As one of the few destinations for 4WDing close to Auckland, the Woodhill readers trips have proved to be very popular and so it was again this year.

Unfortunately, an administration error with CHH Forests meant the forest was double-booked, with a motorbike event, for the Saturday and we had to cancel. We didnt want bike riders as hood ornaments!

Those who were able to swap to the Sunday trip certainly had a very good day within the forest. The weather was warm and the sun shone all day and there were even some new tracks and challenges to keep everyone on their toes.

Vehicles ranged from Simon Camp in his Toyota RAV4 and Colin Figgins in the Kia Sorento to Ken Henderson and his petrol V8-powered Dodge Ram. There were some concerns beforehand as to how the huge Dodge would cope on the tight forest trails but Ken and the Dodge proved they were up to the task.

Ken later commented it wasnt the potential damage to the vehicle he was worried about but the cost to CHH if he damaged any trees!

The reconnaissance team did an excellent job of finding new and interesting places within the forest. There was plenty of water about from the recent rains and enough mud to entertain everyone, especially those who succeeded in getting their group leader covered.

Even the sand hills proved a challenge to a few and several passengers were nervous about the steep down hill. There was still a good mix of cross axle washouts and tree stumps to sidestep, while, all the time, trying to avoid those large pine trees that seem to pop up everywhere.

Once again, lunch was catered inside the forest and it was a surprise to many to exit from the trees into a clearing and find Greg McCartney and the Gourmet Shuttle team ready to serve up a roast beef dinner.

Trip participants also had the opportunity to talk to NZ4WD editor David Kilburn, who was attending his first readers trip since taking over the editors role earlier this year. David also used the trip to try out the Range Rover Sport V8 as well, (the story will appear in next months magazine).

However, it was suggested that he needed to have such a capable off-road vehicle with Terrain Response to make up for any short comings he may have had with his own off-road driving abilities. (Hey, I still had to push the right buttons! DK)

These trips take a lot of planning with mapping out the routes and ensuring the tracks are suitable for everyone. Its a credit to the volunteer assistance from the helpers on these trips that they run so smoothly. 

Many of these helpers travel great distances to assist and special thanks must go to all the helpers who ensured that the participants enjoyed their day.

The next trip is Woodhill on 18-19 November. Unfortunately we have had to postpone the planned Waiouru trip for September until next year..: