4WD Trails in Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay's 4WD scene ranges from the easy coastal Cape Kidnappers access to the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges — serious back-country with river crossings and extended four-to-five day loops. The contrast within the region is sharp.

The Kaweka Forest Park and Ruahine Forest Park are both managed by DOC and have vehicle access tracks suited to competent 4WD drivers. The Heretaunga Plains fringe has farm tracks and forestry access. The coast south of Napier towards Cape Kidnappers is tide-dependent driving on a gannet colony access route.