Te Araroa Trail

You'll discover an intriguing backcountry route near Wallace Takitimu Community that offers 4WD enthusiasts a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience in Southland's remote landscape. This 5.4 km trail presents a compelling challenge with its steep 14% grade, demanding careful vehicle control and skilled driving throughout. The demanding terrain will test your 4WD capabilities as you navigate through rugged countryside, rewarding you with access to some of Southland's most isolated and scenic terrain.

The driving experience here is raw and unfiltered—you'll encounter natural obstacles and challenging ground conditions that require genuine off-road proficiency. The steep grade means you'll need to manage traction carefully, particularly during wet conditions, and descent control becomes critical as you work your way through the route. This is a trail for experienced drivers seeking authentic exploration rather than manicured tracks.

Given this trail's unrated status and lack of documented completions, thorough preparation is essential. We recommend carrying recovery equipment, checking weather conditions carefully, and ensuring your vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition before attempting this route. The remote Southland location means assistance isn't readily available, so self-sufficiency is crucial. Use Newtracs to download trail details and track your progress through this challenging Southland adventure.