4WD Trails in Northland
228 trails in Northland, New Zealand.
About Northland
Northland is New Zealand's northernmost region — warm year-round, subtropical in the Far North, and laced with forestry tracks, coastal back-roads, and access routes to ninety-kilometre beaches. It's a region many NZ 4WD drivers overlook in favour of the South Island, which is their loss.
The Northland 4WD scene centres on the Aupouri Peninsula (Far North), the Kaipara Harbour fringe, and the Waitakere Ranges eastern face. Private forestry permits are required for most of the significant forestry block access. The Waipoua Forest road is sealed but the surrounding fringe tracks are dirt.
Year-round driving is possible in Northland — the region has no alpine closures and mild winters. Summer weekends see the main beach routes busy; October through December offers the best balance of dry roads and light traffic.
Browse by area
Popular trails in Northland
Showing 25–48 of 228 trails
Mcadam Road
Coast Road
Coast Road
Riverstream Track
Whananaki Coastal Walkway
Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway
Pandora Track
Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway (Low Tide Route)
Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway
Pandora Track
Riverstream Track
Mcdonnell Road
Wharf Road
Waoku Road
Number 6 Road
Whangatauatia Hiking Trail
Pandora Track
Waiotekumurau Road
Utakura Road
Tulip Road
Jones Road
Waihapa Road
Jones Road
Pakotai Road
Frequently asked questions
What 4WD tracks are accessible in Northland without permits?
Ninety Mile Beach (Aupouri Peninsula), the Hokianga South Head access track, and several Northland Regional Council-managed back-roads are accessible without permits. Most Northland Forestry land (Rayonier Matariki Forests) requires a forestry access permit — apply online at the forestry management website for the relevant block. DOC land in the Aupouri and Waipoua areas uses standard DOC overnight fees but no separate vehicle access permit for day use.
When is the best time for 4WD driving in Northland?
Year-round driving is possible — Northland has no alpine closures. The driest months are November through April. Winter (June–August) brings increased rainfall that makes clay-based forestry tracks slick and can close lower-lying routes. November to February is the busiest season on the beach routes.