino logo,
wrapped by army green-hued bezel and silicone strap. Rated as a divers watch water resistant up to 200m.

CONDITIONS: ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, DRAW CLOSES NOVEMBER 1ST, 2024
TESTED MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX-R

Loaded to the hilt

Work hard, play hard in Mitsubishi’s do-it-all 4WD
It’s not often NZ4WD gets the Triton’s standard spec sheet new Triton. We put the Staying underneath, the
a fully loaded 4WD to test. to the hilt and the popularity of top-of-the-line VXR up against whole Triton 4WD range now
Canopies, racks and storage this 4WD ute is clear. Now in its the Ford Ranger XLT at the start gets its Super Select II
systems are usually left to the sixth generation, the Triton – or of the year and came away well transmission system, allowing
aftermarket which means L200 as it’s known elsewhere impressed. Now, we’re looking use of 4-hi on sealed roads.
magazines seldom get to try – is marketed in nearly 150 at an accessory-loaded Mitsubishi was first to offer a
out this important gear. countries and has sold a mainstream model that offers ute 4WD system suitable for
But this second drive of the cumulative 5.6 million units buyers a ute that works hard all high-speed on-road use. Rivals
new Mitsubishi Triton in worldwide since the original week at building sites or on the also offer transmissions with on
popular GLX-R trim also comes launched in 1978. farm, yet scrubs up nicely for road 4WD capability, but not
with a serving of accessories Mitsubishi has gone hard on weekend duties with the family. across their whole ute range.
that many 4WD users will envy. capability and technology for As we found when we drove When the rear diff lock is
About the truck: the Triton this latest iteration, with notable the VXR version, this new Triton combined with 4-lo lock, things
complies with Mitsubishi’s gains in size, practicality, towing is much more ‘planted’ on the get serious. It’s the most
policy of longer model life, capacity, performance, and of road, and it takes rough, muddy aggressive transmission lock
punctuated by regular model course safety. A new ladder stuff in its stride. This is partly we’ve experienced in a long
refreshes. This means owners chassis has a 65 percent greater thanks to a boost in width time and enables the truck to
of a particular version get cross-sectional area than (wider track front and rear) and chew its way through the
excellent residual value, while previous models, 40 percent a longer wheelbase. rough with minimal input from
the arrival of an all-new Triton improved bending rigidity and The new Triton platform’s the driver.
means a significant step 60 percent improved torsional 130mm-longer wheelbase There’s also hill descent
forward. rigidity. creates a more balanced design control for dodgy downhills.
Combine that with Which brings us to the with less rear overhang and a The 4WD models have seven
Mitsubishi’s policy of loading GLX-R, our second run in the much more coherent profile. software-controlled drive

22 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
 TESTED MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX-R

modes to choose from

including Gravel, Sand and
Rock, and all models have a
manually engaged rear
differential lock.
It’s always surprising to find
4WD utes with tow ratings less
than the class-standard
3,500kg; after all, utes were
born and bred to lug stuff
around the country. New Triton
does not disappoint, with 3,500
braked and 750kg unbraked.
The larger and stronger chassis/
frame is going to make big
loads a calmer proposition than
was the case previously. The
wellside tray also hits the 1
‘industry standard’, longer and
wider to carry a Euro pallet
(1200mm x 800mm) and
endowed with decent load
restraint anchor points. The tray
for dual cab versions has grown
35mm in length to 1555mm,
with width quoted at 1545mm.
It’s 526mm deep, and there’s
1135mm between the arches. A
full-size spare wheel lives under
2 3
the tray.
The tray load height has
been lowered by 45mm to
820mm – that’s handy. Payload
is more than a tonne across the
board.
Powering everything except
the entry-level 2WD Triton is a
new twin-turbo diesel engine.
Power is 150kW at 3,500rpm,
up by 10 percent; torque is
4 5
470Nm between 1,599-
2,750rpm by seven percent. A
bi-turbo setup means power we got brief sections where the infotainment screen top and
1. The Triton’s ‘office’ gets a
and torque curves are fatter at truck went up to 9.6l/100km centre of the dash. useful refresh.
the low end of the rev range and a lerad foot or a beach Climbing in is pretty simple,
2. A bluff front end with LED
than previously; response off drive could probably push it with a grab handle well placed lights.
the line is strong and smooth. briefly over 10l/100km, but once feet are on the side step; 3. Rola rack adds huge cargo
The engine runs through a overall average fuel use of once seated the driving capacity.
six-speed torque converter 8.8l/100km would be a doddle position quite commanding, 4. Switches for frequently-used
auto. to maintain. 20mm higher than the previous functions below a good sized
infoscreen.
Fuel efficiency is officially In the cabin, controls are model.
5. Maxxis all terrains look good
8.8l/100km, but on the very where expected, though the The seats themselves are with a coating of muck.
good ‘real time’ readout we got start-stop button sits on a lower wider and more supportive,
down to an exceptional switch row in the centre of the taking advantage of a 50mm good seating for four, five at a
7.6l/100km on a motorway run. dash which initially required a increase in cabin width. Parents pinch if you need. A fold-down
The gauge enables the driver to quick search to locate. planning to use their Triton for centre armrest with cupholders
fine-tune throttle response with Mitsubishi has worked to give work and play can secure little is handy when only the outer
tiny adjustments, holding the the cabin an SUV feel. The new ones using the supplied Isofix seats are in use.
100km/h limit without knocking three-spoke steering wheel has anchors and top-tether points Though the dash is quite
fuel economy. Yes, fuel did get a pleasantly chunky rim and where required. busy, it retains enough of the
a bit of a hammering offroad; there’s a nine-inch tablet-style In the back, there is very most-used functions in button

23
TESTED MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX-R

1 3

Triton’s wide and bluff bonnet some pretty rocky beach small camera mounted on the
SPECIFICATION could limit forward visibility in sections as well. We also ran it steering wheel column
these scenarios. It was just as through our favourite mud and monitors the driver’s head
2024 Mitsubishi handy reversing out of the hole track down beside the position and chimes an alert if it
Triton GLX-R driveway at home base. Waikato River. detects the driver’s head is not
We did toggle through We tested out the high-spec pointed straight ahead. Thanks
Price $53,990
various terrain modes which Triton’s Super Select II 4WD to ANCAP and other safety
Engine: 2.4-litre turbodiesel team with the 4WD modes to system with various modes, authorities, these systems
four cylinder
tailor the drivetrain response and just general grip, clearance default in the ‘on’ position. If the
Transmission: 6-speed
and electric assists to optimise and articulation. driver so much as scratches
automatic, part time 4WD,
rear diff lock the Triton for the terrain – A word about the tyres. their nose: bong, flash! The
Power: 150kW at 3,500rpm choose from Normal, Eco, When we tested the VRX we driver distraction system kicks
Torque: 470Nm at 1,599- Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and were slightly surprised at the off.
2,750rpm Rock. offroad performance of its That’s fine on the motorway,
Fuel economy: 8.8l/100km The GLX-R arrived with an Maxxis tyres. Once again, the but it went off on the
CO2 emissions: 233gm/km
accessory package that would GLX-R arrived on Maxxis Greenlane roundabout during
Wheels/tyres: 18x7.5-inch
be a dream set-up for tradies, treads, and once again it one drive and was chiming
aluminium alloy wheels,
265/60x18 Maxxis Bravo A/T on-site service companies and impressed. They are called an constantly on a couple of twisty
Ground clearance: 222mm rural contractors. A Crown A/T but in tread design they gravel roads where we were
Approach angle: 30.4 degrees canopy with asymmetric side tend toward the urban end of looking across a tight corner to
Ramp-over angle: 23.4 degrees windows ‘bar’ rack on top, side the A/T spectrum. So on-road, see where we were going. Even
Departure angle: 22.8 degrees racking inside and dual roll-out they are quiet and grippy. On when it was temporarily
Turning circle: 12.4m
locking drawers running the full dirt, they grip and go. We did deleted using the main menu
Kerb weight: 2,111kg
ANCAP safety rating: five-star,
length on the wellside. There clog up the tread in our for a particularly gnarly track,
2024 was also a towbar to maximise favourite Waikato muddy bits we had to dive into the menu
the utility of this utility. but the tyres self-cleaned as again each time we stopped
The package does make its they went, maintaining and reset it to the ‘off’ position
form to please old-school presence felt in acceleration, forward progress. before driving away.
owners. braking and cornering, but for Touring on tarmac was That’s progress, they reckon.
The main drive selector is a those who need the gear, it’s restful. We are finally Lane departure warnings and
meaty rotary dial that falls easily well worth it. surrendering to active/adaptive other safety assists were less
to hand and features RWD, 4-hi, The old Triton has always cruise control, which is now intrusive, with visual warnings
4-lo and ‘lock’ options for when driven well, but the new one advanced enough to be a real and gentle pressure on the
things get challenging. must prove itself against some boon on longer drives. It’s steering to centre the truck in
The surround camera system advanced segment leaders. standard across the Triton its lane.
standard from the GLX+ grade We took the Triton through range and is self-cancelling In summary, buyers looking
came in handy when trails that ranged from mild to below 25km/h. for a ute that arrives fitted out
navigating tighter sections or more challenging dips and Perhaps not so much fun is with cargo/tool storage gear to
driving over crests, as the climbs featuring dirt, sand and the driver awareness system. A suit weekday tradie work

24 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
 TESTED MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX-R

4
1. Sliding drawers offer secure
storage.
should be taking a close look at mix and match combo to suit liner and floor mats. 2. Bar-type roof rack maximises
the kitted-out Triton – even the intended use. At the current retail price, rooftop storage.

more so because it makes the Mitsubishi also has a ‘freebie’ that makes the Triton a very 3. Right side of canopy features
a bug-screened sliding
fit-out a one-stop, box ticking offer on Triton at the moment, persuasive purchase argument, window.
process at the time of purchase. $2,600 worth of gear to spice with or without the extra-cost 4. Triton GLX-R, ready for
Canopy, lock-boxes, bar rack up the ride. The ‘Beast Pack’ cargo and tool storage anything.
and full cab roof rack – or any includes a fitted tow bar, a deck accessories.

ESTABLISHED 1995 PREMIUM VEHICLE ACCESSORIES

CROWN CANOPIES
BUILT TOUGH, BUILT TO LAST & BUILT IN NEW ZEALAND FOR OVER 30 YEARS

25
TESTED SUZUKI JIMNY FIVE-DOOR AUTO

Light,
agile,
and
GREAT
FUN
Suzuki offers an
automatic for all reasons
In Aussie, they call it the ‘XL’. 4WD, a wheel at each corner. price. To this recipe the ‘XL’ is old-school ‘proper’ 4WDing.
Realistically, it’s more of an ‘L’. What it doesn’t get loaded offers a stretched wheelbase, When in 4WD, the system
At the beginning of 2024, with is electronic fruit. two extra doors, more cargo directly connects the front and
Suzuki’s Jimny 4WD became a Stuff that nags the driver if it space and a slightly larger and rear wheels, making it possible
more practical compact 4x4 thinks they are not paying better-equipped cabin. to distribute engine power to
off-roader with the arrival of attention to the road. So then the five-door, and all four tyres evenly and
the five-door, which opens up Stuff the grabs the wheel if specifically the auto version. without loss.
a whole new market for the the car thinks it’s veering out NZ4WD had a brief drive of This compact 4WD off-road
wee SUV. of its lane. the five-door auto at launch SUV has no direct – or even
The Suzuki Jimny is a Stuff that few if any Jimny and found it quite interesting. indirect! – rival. There are only
mechanical anachronism in buyers are likely to miss. Even though it has only four ersatz SUVs like Hyundai’s
every sense, harking back to a Its redeeming features are speeds, the automatic Venue or the Toyota Yaris
time when ‘SUV’ was not really simple: the Jimny is somehow transmission is well matched Cross – road-going runabouts
a thing and 4WDs rarely even still completely and utterly to the Jimny, on or off the lacking off-road credibility or
had interior trim. lovable, has an iconic design, road. All Jimny models use capability.
It has everything it needs: huge off-road capability and Suzuki’s Allgrip Pro part time The Jimny, on the other
live axles, hi-lo transfer case excellent recommended retail hi-lo ratio 4WD systems. This hand, is a bona fide rock-

26 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
 TESTED SUZUKI JIMNY FIVE-DOOR AUTO

crushing superstar, with hardly complete with a full-size spare 12-volt power sockets (one in Jimny is fun. Small, agile,
a care for nicety or subtlety. wheel on the tailgate. the front and another in the easily placed in tight spaces
Perhaps the only rival is the As well as the bigger body boot), plus cloth upholstery thanks to that wheel at each
three-door Jimny. and extra doors, the five door with four-way manual front corner design. Highway
Three or five door, the has wireless Apple CarPlay seat adjustment. driving is a tad busy – the
Jimny cannot be beaten in its displayed on a larger and There are two rear seats 1.5-litre engine is revving at
resale values. A quick check of much prettier 9.0-inch central which come with dual Isofix 3,000rpm at 100km/h.
pre-owned Jimny models on touch-screen (up from 7.0 and top-tether child seat Off the road, the auto is a
Trade Me revealed vehicles inches). anchorage points, and the two slightly smoother drive and
starting at their original retail The two-speaker stereo is extra doors make access much the relatively low gearing is an
prices. upgraded to four speakers and easier too. advantage. Though the
The five-door auto shares a there’s a digital radio tuner. Jimny five door also gets a transmission ratios are taller,
lot of equipment with Other standard equipment new stereo camera system they run through 4.3:1 diffs
three-door models, such as includes single-zone and auto models get adaptive where the manual has 4.09:1
LED headlights and 15-inch automatic climate control, a cruise control and night-time diffs; the auto’s transfer case
alloy wheels with Bridgestone leather-covered steering pedestrian recognition. also runs reduction gearing.
Dueler highway-terrain tyres, wheel, a USB-A port and two On road at low speed, the And when 4-lo first gear isn’t

27
TESTED SUZUKI JIMNY FIVE-DOOR AUTO

2 3

enough, there’s an ‘electronic’ tricky obstacles without much

slip limiter, hill hold and hill forethought – it just grips and
descent functions. goes.
Wheel articulation from the Ground clearance is 210mm.
solid axles is decent, but it’s But whack it into low-range
the vehicle’s tiny footprint, (4-lo) and it climbs up
good approach, departure and ludicrously demanding
ramp-over angles (36, 47, 24 inclines and navigates
degrees respectively) that give treacherous passes and
it such excellent off-road washed-out trails.
capability. The lack of a proper locking
The five-door’s ultra-light diff doesn’t seem to hinder it
4 weight means it can tackle because it’s light on its feet,
most ascents, descents and negotiating bush tracks and

28 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
 TESTED SUZUKI JIMNY FIVE-DOOR AUTO

SPECIFICATION
1. Jimny five door expands the
appeal of the unique 4WD.
2024 Suzuki Jimny
2. The driver and front
passenger get cloth seats, an five-door auto
infoscreen and more.
Price: $44,990
3. Five door has real cargo
area, a big step up from the Engine: 1.5-litre four cylinder
three door.
Transmission: 4-speed
4. That front end– unbeatable automatic, on demand 4WD,
approach angle.
electronic rear differential
5. Cheeky charm and real 4WD LSD
ability.
Power: 75kW at 6,000rpm
6. Longer chassis, more Torque: 130Nm at 4,000rpm
legroom, cargo space 6 Fuel economy: 6.9l/100km
CO2 emissions: 161gm/km
Suspension: three link live
clay trails with an Japanese car-maker reckons be stropping around in axle front and rear, coil
effortlessness that’s the 2024 Suzuki Jimny auto something that weighs springs
breathtaking. averages 6.9L/100km 1,200kg. Brakes: ventilated disc front/
drum rear
It does all this with (6.4L/100km in the manual); So the Jimny five-door is as
Wheels/tyres: 15” aluminium
incredible self-assurance, we managed 7.1l/100km always real fun to drive, lighter
alloy wheels, 195/80R15
despite riding on skinny during the national media than anything out there with Bridgestone Dueler H/T
Bridgestone highway-terrain launch last year. Aussie media real off-road capability that Ground clearance: 210mm
(H/T) tyres. We can only must have big heavy boots – belies its appearance. Add in Approach angle: 36 degrees
imagine how capable it would we’ve seen reviews where an auto transmission and it Ramp-over angle: 24 degrees
be with a set of serious they only got 11.0l/100km. becomes an easy-peasy drive Departure angle: 47 degrees
all-terrain (A/T) rubber, but we Strewth, cobber. proposition on and off the Turning circle: 5.7m
do know a set of A/Ts is high It’s light. When everything road. Kerb weight: 1,215kg
on the list for many owners. NZ4WD reviews is 2,000kg The most fun – and most ANCAP safety rating: -
Fuel economy? The and more, it’s quite unusual to affordable fun – in the dirt.

29
LOAD CARRYING

Carry that gear in style

Fully Equipped enhances 4WD customisation in New Zealand

Fully Equipped has established itself Decades of industry experience protection while enhancing the
as a prominent supplier of aftermarket With a history spanning over three decades, functionality of utes.
automotive accessories for utes and Fully Equipped has solidified its position • Lighting: Narva’s high-quality lighting
4WDs in New Zealand and around as a national distributor and importer of systems improve visibility and safety,
the world. With over 30 years of a comprehensive range of products. This crucial for operations in low-light
experience, the company has earned longstanding presence in the industry conditions.
a reputation for its flagship products, underscores the company’s unwavering • Drawers and shelving: customisable
including the renowned Crown canopies commitment to quality and reliability. storage solutions keep gear organised
and Tuf Dek liner. These products are Clients can trust that they are partnering and accessible, maximising efficiency.
meticulously designed to withstand with a business that has not only weathered • TJM bull bars and Warn winches:
New Zealand’s diverse and often harsh market fluctuations but also continually durable equipment protects vehicles
conditions. adapted to meet evolving customer needs. from damage while enhancing their
Beyond its in-house offerings, Fully off-road and rugged use capability.
Equipped sources high-quality Pioneers in canopy development • Device management: cutting-edge
accessories from globally recognised One of Fully Equipped’s standout offerings technology facilitates seamless
brands such as EGR, ECB, TJM, Bott, is the Crown canopy range, a product integration and management of various
Realtruck, Narva, Projecta, BedSlide, Rola, designed and manufactured in New devices, ensuring that all systems
Warn and more. This diverse portfolio Zealand specifically for the local market. operate smoothly.
enables Fully Equipped to provide a wide These canopies are engineered to endure • Power management: Projecta’s
range of products for 4WDs. some of the most challenging conditions advanced solutions ensure efficient
globally. Each canopy undergoes rigorous and reliable power distribution
Expertise in customisation testing to ensure it meets high roof rack throughout vehicles, crucial for
A commitment to vehicle customisation loads and integration standards, providing supporting various accessories and
is at the core of Fully Equipped’s seamless functionality and long-lasting equipment.
operations. The company takes pride in durability. This dedication to quality makes • Camping: for rugged overland
its extensive collaboration with leading the Crown canopy a popular choice adventures, look no further than a
motor companies, ensuring that every among customers looking for reliable Thule soft shell or hard shell rooftop
vehicle is expertly fitted out between protection for their cargo. tent.
port and dealer with products approved • Roof Racks: Rola Cross Bars, Titan trays
by these esteemed manufacturers. This Comprehensive solutions with Ridgemounts developed in
collaboration enhances the vehicles’ Fully Equipped’s extensive product range conjunction with Rola plus a wide
functionality and aligns with industry caters to various needs for customisation. range of Rhino Rack and Thule
standards, providing customers Key offerings include: products.
with peace of mind regarding their • Canopies: robust and versatile canopies For more information visit
investments. are designed to provide optimal www.fullyequipped.co.nz

30 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 LOAD CARRYING

Make the most of that 4WD

Do the sums to stay safe while adventuring
Vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi
Triton, Toyota Hilux and even a wagon
like Pajero Sport, Land Cruiser or Patrol are
designed with margins of capability and
safety typically well above the ordinary
road car.
They tow more, carry more, go more
places than sedans and ersatz SUVs that
have the look but not the mechanisms.
Learning how to exploit this in-built
potential will improve a driver’s skillset on
road and in the bush.
It’s a mistake, though, to assume that
4WD is simply invulnerable to incidents
on road trips or out there in the rough
stuff.
In particular, pay attention to the
vehicle’s rated payload and other
numbers.
The Aussies are better at this than most
Kiwis. They look at the GVM (gross vehicle
mass) and GCM (gross combination
mass), as well as the ATM (aggregate
trailer mass), and the kerb weight of the loaded condition cannot exceed 3000kg, That might seem a lot but you add four
vehicle. for a total of 6000g. Dead empty (except people, their luggage, food, a towbar, the
All these numbers are in the vehicle’s with a full tank of fuel), the Ranger weighs bullbar, a roof rack, fuel and water – it
manual. 2278kg. That’s in the ballpark of 2.3 tonnes adds up very quickly.
As an example, consider a 3.2-litre Ford and allows 700kg of payload. The sums are important for safety, and
Ranger, a popular mid-life 4WD. It has a The payload of this Ranger, not towing more importantly for insurance in the
6,000kg combination mass. Add a trailer anything, is 922kg. event of a crash. An overweight vehicle is
with a laden weight of – say – 3,000kg. A three tonne trailer will mean 300kg of not likely to receive cover.
Well within the Ranger’s 3,500 braked towball download, which the Ranger is There’s another good reason in Aussie
towing rating. The trailer weight gets carrying; it’s part of the GVM. Take the – their police often target 4WDs with big
subtracted from the Ranger’s 6,000kg. 300kg download off the Ranger’s payload, towed loads and run them over the
That means the Ranger in its fully that’s leaving you 622kg. weighbridge.

31
ROOFTOP TENTS

The rooftop
ADVANTAGE
Adventure camping season is here
The summer season is here Soft shell rooftop tent
and many 4WD enthusiasts Provides the ultimate in
will be planning getaways ease and convenience
into the outdoors to enjoy the when traveling. Unfolding
beauty of the country. Rooftop in minutes, a rooftop tent
tents are a great solution for provides sleeping quarters
both touring and extended off the ground, protected
camping trips. from the elements. Spacious
Rooftop camping comes and comfortable, all bedding
with a range of benefits can remain inside the tent
including an elevated abode during the journey, freeing
away from animals, away from up vital storage space in
running surface water in the vehicle, enabling the
heavy rain, and away from tent to be quickly and easily
uneven ground and rocks. packed away.
They also offer a simplified
set-up and pack-up to ensure The hard shell advantage
there’s more time for The hard shell rooftop tent
adventuring. really comes into its own functional part of the tent. Set simply pop it open, roll out the
Even better, there is a tent to at set-up or pack-up time. up becomes a breeze with little ladder and a good night’s sleep
suit every need. The hard-shell cover is a to no structural poles to place; is ready.

32 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 ROOFTOP TENTS

IRONMAN
4x4’s new
rooftop tent
range
Quality gear ready for year-round
adventures and touring

Orion 1400 aluminium

hard shell rooftop tent.

Welcome to the all-new of vehicles. Ursa features

Ursa 1300 ABS hard shell
IRONMAN 4x4 rooftop tent integrated star-gazing sky rooftop tent.
collection. Named after windows built into the roof.
famous star constellations, the Fabrics are 320gsm ripstop
tents are compact, functional polycotton, for temperature
designs that enhance off- and light control.
road adventure and touring There’s ventilation to keep air
camping. fresh and reduce condensation,
side window awnings for
Orion 1400 aluminium weather protection and added
hardshell rooftop tent ventilation; a heater and air
The Orion features complete conditioner hose inlet for
blackout fabric in modern grey winter warming and summer
and black to keep the sleeping cooling (appliances sold
environment dark for late risers. separately).
The tent is raised in a single Included in the Ursa is a Cross 1200 soft shell
action and packs away with thick high-density mattress rooftop tent.
bedding in place. Integrated with a 3D anti-condensation
roof plates support up to mat.
50kg. There is also integrated Weight is 73kg (includes
LED lighting. Roof plates and ladder).
side tracks make it easy to
mount a wide range of Cross 1200 soft shell
accessories, like solar panels rooftop tent
and bikes. When the Orion is A quick fold-out solution
open, keep up to 30kg of gear with a small rooftop footprint,
on the roof. suitable for a large range of
Weight is 92kg (including vehicles, the Cross has an
ladder and molle plates). extra-large living space.
It has a compact on-roof Lightweight design at 56kg, – simply roll back the
Ursa 1300 ABS hard shell design, suitable for most utes, with 320GSM and a simple protective fly and enjoy.
rooftop tent canopies and wagons. fold-out set-up. More information is at
A quick fold-out solution There’s a large, high density Like the Ursa, the Cross has www.ironman4x4.co.nz/
with a small rooftop footprint, foam mattress with removable integrated star-gazing sky products/camping/roof-
suitable for a wide range cover. windows built into the roof top-tent

33
ROOFTOP TENTS

Create the ultimate

mobile base camp
Yakima’s tough and comfortable Skyrise rooftop tent

For adventure seekers and outdoor The design accommodates up to three

enthusiasts alike, having a reliable base campers, and the frame geometry
camp is essential. maximises usable space.
Yakima’s SkyRise HD rooftop ten offers Yakima says the SkyRise HD is equipped
comfort, convenience, and durability. to handle everything from sunny summer
Constructed from 600 D Ripstop nights to brisk autumn winds. Additional
polyester with a 3000 mm waterproof PU guy lines keep it secure when the weather
coating, the SkyRise HD is engineered to gets bad.
withstand the elements, keeping occupants Owners can take their base camp to
dry and comfortable with four-season the next level with Yakima’s array of
weather protection. The included rainfly, accessories. Add a SkyRise Annex to
crafted from durable 210 D Ripstop expand the living area, SkyHooks for
polyester, enhances this protection. There convenient storage, the SideKick to keep
are extra-large windows and doors that dirty boots at bay, or the SunBelt LED
provide excellent ventilation. light strip for illuminating your tent after
The bed is a thick, wall-to-wall 64 mm sundown. Each accessory is designed to
foam mattress designed for maximum enhance the outdoor experience,
comfort and ease of cleaning with a making the mobile base camp not just
removable cover. functional, but also a true home away ready for anything nature throws out.
Weighing just 52kg, the SkyRise HD fits from home. Yakima urges owners to be aware of
seamlessly within the load limits of most The Yakima SkyRise HD Rooftop Tent is their vehicle’s roof rack load limits. The
vehicles, making it a versatile companion more than just a tent; it’s an invitation to Skyrise is not suitable for clamp mounted
for any road trip or camping excursion. The explore the great outdoors with comfort roof racks.
tent’s tool-free and lockable mounts make and style. Heading to a remote campsite For more information, go to
it easy to put on and quick to take off. or a mate’s property? The SkyRise HD is www.yakima.co.nz

34 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 TECH TALK

Waterproofing that 4WD

Getting the truck ready for water crossings

Winter’s gone, no real need to be thinking as corrosion. to the gearbox and transfer case
about water intrusion, right? This can lead to engine stalls, poor breathers.
Nope. performance and permanent damage.
Many parts of the 4WD need protection Fitting a water separator and secondary Be prepared
from the elements year-round, fuel filter system can help keep the fuel Being ready is better than fixing the
particularly when there are water water-free. problem later.
crossings to complete. A 4WD is not designed to be
There are plenty of components that do Water and oil should not mix submerged and there are many entry
not like water: fuse boxes, breathers, Crossing a river or hitting a large puddle points for water.
intakes, engine computers, the alternator, means the underside of the four-wheel A petrol engine requires its distributor
batteries, and lots more electrical items. drive is exposed to a lot of water, and in cap and coil leads protected.
Here are a few ways to protect a 4WD some cases, is fully submerged. Use a small film of silicon around the
from water and the elements. cap and coils to seal things up and plumb
any distributor breathers into the airbox.
Breathe air, not water An electric winch on the front of the
Water entering a four-wheel drive’s vehicle is also vulnerable. Use a water
air intake can cause damage to dispersant spray on the terminals and
components, causing permanent check the breathers on the winch motor.
damage that will require a rebuild of the
engine. Water dispersant
Small amounts of moisture in the air Carrying a can of water dispersant can be
intake can also cause an engine to stall. useful in protecting 12v electricals.
The last thing you want happening when Four-wheel drive differentials have Regularly clean electrical components
you are guards deep in a river. breathers mounted on them, but these and give them a light spray. Having this
To avoid the consumption of water by can allow water to enter the diff, spray can also be helpful if the engine
the engine’s, fit a quality snorkel to the contaminating the oil and grease. stalls or has problems after the crossing.
airbox, ensure one-way drain plugs are This can cause premature wear and
working correctly, and that the air inlet even failure of the diff. Cooling down
system is sealed correctly. To avoid this happening, fit an extended Spending time checking the water
diff breather kit with hoses to run from crossing will also give the vehicle time to
Fuel burns, water does not the original diff breather points to a cool down.
Protect the fuel system. Water in fuel filtered airbox that can be mounted higher Components like brakes and the
lines and the fuel tank can find its way up in the vehicle. cooling fan can be damaged if suddenly
into the engine and cause damage as well Extended breather kits can also be fitted entering a cold flood of water.

35
Adventure

Working along towards the waterfall section.

BEAUTY
of the COAST
A hard drive up the Denniston
Words and images by Scott Fellers.

Some of my fondest memories 4WD to allow me to explore the shouldn’t come as a surprise as rather nice assortment of
as a kid are of camping in farther reaches of my new Dad was an old timey closet lenses. I have always enjoyed a
the mountains of Northern South Island home, the 4WD 4WDer, getting paid to drive an nice photo but don’t have any
California with my family. lifestyle fitting like a glove. old OJ Simpson style Bronco background with photography.
Dad making campfires, going Despite being a conservationist, around tracks like the Rubicon So initially the camera didn’t
hiking, canoeing, falling my Dad was one of the biggest while he looked for endangered get a lot of use with my wife
overboard, and generally supporters of my newly-found frogs in the California getting it out occasionally to
exploring the outdoors. passion. This ended up being mountains. shoot 4WD trips. But recently it
Since then, my passion for emotionally and monetarily When Dad passed away a felt like time to put in the effort
the outdoors has carried on when the motor died on my number of years ago, one of to get acquainted with Dad’s
growing. 4WD near the beginning of my the things we inherited was his old gear and try my own hand
So, eight years ago I bought a 4WD experience. But that fancy Sony DSLR camera and a at photography.

36 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
 Adventure

Stew making the Mackley River look good.

What a spot to take a new rig!

37
Adventure

2 3

When my mate Jamie from Mount Fredrick track. through the bush toward the and over ridges as you head
Motueka said he had a little After kicking rocks for a few Mackley River. Now I’ve been up to the Denniston Plateau.
crew coming down to do one minutes, a combo of blue through the river several times One of my favorite bits of track
of my favorite 4WD tracks to Toyotas showed up. Jamie and but its beauty never ceases to is a section of road where you
one of my favorite camp spots his family in his early 90s amaze me. It was the perfect drive along parallel with an old
it seemed like a no-brainer to Prado and Stew in a late model place to get the camera out coal seam as it slopes down at
take the camera along. Just 76 serries Cruiser (double diff and start firing away as the the same gradient as the road.
the sort of thing Dad would locked of course). Stew had trucks cut bow waves across It makes for such a unique
have enjoyed. recently purchased the the river. Despite my lack of driving experience.
With gear loaded up I headed vehicle, and this was to be his photography experience, it felt Eventually we made it up to
through Reefton to meet the second real 4WD trip. What a like with the scenery and cool the turn off to Mount Fredrick.
crew at the Iron Bridge. Yep, we way to start out (both truck trucks I was bound to get It’s an unmarked intersection,
were headed through the and track). some good photos. so if you know you know.
Mackley River and up to the Some friendly radio banter Past the river the track starts Near the beginning of the
Denniston Plateau where we between old mates (Jamie) getting steeper as you climb track is the most tranquil little
would tackle the challenging and new (Stew) kept us going up and down through valleys stream and from then it’s all

38 NZ4WD
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 Adventure

on. I led the convoy and found were to the real climb up the obstacle after another all with was in good hands and
myself hung up on a steep mountain. This starts with a perfect traction due to the enjoyed the challenges.
step over a log before we were very steep track up a long rock huge slabs of sandstone. The crux of the climb is
even out of sight of the face. It is intimidating, but Jamie is an old hand at this probably little waterfall you
stream. A hole and the log especially intimidating when 4WD thing and was actually drive up, or maybe the
were just at the perfect you’ve never seen it before. the reason I got mine in the incredibly steep slab at the end
distance to trap me. I couldn’t With appropriate skepticism first place. He is amazing at of a super steep scrabbly climb
even get my door open, Jamie Stew walked the hill and we giving advice and near the top. Either way both
and Stew had to come to the showed him the line and gave encouragement (goading) to were negotiated with relative
rescue. They threw a few rocks him encouragement. Pointing try harder lines. I’ve driven this ease by the crew, though my
in the hole letting me give the the trucks at the sky we track a couple times before but rock slider really got put to the
truck a bump, popping me headed upwards. Camera out was able to do some better test on an unseen boulder at
over the log. Jamie and Stew again of course! At the top driving and more challenging the top of the slab. It’s hard to
took advantage of their handy Stew was all smiles with his lines with his help. I learn look for rocks when all you
work and cruised up after me latest achievement, as he something every time we go can see is sky out the
with no problems. should be! out together. Stew, possibly windscreen. As we climbed
After that little hiccup we From this point on it is one being in a bit over his head, higher and higher the sun

4 5

1. Jamie cruising up the

stream.
2. Wheel lift on the second
crux move.
3. A beautiful spot for a
drive.
4. “Do you want a photo
with your rig?” Of course I
do.
5. The Pajero climbing
steeply to the top of the
track.
6. The clouds parted as the
sun went down.

39
Adventure

2 4

emerged from behind the this 4WDing. An evening spent try my hand at action sports specific trail for riding. A long
clouds and we were treated to yarning around a campfire photography. Near the bottom decent through the native
a spectacular evening! Perfect only solidified that notion. of the track I took photos as bush following an old miner’s
evening light for some more After a peaceful night in the one of the kids, Kailash, aired track. But since this is NZ4WD
photo practice! Once again, back of the Pajero, coffee was off a ledge gapping out onto a magazine and not NZMTB
the rad trucks and gorgeous enjoyed on a warm sunny smooth rock face below. I was magazine I’ll just say that the
surroundings made it feel easy morning. We had all brought able to get a photo of Stu track turned out to be more
to capture a good shot. Maybe bikes with us as Denniston coming down the same slab in adventure than we expected.
a really nice camera helps too. also has some cool riding. his truck. The juxtaposition Envision carrying your bike
Parked up at the top, cold Jamie’s family decided to between my two favorite through West Coast jungle
beer in hand, it really soaks in tackle the decent down Mount modes of transport was pretty while trying to navigate huge
what a serene place this is to Fredrick on two wheels cool. slips that had taken out the
set up camp. Stew was really instead of four. Along the way We had brought bikes trail. Everything with Jamie
beginning to see the appeal of this gave me an opportunity to because we had our eye on a seems to turn into an

40 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
 Adventure

adventure somehow. enjoyment of trying to capture enjoy the outdoors and

After a long day out on the the weekends adventures on 4WDing specifically.
1. Getting set up for a sunset
bikes and in the vehicles, we camera. It was certainly more The next morning, we camp.
decide the best thing to do is effort than just snapping a few parted ways with Jamie and I 2 The way down isn’t easy
to poke our noses out to a photos on the phone, but headed back towards Reefton either!
secluded part of the beach at somehow the act of trying to and Stew taking his (only 3. Jamie and Stew cruising
on down.
the bottom of the Denniston frame a good shot, get the slightly more dinged up) truck
Plateau for another beautiful settings correct, choose the up to Karamea for some 4. Option 1: Jump it!
evening of campfires and right lens, all makes the photo much-deserved RnR after 5. Option 2: Drive it!
yarns. Just another amazing achieved so much more what was truly a challenging
spot to camp where 4WD is rewarding. And it was certainly second 4WD trip.
required. cool to have a little bit of Dad’s All I can say is: trucks, bikes,
Sitting around the fire I had kit along as a reminder of how mates, camping, I think I’ll be
a moment to reflect on the much he influenced me to looking to do that again soon.

41
Adventure

On safari
– IN AFRICA
Going wild in South Africa with the Ford Everest

42 NZ4WD
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 Adventure

Dave McLeod, editor of NZ4WD’s sister

publication Company Vehicle, was invited on a
memorable trip to Africa driving Ford’s Everest
SUV. Here’s what he saw, and did.

To many, very many in fact, 184kW@3250rpm and

the Ford Everest is a large 600Nm@1750-2250rpm. Both
family-sized SUV that takes the powertrains were mated to the
kids to school, handles daily company’s 10-speed
chores with aplomb and since automatic and both models
it boasts a 3.5-tonne towing were full time 4WD with Ford’s
rating, will happily tow the impressive Terrain
boat and other toys for long- Management System.
weekend aways. As a footnote, what I want to
But it’s also an incredibly point out here is that these
capable off-roader that will were standard ‘off the shelf’
conquer most of the rugged Everests, with just the wheels
terrain that our blue planet has and tyres being changed to
to offer. To prove the latter, reduce the risk of puncture. All
Ford invited us to South Africa the rides were fitted with M+S
to climb a mountain, ford 255/65R18 Wranglers and they
some streams and play with performed admirably.
some of the local wildlife. First up, big game hunting.
The event was split into two Established in 1986 by the late
challenges, the first being a Johan Roode, the Kapama
Safari drive on a quest to spot Private Game Reserve is a
Africa’s ‘Big 5’; the second place like no other. Spanning
being a gruesome climb up to 13,000 hectares of the pristine
the peak of the eastern South African wilderness and
escarpment’s tallest mountain. bordering the renowned
Let the game (and games) Kruger National Park, Kapama
begin. is one of the country’s most
Our chariots for the African prestigious wildlife
adventure came with two destinations. Its magnificent
powertrains and two trim beauty offers the perfect
levels. The Sport with a 2.0L sanctuary for a wide variety of
bi-turbo diesel with wildlife, with over 40 different
154kW@3750rpm and species of mammals including
500Nm@1750-2000rpm; and the Big 5 – elephant, lion,
the premium level Platinum leopard, African buffalo and
3.0L V6 turbo-diesel with rhinoceros (as well as 350 bird

43
Adventure

1. Wild Africa.
2. The locals are hardly shy.
3/4/5/6. Traction, climbing
and descending – Everest
proves its capability.
7. That sand is deep and soft.

through soft, dry sand.

This may sound like a lot
going on, but for me the driver,
I just had to keep the SUV
pointing in the right direction
and keep the momentum up
– not exactly tough work. And
although the sand got pretty
deep in places, thankfully, I still
had time to look out of the
window and was rewarded
with a few lions feasting on a
1
giraffe carcass. It may appear
brutal, but it’s just life in the
species), that all thrive in this its 18-inch alloys. It didn’t take cool 18 – who says Safaris wild.
natural habitat. long for us to spot a few have to be unpleasant? All in all, we managed to see
The grounds are intersected giraffes and zebras grazing on Apparently, tracking some of hippos at the waterholes,
with thousands of kilometres the local foliage and in all the harder to spot ‘5’ meant numerous giraffes, zebras,
of unsealed roads where, led fairness, they appeared venturing a little further off impalas and the bones of a
by a professional tracker in an unfazed by the line of eager- track, and that meant turning cape buffalo. We tracked, but
extended wheelbase Toyota, eyed tourists in our suburban the drive mode dial and were unable to see a rhino and
we drove in convoy seeking SUVs. engaging ‘Sand’. Sand mode is watched a lion make out with
out the wildlife I had previously The Everest’s cabin itself designed to be used on both its partner, but that’s a story for
only seen in zoos. offered both upmarket comfort sand and deep snow and another day.
The initial part of my and, with its high-riding size optimises gear shifts with The next morning we were
exploration was conducted in and large windows, great lower gears held longer to help up early for a more arduous
the 2.0 litre Sport and in 2WD, visibility. And while the maintain momentum, similarly climb up the Mariepskop
with the dusty gravel offering temperatures outside were stability control intervention is mountain, the highest
little challenge to the large nudging towards a baking reduced to ensure the vehicle mountain peak in the eastern
seven-seater Everest riding on 30-degrees, our AC was set at can keep moving forward Drakensberg Escarpment. The

44 NZ4WD
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 Adventure

3 4

5 6

45
Adventure

peak stands with its back to the The next test for the Everest As the pass ascended In stark contrast to the
Blyde River Canyon 1945 was a deeply rutted unsealed towards the summit, we were Kapama Game Reserve,
metres above sea level; with stretch of road that had the greeted by a thick mix of cloud Mariepskop’s plant diversity is
Maputo and the Indian Ocean SUV’s front and rear wheels and mist. Visibility all around nothing short of astonishing,
visible on a clear day. waving to the crowd while its was limited, creating an surpassing even that of Table
In order to get there, we ladder frame remained stoic. otherworldly atmosphere, Mountain with over 1,400
travelled a short stint along the From the outside, watching a particularly as you’re driving floral species and 2,000 plant
tarseal of the R40 before large SUV pitch and roll along through what feels like a varieties. At its foothills lies
heading onto the gravel trail gaping ruts and giant troughs rainforest. Seriously it was a the expansive Savannah
where the pass began. My ride is dramatic, but from the cabin complete contrast to the dusty biome, while its slopes are a
for the day was the top-of-the- it was a more serene trail that we had been climbing tapestry of pristine montane
line Platinum – if you’re gonna experience, with just gentle along a few moments before. forests. Moreover, the
climb a mountain, you might throttle and braking required. The final leg of the pass is crystal-clear Klaserie River
as well do it in style. In all honesty I felt like I was the country’s second biggest, finds its source amidst the
The pass proper starts the master of off-road driving, rapidly gaining 1100 metres in rugged beauty of this
alongside the southern bank of but in all fairness, it was the altitude. mountain. Simply put, the
the Motlasedi River, which it Everet’s smart Terrain Once you’ve reached the entire climb is a feast for the
crosses via a small bridge Management System doing all lofty heights of Mariepskop, senses while being a real test
before heading deep into the heavy lifting. you feel like you’re on the edge of the Everest’s capabilities.
forest. However, in true Everest After a while the pass heads of the world, engulfed by The ride down was of
style, we opted to switch into north, rising rapidly up the breathtaking panoramas that course a reverse of the climb.
4L and ford the stream, testing mountainside. Crossing the seem to stretch on forever. At Again, the Everest lapped up
out the SUVs 800mm wading boundary between Limpopo the summit, there are the the experience, offering a
depth. and Mpumalanga twice, there remnants of an old SAAF radar cradled drive back to reality.
The journey to the summit is are a series of twists and turns station, a tall microwave tower, As a country, South Africa is
an adventure in itself, with a before reaching the village of and forestry fire lookout posts. a truly amazing adventure
labyrinth of gravel and tarred Mariepskop Forestry Station. This area, protected due to this playground and an experience
roads leading you through The road then bypasses the military presence, has that pictures don’t do justice
stunning landscapes, it’s an village, reaching the tarred remained a sanctuary of to. There is so much to see and
experience worth the trip to section of the road at a wilderness, preserving its do, and on terrain that is both
Africa for all by itself. Y-junction. natural beauty and biodiversity. thrilling and unique.

46 NZ4WD
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 Adventure

Above and below: Everest’s clever transmission copes with sketchy traction in deep sand.

47
Weekend Drive

A pristine river on the Forgotten

World Highway.

In the Forgotten World

Heading for the centre of the North Island
We were keen to explore the northern half heavier than usual holiday traffic. relaxing alternative to SH4.
of the Forgotten World Highway on our Travelling on a fine, sunny morning, this Just before returning to the highway,
way to the centre of the North Island. part of the Highway was certainly we stopped for lunch in the shade of
While at Bushlands, we had heard extremely scenic and well worth its some trees on the side of the road at the
rumours of the road north being closed reputation, and while there has been little settlement of Ongarue. It was then a
for roadworks to seal the final section of some debate about the progressive steady run on sealed roads until we
through the gorge so we had a plan in sealing of the road (with some arguing joined SH30 near Bennydale and followed
place for a longer back-road detour if that the rougher, unsealed road was part this to the turnoff to Pureora and the
needed. However, were hoping we would of the adventure) I found the sealed Pureora Forest.
not need it since this section of the iconic section was actually a more attractive We didn’t go into Pureora itself but took
Forgotten World Highway was a major experience because the vegetation was the main gravel road through the
drawcard for the trip, especially for those clean rather than being covered in dust as plantation forest. This was rougher and, at
who had already explored the area but it was on the remaining unsealed section. times, a little less distinct than I
had bypassed the highway in favour of Leaving the pristine native bush of the remembered from last time, but at least
the more remote routes. gorge for flatter farmland we paused at this time it was sunny, not pouring with
So, with Ashley leading, we headed Lauren’s Lavender farm café for a late rain.
north with fingers crossed. We saw a lot morning coffee before fuelling up at Finding the weather-beaten sign for the
of equipment but no sign of anyone Taumarunui. We then followed a network turn-off to the centre of the island was a
working, possibly because this was the of backroads that more or less paralleled little easier than it could have been as I
Monday before Waitangi Day, making for the main highway, as a more scenic and had the track from last time to follow, and

48 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 Weekend Drive

One of the few sections of gravel road

left on the Forgotten World Highway.

There were still some amazing views as we left the

Forgotten World Highway for more rural surroundings.

49
Weekend Drive

Peaceful backroads made a pleasant

and less hurried alternative to the
nearby main highway.

It may be late summer but

Ruapehu was still shrouded in snow.

We assumed this sign was to the car park

for the centre of the island. We made it!.

Cooling off in Lake Rotoiti. An interesting choice for an

assembly area, although you would certainly be safe from a fire.

50 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 Weekend Drive

The last glow of evening over Lake Rotoiti.

several people had also set it as a campsite. Although there was adequate and get back on track. Then a few
destination on their GPS. room for everyone, we ended up spread suggestions for other stopping points
The final sign on the side road, pointing out over a few separate areas, largely were raised, so in the end I let Ashley take
to the carpark, has now faded into almost because one group had blocked off half over the lead so that Gillian could
total illegibility, but once again it was GPS on one of the bollarded areas as their navigate. The end result of this was an
to the rescue. From the car park was playground, effectively claiming another unplanned stop at some hot pools for a
about a five-minute walk to the mini- half dozen sites over what they had soak followed by lunch. It was then a final
obelisk marking the centre of the Island, booked. However, I got a nice little corner run up to Rotorua and around the lake
based on the coastline being the outline under the bushes and in the setting sun, through far more traffic than I was used
of the island. There is now some making a very peaceful ending to another to before reaching our camp at Lake
academic debate over whether the exact successful day. Rotoiti.
edge of the island should be the coastline The next day was mainly highway The camp was an interesting mix of
or the edge of the continental shelf, driving, and I had route planned to work some rental accommodation and some
moving the centre some distance away, our way across to Rotorua using as many privately-owned units on nicely
but to me the really amazing achievement of the minor roads as possible. This was landscaped grounds. With most guests
is not locating the centre on a map but one of those days when the navigation leaving after the long weekend we had
actually surveying that position on the did not go as planned. I missed a turn the place almost to ourselves, and ended
ground in the middle of dense forest with because the map showed it as a main up spread out on the lawns around the
no visibility. road I was staying on with a side road on units, with million-dollar views of the lake.
After the obligatory group photo, and the left, while in practice the main road It was so hot that we all went swimming,
with time getting on were soon heading curved to the left and I needed to take or at least wading, in the cool water, a
back to the main access road for the the minor side road to the right. Luckily memorable part of the trip and a pleasant
relatively short run to our there was enough of a network of roads end to what we always expected to be
accommodation at the DOC Kakaho for me to be able to take the next right just a transit day.

51
MY 4WD

Hard working
Hilux
A tough southern truck is reborn

52 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
 MY 4WD

The Hilux is a trailer queen when it does events. Collecting a wee pine while adventuring.

lub runs? No problem. Jamie’s Hilux shows off its axle articulation.

Jamie Winsloe’s 1993 Toyota Hilux has of mine. He had the truck for years, using it unchanged because the truck was
been reborn several times. as a highly capable club truck completing certified in its current format.
Built for hard farm work back in the many runs all around the South Island “I was mainly just tidying up a lot of the
early 2000s in Christchurch, it went to a including Nelson and West Coast trips, mounts and conversions. With
farmer near Lake Hood in Canterbury. even a couple of team winch challenges information being limited when I
It was used to cross a river on the and 24-hour challenges where I navigated purchased it, I’ve had to track down a fair
property almost daily, avoiding a longer and set winch lines multiple times.” few bushings and other parts.”
commute down to the state highway to When Jamie’s mate moved to a bigger Jamie owned a modified 80 series Land
use a bridge. farm, and with the truck needing a lot of Cruiser in the past and had always
It had an on-board air compressor to maintenance, “I made an offer on the old wanted to compete in more 4WD
positive-pressurise the starter motor and Hilux and it made its way home to the challenges. The 80 was always too heavy
diffs to prevent water getting in. shed. As it had been trailered a lot to and to be competitive but the Hilux was just
Next, it was sold to a new owner in from events it still never missed a beat right.
Gore, where it got a new low km engine. with a few minor setbacks such as belts or “I had always wanted to compete in the
It then went to another new owner who manual hubs playing up.” long-standing Mainland winch series.
fitted a new transmission, before being The first few months were used figuring However once most of the build was
bought by Jamie. out what wearable parts needed replacing. complete, I enquired about competing
“The previous owner was a good friend The base running gear mainly stays and due to low entries the last few years it

53
MY 4WD

A built Hilux is as happy in

the mud (left) as the rocky stuff.

had been put on hold.” to coil using custom mounts welded to Blactracs; and 34x10.5x15 Simex Jungle
When 4x4 Events advertised a ‘give it a the factory chassis and diff housings. The Trekkers to run in classes that require
go’ enduro in Methven, “we headed along front diff is running generation one tyres under 840mm.
and had a blast”. Mitsubishi Pajero rear trailing arms as Jamie says a lot of basic maintenance
“We’ve attended three more events radius arms with GQ Safari Panhard rod was required to get it back to road-worthy
there. It is so well run, always changing and 79-series coils with four-inch lift 80 standard.
around and the team are awesome to series Land Cruiser rear shocks mounted “It had been trailered a lot to and from
deal with! They also hosted the 25-year inside the coils. events, all the bushings, bearings and
Mainland anniversary on-site.” The rear diff is five-link with custom serviceable parts had to be sourced and
Next up was the Mud and Steel event in arms using GQ safari bushings and rear replaced. The bar work was completely
September with Friday night stages and Springs of unknown origin. Like the removed and remade including the cage,
Saturday stages and an NZ1 enduro run front, the rear uses four-inch lift 80 series flat deck and front bar. The front winch
on the Sunday. rear shocks. cradle is removable, and the rear winch
So what’s been done? The diffs are 5.29 ratio chromoly Hilux can bolt-in in about 20 minutes if needed.”
Bar work. Jamie set about replacing the crownwheel and pinions with limited slip Is it finished? Jamie says any build is
old farm flatdeck and the pressed steel diff centres. always ongoing.
bumper. “No budget for lockers just yet!” “The power steering is not a strong
“I decided to tube the front, rear and The heart of the truck is a generation point with the set up running off the
have an exo-cage for the likely rollovers.” one 3.8-litre Buick V6 engine out of a VP factory Holden engine steering pump it’s
The current winch set up is a Runva Holden Commodore, bolted to a TH700 not a good match for the Hilux steering
EWS10000 with twin 7.2hp motors in the transmission and a Hilux transfer case box so I need to adapt a Falcon pump to
front with a 108:1 ratio and a Runva using a Mark’s Adaptors mount and the engine in the future.”
EWB9500-Q with a 7.2hp motor and 80:1 retaining the factory crossmember. The Later, he wants to build a later model
ratio in the rear. engine also features a Mark’s Adaptors Ecotech 3.8-litre V6 with a tweaked cam
“This is a beast of a winch, a super-fast wiring loom. Custom driveshafts send and a stand-alone computer to make a bit
line speed and still plenty of power.” power to the front and rear, both with more power.
The battery was upgraded from a double Cardan joints. All of the work has been carried out by
700cca to twin 1000cca red top with In the cab, the original Hilux dash and Jamie’s own auto engineering company, J
95mm cabling using a 2500-amp isolator gauges have been retained. R Winsloe Limited with products supplied
in the cabin. He also moved the battery The truck uses a generation two Toyota from Adventure Autos.
from the engine bay and mounted it on Surf steering box through 60-series Land The Hilux has been on multiple west
the rear deck. Cruiser steering joints to high steer arms. coast day trips and longer adventures
The alternator was replaced from an Tyres are twin block Simex 35x10.5x16 with Reefton and Haast being highlights.
85-amp to a 140-amp output model with on -28 D Window beadlocks for Jamie says he plans to continue to use
mounts and wiring altered to suit. competition; 35x12.5x16 Goodride M8085 the truck for more club trips and
Jamie converted the old leaf spring diffs for coast/road and club trips on ROH competitions.

54 NZ4WD
4WD NOVEMBER 2024
Superstage
excitement
at Manukau

Revo T1
wins in
Australia

55
4WD Sport News

Super stage excitement

Rally cars up against off-road race cars and trucks
Image: Daybreaker Rally/Tayler Burke

Mickey Thompson-backed events: the

Offroad Grand Prix on 7 December, the
opening round of the 2025 New Zealand
Offroad Racing Championship on 18
January and the Stadium Offroad
Championship event on 1 February.
Rallysprint entries are being handled by
former top rally driver Marty Roestenburg
and the first rally crew to enter the event
is 2025 European Rally Champion Hayden
Paddon.
All three rounds and the off-road racing
For the first time this century, rally cars has set in place a televised three-round events take place on the Counties
and off-road racers will compete at a top- rallysprint series for December 2025, Manukau club’s purpose-built racetrack in
level super stage event. January and February 2025. the Colin Dale Motorsport Park at Puhinui
Counties Manukau Offroad Racing Club The series will run alongside three near Auckland Airport.

Youth talent on show

Waikato club ends the year with a bang
The track belongs to the young racers
as Waikato Offroad Racing Club hosts
a youth race day at the Tect Park near
Tauranga on 16 November.
The day follows last year’s inaugural
‘Skux’ race day and will give young
racers in the Kiwitruck categories of
offroad racing centre stage in a day
packed with short course and short
enduro races.
The Kiwitrucks are miniature race
trucks, with two classes powered by
‘stationary’ engines or motorcycle
engines. They enable school-age
children to take part in racing in a safe
environment. There are more than 30
Kiwitrucks in New Zealand.
The event will be part of the club’s
Christmas celebration, with families
invited to camp at the venue on Friday
and Saturday nights and a BBQ on
Saturday evening.

56 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 4WD Sp
Sport
p News

Debut
Aussie win
Revo T1+ wins
Sunraysia Safari
The Revo T1+ has won on debut in Australia.
Driver Adam Kaplan dominated the first three days
of the eleven-stage Sunraysia Safari Cross Country
Rally to secure the victory.
With Aleshia Penney as navigator, Kaplan set the
fastest time on the first day, clearing the WRC-branded
Subaru Crosstrek of Dean Herridge by nearly three
minutes, then repeated the feat in Day 2. He kept his
foot on the pedal and built his lead even more during
the third stage while Herridge finished seventh,
effectively securing the win for Kaplan.
It was not plain sailing: Kaplan got lost on the first
corner to start the final day and lost two minutes. It
was “the dumbest thing ever”. The misadventure
prevented a clean sweep as Will Dunn‘s Nissan Patrol
beat Herridge for the stage win. Kaplan was third.
Developed in South Africa, the Revo has mainly
competed in the South African Rally-Raid
Championship, later broadening its campaign to
include the Dakar Rally, World Rally-Raid
Championship and FIA Baja Cup.
To date, this is the closest a Dakar prototype has
come to New Zealand.

Tough, dirty fun

Rainforest Challenge a global phenomenon
It has been raced and won by Kiwis
– admittedly, that was last century.
The Rainforest Challenge remains the
toughest off-road mud plug known. It
started way back in the late 1990s in
Malaysia and now RFC events are held
in more than 60 countries.
As it expanded from its single-event
origins to a global event series
managed by RFC International it has
attracted the toughest of the tough to
compete in national RFC events with
the aim of selecting the participants for
the international final.
Though not strictly a ‘race’ the RFC is
ranked among the top five toughest
off-road races in the world. That
ranking puts it ahead of the Baja 1000 and events are now held in 60 event based in-country.
and the Dakar rally. Some might countries. Both New Zealand and This year, the series Grand Final will
disagree. Australia are affiliated members of the be held in Perak, Malaysia from 29
The RFC circuit of events is expanding RFC network, though we don’t have an November to 9 December.

57
COLUMN
DIRT NATION WITH BRYAN CHANG

Giti backs our epic enduro

It’s big news, and it’s out there: Giti will be sorting out options for sleeping at the access to a lot of race-friendly land down
the naming rights sponsor of the longest track). Also means we’ll be getting the Giti there.
off-road endurance race in the southern Racing Chev ready for a big outing. We’ve been a longtime supporter of,
hemisphere, the NZ1000 at Kurow. I hear there are already a few Aussie and competitor in, these big endurance
This epic race runs across two farm teams looking to front up, which will races right back to the 1000’s early days
holdings just outside the Kurow township, make the ‘1000’ this country’s sole in the 20th Century. It ran every couple
and the Otago club has just confirmed its international race. of years until Mike Parkes picked it up
2025 race date. That means it’s time for Barry Phillips at the Otago club says the and made it the final round of his
race crews to start planning their ‘1000’ race laps may even be longer than they Extreme off-road race series. He ran it
weekend, booking accommodation (or were in the 2023 event. They do have every year while the extreme series was
a kind of de facto national
championship.
The biggest years of the Taupo 1000
came when Tony Saelman and his crew
turned it from a race into a full-on
international event; its lowest point was
arguably the couple of times it ran near
Atiamuri as the NZ1000. Those went back
from event status to just being a race; the
second of them was cold, miserable and
drove away the international teams.
Now it’s well entrenched in the South
Island thanks to Barry Phillips, Slim Slee
and the hard-core enthusiasts of the
Otago club. Getting Giti on board will of
course draw us down to Kurow for
another crack at the biggest enduro in the
southern hemisphere.

58 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 “I have raced on other brands of tyres but haven’t found anything else that can offer as much
traction as the GT Radial Komodo. Whether racing, going off-road or simply from A to B give
them a go, you won’t be disappointed.”
Bryan Chang

GT Savero Komodo Extreme GT Savero Komodo MT GT Adventuro AT3 Giti AT70

www .gtradial.co.nz 59
Photo taken by Mark Baker
COLUMN
GEOFFZONE BY GEOFF ANDERS

Defining utility
‘Useful’: able to produce good comfortable cab. But that
It's a Colorado, but a
results’. large, seldom used, insecure, bit more flash than
‘Utility’: useful’. weather-dependent tray the one Geoff drove.
Dictionary says it all! following me around
The first mass production, permanently? Couldn’t see the
wheeled, self-powered, 4WD point of that.
ute must have been the WW2 Three fenceposts took the
Jeep. But take out ‘wheeled’ rear hard onto its bump stops,
and the history prize goes way posts then wanted to vibrate
back to slavery – captured, downhill and out. No tiedown
bought, or traded. ‘Here’s an points. Deck would pool if
apple for lunch, bring trice parked nosedown in a storm. I
cords of burnwood of length had to bolt a tin trunk behind
one cubit. By sundown.’ What the cab to put any gear in.
a life. Hope the boss never found the
Also the beast of burden – bolt holes! It needed
horse, llama, donkey, or the drainholes anyway.
camel whose back was broken It was really a 2WD streetcar lids for the trays, or a canopy, once owned was my ideal
by that ‘last’ straw. Did the with a different bum. The poor and proper 4WD functions 4WD. LWB, good mechanicals,
ancient word for straw include thing wasn’t improved either with traction control, low plenty of room and very
fenceposts? Give that man a by a previous operator running range and useful tyres. capable off-road and on.
ute! it into a stump that shortened A week of running a Holden Unfortunately it didn’t last.
I fail to quite get the current the collapsible steering Colorado around Otago on Good OEM specimens are
ute attraction, being personally column so rendering the road test a while back updated rare and expensive. Often
more focussed on the 4WD column-change gears my ute experience. I was they’ve been commercially
off-roader-I-can-sleep-in unpredictable. impressed. A huge step-up used and had a hard life,
aspect. If you need to shift a It took me to the West Coast from my first and they’ve though commercial sometimes
load, get a flatdeck, small or one wet Easter. Gear in tray stepped up yet again since. includes an excellent
lorry, or a trailer, to suit the job. got soaked. Cramped cab not Bigger and taller, more maintenance history, valuable if
Why drag that mostly empty a happy refuge in a storm. luxurious, more powerful and documented and presented.
bum around all the time? Do Nowhere to boil the billy for a more economical. My local version had some
ute owners dislike all the other cuppa. Passenger footwell and 4WDs come in three advantages over the OEM. The
too-long utes that cramp tiny space behind seats wheelbases – ‘short’ ‘mid’ or chassis was extended by about
car-parks designed for short crammed full of parka, ‘long’, a ute being ‘long’. 300mm and the body had
vehicles? The seven-point bedding, tent, camera gear, Currently I run ‘mid’ as being vertical sides at full width so
turns to get in and out of some of the victuals, maps, just long enough to sleep full was cavernous inside. Its
them? clothes etc. Had to hop length. A tall person would nickname became ‘The Great
We have VVT engines and outside to get stuff from the need a LWB. Yellow Cave’ and was entirely
campers with pop-outs and trunk in the rain. Ute trays are not really appropriate. The rear floor was
pop-tops. Why not utes that I hated it. sleepers. I did sleep in the tray higher than the cab floor so
concertina to a shorter Today’s 4WD utes are much of the Colorado under a tarp. It headroom was a bit short for
wheelbase when the tray is improved from that ancient worked but was not very tall persons, though fine for
empty? And longer travel Aussie contraption, most practical. A hardtop may have kids. Three burly fully
suspension adjustment so obviously by the king-cab/ been ok but they were seldom equipped Army dudes weren’t
they’ll fit into a normal garage? double cab concept. Room for lined and often leaked. too impressed when we took
There was a job where I had a family or four blokes and An ex-rental, locally bodied, them to the hills for snow-
the use of a Holden ute. Small some gear inside. Good secure Land Cruiser ‘troop carrier’ I raking one snowy winter!

60 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

 COLUMN
VAHRYOUS THOUGHTS BY PETER VAHRY

A new framework for DoC-managed lands

Submissions closed in early October on life of ten years, describing DOC aims in a. Be involved in conservation
the Department of Conservation (DOC) general terms. In the draft CMS the word programmes; and
draft Conservation Management Strategy ‘must’ was used in relation to Treaty b. Maintain the roads, tracks, routes or
(CMS) for a region called Te Hiku in upper matters. waterways that they are permitted to
Northland. For recreational driving it would seem use.”
The draft Te Hiku CMS was co- that Ninety Mile Beach (Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe However, being more specific “11.13.6
authored by Te Rarawa, NgāiTakoto and Beach) would be important in the CMS, but Should allow motor vehicles only on the
Te Aupōuri of Te Hiku iwi and Te Papa it has its own management plan in place roads (including designated parking areas)
Atawhai. Ngāti Kuri has not participated and is outside that CMS. Reference is made within Te Korowai lands and waters as
but is being kept informed each step of to the possibility that vehicles could be identified in Table 11.13.1.
the way. As a result of the co-drafting banned from the beach under that “11.13.7 Consider provision for use of
process, the term ‘Te Korowai lands and management plan by the Te Oneroa-a- motorised vehicles outside areas provided
waters’ is used to represent public Tōhe Beach Management Board. for by Policy 11.13.1.6 only where such use
conservation lands and waters within Te Recreation opportunities on Te Korowai is identified at sites listed in Table 11.13.1
Korowai. (DOC) lands and waters have been and subject to Policy 11.13.1.5.”
The draft CMS was influenced by the categorised into four different destination It was an interesting draft document that
Treaty claims settlement Acts and the Te types to reflect known and potential would seem to be a precursor to future
Hiku CMS has identified different means of demand and to capture people’s outdoor CMS proposals. The 4WD community were
accessing Te Korowai lands and waters that leisure preferences. This is part of an alerted to the opportunity to put forward
could be required for cultural activities approach that is known as ‘destination submissions about the draft CMS, but it is
under tikanga Māori: “This can be seen in management’. unknown at this time how many had input.
the following provisions within this ‘Icon destinations’ are areas that the The New Zealand Four Wheel Drive
document: Ngā Moutere O, Ngā Moutere Ki Department of Conservation Te Papa Association was one organisation that
Place Policy 5.3.4.1 regarding motu access; Atawhai has identified as high-profile, submitted arguments for managed 4x4
Ngā Wai O, Ngā Wai Ki Place Outcome popular destinations that underpin national access to conservation lands.
7.2.6; section 11.13 Vehicles and other and international tourism and provide Four-wheel drive recreation is going to
means of transport, descriptive text; memorable visitor experiences in Aotearoa need to organise itself to respond to future
Watercraft Policy 11.13.1.15; and Horses and New Zealand. drafts of CMSs as they are formulated
other animals Policy 11.14.14. The cultural ‘Gateway destinations’ are places that around the country. If 4WD recreation
activities informed by tikanga are so broad introduce New Zealanders to the outdoors options are not recognised within a CMS,
and varied among iwi that it is not possible and enable them to learn about they can not exist on those DOC managed
to specify all protocols and procedures for conservation; these destinations may lands.
all whenua, moana and wai, especially provide for a diverse range of activities but In the process of drafting a CMS, there is
because tikanga develops over time.” include many traditional camping and supposedly input from the wider
Within the preamble to the CMS it states: tramping destinations. community through notification of
“While the statutory context is important, it ‘Local treasures’ are vehicle-accessible, intention. That too needs to be better
has become clear through engagement locally valued locations that provide identified, as in the case of the Te Hiku draft
that whānau and hapū want to take a recreation opportunities for, and growing CMS the inputs appear to have been driven
leading role in conservation as kaitiaki. connections with, nearby communities. by specific interests.
Whether this is in the form of joint projects, Motorised ground access is generally Inviting comment (submissions) on
resource sharing, capacity and capability restricted to roads and designated routes. how public conservation lands are
building, or simply restoring the In the draft CMS Volume 1 the section managed is a final step in the process and
environment, it is acknowledged that 11.13 detailed policies around vehicles and the volume of responses is important. In
whānau and hapū have an important role other means of transport and the first a supposedly democratic society, if there
in meeting conservation goals.” statement was “11.13.1 Liaise with vehicle is clear evidence that an outcome is
A CMS describes what will be allowed or and watercraft users to identify preferred, then that outcome should be
not. It is a legal document with a supposed opportunities to: recognised.

61
FEATURING IN
DECEMBER
NZ4WD
See what’s coming in next month’s
magazine & online

Camping & outdoor gear

Summer adventures are coming. Gear up with our camping
& outdoor guide to make epic adventures

Toyota Hilux SR5 hybrid tested

We drive the ‘regular width’ hybrid Hilux. How does it measure up?
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COLUMN
TORQUE TALK BY ASHLEY LUCAS

Heading into safari season

Summer is just around the corner. In a rare opportunity to see and experience social with many relaxing after a good
little over six weeks, it will be Christmas more of our unique and scenic day, enjoying a drink and good company
and that leads us into 2025 and there are countryside. In many cases local property into the evening. Sometimes the limited
already quite a few trips on the calendar, owners so willing to support their numbers available are filled months in
with many more to come. community, they even lend a hand in the advance.
Whatever type of adventure you want organising or make suggestions for the Many of the community fundraiser
there will be a safari, tag-along or tracks to be used. tag-alongs and safaris usually involve a
competition to suit your needs. Many of these tracks are used daily by 4WD club for their experience and
But what is a tag-along safari? Tag- the owners and the last thing they need is insurance so they require vehicles to have
along safaris are usually aimed at the for 50 to 100 vehicles damaging the tracks a minimum standard of equipment, in line
general public with a 4WD and club to the point that they cannot use them or with the clubs’ own guidelines. These
vehicles that are also fully road legal with they have to spend money to have usually involve a fire extinguisher, first aid
WOF and registration for insurance machinery in to repair the damage so a kit, a spade or shovel, a 4WD nylon snatch
purposes. Generally, the worst that usually lot of these trips are limited to the best recovery rope (or strap). In addition they
happens is a little bush pin-striping but months of the year, January through to often state that the vehicle will need
some events cater for the ‘tougher’ March, especially the weekend events proper recovery points front and rear and
modified vehicles such as the recent where camping is involved. Even then the manufacturers tie down points are not
Matariki Forestry trip or will have ‘play restrictions may apply in adverse weather. sufficient for snatch or off-road recovery.
areas’ where you can have a go with Because of the fundraising nature of these If your vehicle has a tow bar then
recovery vehicles ready to pull you out if events the local communities get in removing the tow ball and using a rated
necessary. behind the event and farmers open up shackle through the hole in the tongue is
Because of the wide range of people their properties allowing up to 100-120 usually sufficient for the rear. In some
attending these trips there is no shortage vehicles to traverse through. It is even instances the organisers may request that
of experienced people to help should you better when the organisers can string tow balls be removed anyway to ensure
require assistance or the event organisers several properties together so that you they are not used for recovery purposes.
have roving helpers who are able to spend the majority of the time off-road or With many vehicles having front spoilers,
provide assistance and recovery should it at least on back country metal roads. it is not as easy and may need a specialist
be required. Sometimes there will even be a local to fit a recovery point.
Tag-along safaris have become very identity or historian who will be able to To find out about each of these events,
popular over recent times largely due to cover some of the early days and history keep a close eye on the NZ4WD website,
the usually inaccessible areas that many of the area adding yet another dimension specifically the NZ4WD Events page
include as part of their trip. This has been to the experience. where all details of trips are listed as soon
especially important as we encounter Many of these types of events are very as we have the details about them. Yes,
increasingly restricted we also list in the magazine each
access to areas for our month but with limited space
recreation almost on a and publishing deadlines there
monthly basis and the are delays and at times by the
media view 4WD vehicles time the printed issue is out
and their drivers negatively. registrations are full – like the
Many of the safaris and recent Moawhango School and
trips are part of fundraising upcoming Kauri Coast trips.
efforts for local groups and I have got my list of trips I will
schools, with farmers and be doing, so get planning your
property owners allowing trips for the summer of 2025
access to their properties in before you miss out entirely.
support of the local These trips and adventures are
community. It becomes a really worth participating in.

64 NZ4WD NOVEMBER 2024

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