Keen to hit the South Island’s incomparable network of 4x4 trails but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, keen overlander (and now regular NZ4WD mag contributor) Richard Soult has created a new web resource – 4x4Explorer.co.nz - with you in mind.
4X4explorer.co.nz is a subscriber-based South Island 4x4 route resource unique in the quantity and quality of information that it provides to those wishing to get the most out of their 4X4 and this great country we call home. Think of it as a 4X4 guidebook of the South Island that you can access from anywhere - phone, tablet, computer - which is continually being updated and added to.
4X4 Tracks
There are currently nearly 800 individual routes that can be easily linked together to form longer expeditions. A simple interactive map displays routes, which are colour coded to represent their level of difficulty or Grade.
A simple Key describes each Grade and the terrain and difficulties that you are likely to encounter.
With each route, there is a comprehensive set of notes giving you all the information that you need to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Route notes are presented in a user friendly printable format and include the a set of high quality photographs showing you the route and scenery you will discover.
4X4 Explorer Expeditions
Don’t worry if you neither have the time nor inclination to create your own routes either.
4X4 Explorer Expeditions have been created to allow you to spend the maximum time enjoying time epic 4X4 expeditions and the minimum time route planning.
Each Expedition comes with a complete set of printable Expedition Notes which include detailed photos, route descriptions and downloadable GPX files PLUS comprehensive information regarding fuel stops, food supplies, dining options, camping, hut, and hotel/motel details.
Safety is important so there are also notes on seasonal access information and route cautions, with Expeditions constantly being updated and created.
Richard Soult
Having spent his childhood in Christchurch before moving to the UK with his parents aged 10 Richard went on to spend over 35 years in Europe, more than 18 of which were in France.
During his time in France he regularly took his kids, dog and Range Rover on off-road trips through the French/Italian Alps and the Pyrenees.
On returning to New Zealand he was determined to get back to the South Island and explore the thousands of kilometres of 4X4 tracks and High Country roads he knew existed.
Finding them, however, was another story.
“I spent hundreds of dollars and hours buying maps, books (most of which had been out of print for a considerable time) and magazines, looking at photographs trying to collate enough information to plan a route for a month-long South Island expedition,” he told NZ4WD.
“Using paper maps and notes that I had prepared, the going was slow and on many occasions I became geographically embarrassed. I was wondering how, in a country of 4X4 drivers, could be there be so little information available?”
And thus 4X4 Explorer was born! To find out more go to www.4x4explorer.co.nz/nz4wd And start planning your own South Island 4x4 adventure.
To read the full story in the August 2018 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (July 13) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.
