4WD Trails in Canterbury

Canterbury is the South Island's largest region and one of its best for 4WD. The Canterbury Plains front the Southern Alps, and the major river gorges — Waimakariri, Rakaia, Rangitata, Waitaki — each carry 4WD routes deep into the high country.

The Lees Valley, the upper Waimakariri gorge (above Arthurs Pass), the Rangitata Gorge tracks, and the Hakatere Conservation Park around Lake Heron are the classic Canterbury destinations. The Inland Scenic Route (SH72) connects access points to much of this terrain on sealed road.