The famous Woodhill Forest, northwest of Auckland, will soon be open to 4WD enthusiasts. This follows news that a licence has been granted to allow access to more than 2,200 acres, incorporating some land used by horse riders. The Jeep Woodhill 4WD Adventure Park will extend from Rimmer Rd in the north through to Mission Rd in the south, with Selwyn Rd as the eastern boundary and Coast Rd, which has access to Muruwai Beach, as the eastern boundary. The licensee told NZ4WD the intention was to create an area where all 4WD owners could take their families and enjoy themselves, no matter what their off-road ability. Tracks would be graded according to the skill levels required, and assistance would be on-hand for those who got into difficulties. However, in line with other 4WD parks around the world, they might have to pay their rescuers if they had gone into an area which required better equipment or tougher 4WDs than was indicated for that grade of track. Clubs would also be encouraged to use the park, and safari and tag-along events would be accommodated wherever possible. A central area is being cleared to set up a refreshment and meeting place – near the lookout – and a corporate area is also being prepared which companies will be able to use for their own events. In addition 4WD driver training is already being conducted in an area of the forest under the auspices of Trackwise 4WD. “The whole idea is to make the area as varied as possible. There are hundreds of different tracks available, and once we can get heavy equipment in we will start to set out the various different circuits,” he said. “We want everybody with a 4WD to come and enjoy themselves, with their families, and we will cater for all levels of vehicle and driver, from the owners of small compact SUVs who just want to enjoy a day out in the forest, right through to the die-hard 4WD enthusiast who wants to play in the mud!” It is hoped the park will be ready for opening by the end of May.