Mount Potts Easement Track

You'll discover an intriguing backcountry challenge in the Mount Potts Easement Track, where rugged terrain and dramatic Canterbury scenery converge near Ashburton District. This 6.5 km route pushes your vehicle's capabilities with a demanding 13% grade that demands respect and precision—expect steep ascents and descents that will test your 4WD's traction and your driving skills. The landscape unfolds with exposed high-country vistas, tussock grasslands, and raw alpine terrain that rewards adventurous drivers willing to tackle unrated, unmaintained tracks.

Before heading out, prepare thoroughly: check your vehicle's clearance, recovery gear, and fuel reserves, as this is remote country with no services or support. The steep grade means low-range driving is essential, and weather conditions can change rapidly at elevation. You'll encounter loose gravel, potential ruts, and sections where vehicle damage is possible. Given that no one has yet logged this track on Newtracs, you're venturing into genuinely exploratory territory—bring navigation tools, communication devices, and a second vehicle if possible. The reward is solitude and genuine off-road adventure in one of New Zealand's most spectacular high country regions.