4WD Trails in Southland

Southland is New Zealand's southernmost mainland region — cold winters, extensive back-country, and the gateway to Fiordland. The Southland Plains lead inland to the Takitimu Mountains, the Mavora Lakes, the Mararoa Valley, and ultimately to Te Anau and the Fiordland fringe.

The Mavora Lakes Conservation Park is the most-visited 4WD destination in Southland — the Northern Mavora Lake is achievable in standard high-clearance 4WDs, the Southern Mavora requires a capable setup and river crossing. The Mossburn to Lumsden back-roads and the Waikaia Gorge tracks give additional options.

Year-round driving is possible in the Southland Plains. Alpine Southland (Mavora above 700 m, Takitimu Range) closes from June through September most years. The Fiordland boundary tracks (Kepler, Iris Burn area) have limited vehicle access under the Fiordland National Park management plan.