4WD Trails in Hawke's Bay
59 trails in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
About 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.
Summer and autumn are the most reliable seasons. The Kaweka and Ruahine tracks can hold snow in July and August. River crossings in the ranges require careful checking after rainfall.
Popular trails in Hawke's Bay
Showing 1–24 of 59 trails
Gonda Lane
Gum Tree Farm Link
Taharua Road
Devers Road
Taharua Road
Taharua Road
Ohara Road
Yeomans Road
River Road
Taylor Road
Mckenzie Road
Leatherwood Road
Mile Ridge Road
Taylor Road
Aropaoanui Road
Aropaoanui Road
Wilder Road
Ngapakira Road
Creek Road
Paulsen Stock Route
Waikare Road
Bush Loop Road
Te Apiti Road North
Masters Road
Recently updated trails
- Unrated
Te Apiti Road North
Central Hawke's Bay District, Hawke's Bay5.4 km--- vehicles - Unrated
Mill Road
Central Hawke's Bay District, Hawke's Bay1.0 km--- vehicles - Unrated
Ngapua Road
Hastings District, Hawke's Bay4.4 km--- vehicles - Unrated
Tanguro Road
Hastings District, Hawke's Bay1.3 km--- vehicles - Unrated
Wilder Road
Central Hawke's Bay District, Hawke's Bay1.5 km--- vehicles
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cape Kidnappers 4WD access tide-dependent?
Yes. Cape Kidnappers gannet colony vehicle access via the beach route operates within a tide window — entry and exit must be timed around low tide. The Department of Conservation and local tour operators publish a tide schedule. Out of tide season (approximately October through April for gannet viewing), beach access is restricted anyway. Check the Cape Kidnappers Reserve management page for current access rules.