Driving Experiences in Rotorua

Off-road driving near Rotorua means mud, native forest and a 4WD track a 20-minute drive north of town, where you can take the wheel yourself or ride with a professional driver. The sections below cover how the styles of trip differ, how to get there and what to wear, with more things to do in Rotorua for the rest of the day.

Off-road 4WD driving in native forest

Off Road NZ runs its tracks at 193 Amoore Road, off State Highway 5 on the way towards Hamilton and Auckland. The terrain is tight, twisting bends, deep muddy water holes and a near-vertical 6m slope, all set in native New Zealand forest.

On the 4WD bush safari you drive a high-performance Suzuki Jimny yourself after a safety briefing, with all safety and wet weather protection gear provided. A current valid driver's licence is required. The safari is described as suitable for the whole family, and as wheelchair suitable when with a licensed driver. Departures run every hour from 9am to 5pm.

Riding with a professional driver

The Monster 4X4 thrill ride hands the driving to a professional. The trucks are purpose-built with a roll cage, seatbelt harness, front and rear steering, twin air diff locks and huge tyres, and the drivers know the local terrain.

Before the ride, every passenger gets a full briefing, signs a safety declaration and puts on a helmet and, if needed, wet weather gear. The ride itself is a 10-minute run over the off-road course, with sessions through the day from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Getting to the track and planning the day

A complimentary shuttle is available for the Monster 4X4 ride by prior arrangement. The bush safari includes free return transfers from Rotorua accommodation, or you can meet at Off Road NZ, which is a 20-minute drive north of Rotorua.

For the Monster 4X4 ride, wear warm, casual and comfortable clothing, sturdy closed-in shoes and sun protection, and bring sunglasses and a camera.

More speed around Rotorua

Velocity Valley, at 1335 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, is about 10km from Rotorua township on State Highway 5, next to the Agrodome. The Agrojet jet boat sprint covers a 1km course at around 100km/h with a professional driver, 3Gs of force and 360-degree turns.

Velocity Valley activity packages let each person pick from rides that include the Shweeb, a human-powered racing pod you pedal lying back, racing at up to 50km/h over a 600m course against the clock or against friends. For more rides around Ngongotaha, try Rotorua theme parks, and for hands-on days out, Rotorua activities.

Off-road driving in wet weather

Rain barely changes the plan on a 4WD track, because mud and water holes are the point. The bush safari operates all year in rain, hail or shine, and wet weather protection gear is provided on both styles of trip. More wet-day ideas are in Rotorua rainy day activities.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to drive the 4WD bush safari in Rotorua?

Yes. A current valid driver's licence is required to drive the 4WD bush safari at Off Road NZ.

How long is the Monster 4X4 ride in Rotorua?

The Monster 4X4 thrill ride at Off Road NZ is a 10-minute ride, with a full safety briefing and a safety declaration beforehand.

What safety gear is used on the Monster 4X4 ride?

The Monster 4X4 trucks are purpose-built with a roll cage and a seatbelt harness, passengers wear a helmet, and professional drivers handle the local terrain.

Where is Off Road NZ in Rotorua?

Off Road NZ is at 193 Amoore Road, a 20-minute drive north of Rotorua, off State Highway 5 towards Hamilton and Auckland.

Can kids do off-road driving experiences in Rotorua?

Child tickets are listed for ages 5 to 15 on the Monster 4X4 thrill ride and the 4WD bush safari, and the bush safari is described as suitable for the whole family.

Is there transport from Rotorua to Off Road NZ?

A complimentary shuttle is available for the Monster 4X4 ride by prior arrangement, and the 4WD bush safari includes free return transfers from Rotorua accommodation.

Do 4WD experiences in Rotorua run in the rain?

Yes. The 4WD bush safari at Off Road NZ operates all year in rain, hail or shine, and all safety and wet weather protection gear is provided.

Decide whether you want to drive or ride, check the session times and head north out of Rotorua. For more speed on the same day, try Rotorua scenic flights or Rotorua water sports.