Matahiwi Track

You'll discover an intriguing short route near Ruapehu District that offers something different for 4WD explorers—a compact 1.3 km track that rewards curiosity despite its modest length. The Matahiwi Track provides an intimate driving experience through the Manawatū-Whanganui region, where you can explore terrain that remains largely uncharted in terms of community feedback. This makes it an excellent opportunity to contribute your own experience and help build the trail database on Newtracs.

The track itself presents a relatively straightforward driving challenge with manageable grades, making it accessible for those wanting to venture beyond well-trodden paths. You'll traverse terrain characteristic of the Ruapehu District's diverse landscape, where native bush and pastoral farmland create varied scenery. The short distance means you can tackle this route as part of a larger expedition in the area, combining it with other nearby trails for a fuller day's adventure.

Before heading out, ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for backcountry driving and check current conditions—especially after wet weather, as unmaintained tracks can change rapidly. Carry spare fuel, recovery gear, and communication devices, as you'll be traveling through remote country. This is a great opportunity to test your off-road skills on a lesser-known route and share your findings with the Newtracs community.