Nelson Four Wheel Drive Club was formed in 1973 with the object of running safe and interesting trips and events to suit most levels of experience and vehicles.
We are based in the heart of Nelson and have members from all over the Top of the South (Nelson, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Collingwood, Motueka).
Our club is affiliated with the New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association.
The clubs follows the objectives of Tread Lightly, an organisation formed to protect the environment and enhance recreational access ethically.
Before joining, prospective members are encouraged to go on two trips as a guest of their nominator or someone appointed by the club.
Our Club averages from 65 to 75 members annually which is still quite big nowadays. In the earlier days we had up to 130 members. We also have four life members.
As with any club a minimum number of rules have had to be compiled with safety in mind. These include vehicle requirements and insurance.
Our Club trips range from Grade 1 which is classed as a shiny trip through to Grade 5. Some trips have a mix of grades. Our trip coordinator works in with the trips leaders to try and deliver a good mix of trips for our members needs or wants.
We usually run at least two trips per month (excepting January). Our trips range from farmland, forestry, the wild West Coast, beach runs to lighthouses, scenery and historical, especially gold mining relics. We have an annual snow trip and also week-long safaris throughout NZ.
We provide all our members with a monthly magazine either by way of hard copy or email eleven months of the year.
Other activities our members get involved with are marshalling other motorsports, volunteering for Search & Rescue (SAR) and other local activities when 4WDs are needed.
With all that happens in our club we have a good number of members who compete in the Mainland Winching Challenge each year. Last year Nelson Four Wheel Drive Club had a few teams entered either in the Series or in just a round or two. Some of them came home with top placings.
Clubman Class: Neil Albury and co-drivers Ann Albury/Chris Baird, Miles and Shayne and new members John and Tyra Boylett.
Open Class: Rowan Coutts and Chad Mitchener along with Gordon Jackett and Brain Brockett.
Outlaw Class: Scotty Newport with daughter Megan as co-driver.
Another member who is now a life member is Andrew Satherly, known as Sav. He has been around the four-wheel-driving scene in NZ for a number of years, probably best known as the “Sav and Scotty” team.
We welcome any inquiries regarding membership or if you are in a club and want information regarding four-wheel-driving in our area please get in touch.
Contact details
President: Scotty Newport - 027 499 7098 or nel4x4@gmail.com
