Long Drive

You'll discover a compelling 4WD adventure in the geothermally rich landscape surrounding the Rotorua Lakes District, where volcanic terrain and native bush create an unforgettable driving experience. This 2.6 km trail takes you through distinctive North Island landscape, offering the kind of off-road exploration that draws enthusiasts to New Zealand's lesser-known routes. The journey combines accessible driving with genuine scenic interest, making it an excellent addition to any regional adventure itinerary.

The trail winds through terrain shaped by the region's volcanic heritage, with native vegetation framing your route as you navigate the relatively gentle grades. You'll experience the kind of isolated, undeveloped driving that rewards explorers willing to venture beyond mainstream destinations. While the terrain itself doesn't present extreme technical challenges, you should come prepared with standard recovery gear and ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition—remote location access means assistance may not be immediately available. The relatively short distance makes this ideal for combining with other local trails or maximizing your time exploring the wider Rotorua region.

As an unrated trail with no official difficulty designation, you're essentially trail-testing this route. That means you'll have the opportunity to experience driving conditions as they present themselves, without preconceived expectations. Bring your Newtracs app to log your experience and help build the trail database for future adventurers.