4-Wheel Drive

The broad tussock-covered spaces and big sky of the Maniototo are surrounded on all sides by rugged mountain ranges which lend themselves to being explored by 4-wheel drive vehicles and mountain bikes. There are gravel roads and mountain tracks galore!

You can visit the historic goldfields at Naseby, Mt. Buster, Oturehua and St. Bathans and experience the many old goldfield pubs of the 1860s that have fascinating histories and stories to tell.

From the 4-wheel drive tracks on the Hawkdun Range, there are magnificent sights of the vast high country and views of the Maniototo Plain, the Ida Valley and the upper reaches of the Manuherikia River valley and beyond. You can also see and visit the sheep “runs” that were first opened up in the 1850s. They, along with the gold found in Central Otago, were the basis of New Zealand’s early wealth.

Another 4-wheel drive track from Poolburn takes you past the Moa Creek Hotel to the Poolburn Reservoir, the location for the Village of Rohan in Peter Jackson’s Oscar winning film,“Lord of the Rings”. Again, the tussock grasslands and tors make spectacular viewing. A steady ascent takes you up the Rough Ridge and then along to the famous old Serpentine Church, which is a symbol of Otago’s Goldfields Heritage. There are few memorials quite like this lonely stone building - testimony to the hardiness and enterprise of the early goldminers. Again there are stunning views of the vast tussock uplands and the unique Ida Valley.

If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, come and explore one of New Zealand’s undiscovered treasures, the Maniototo in Central Otago. Alternatively, we can organise your adventure through local guides who offer a variety of excursions. If you want to have this exciting 4-wheel drive experience, let us know as soon as possible so that we can book you a place. They are always busy.

For more information contact;
Maniototo 4WD Safaris
Email      man4wd@xtra.co.nz
Website www.maniototo4wdsafaris.co.nz