4WD Trails in South Island

New Zealand’s South Island concentrates some of the world’s most photogenic 4WD terrain. Skippers Canyon, the Macetown track from Arrowtown, the Molesworth Station crossing, the Rainbow Road, and the West Coast forestry runs cover the highlights.

Other notable zones include the Nevis, the Old Man Range, the Catlins, the Lewis Pass back-country, and the Buller forestry network. Most public conservation land is covered by the DOC vehicle pass system.

Snow closes alpine tracks above 1000 metres from June through October. Skippers Canyon in particular has narrow shelf-cut sections with no passing room — research the route before you start. Chains and recovery gear are recommended in winter.