Respect the Ruts: 42 Traverse Closes for Winter

It’s a tough reality check, but a necessary one — the 42 Traverse is now closed to four-wheel drives until 1 December. While it’s always disappointing to lose access to one of the North Island’s most iconic tracks, the decision from the Department of Conservation (DOC) is all about long-term preservation — and it’s something we stand behind at 4XJournal.

We were recently contacted directly by DOC with this update, and we’re proud to say we’ll be working more closely with them going forward to help raise awareness around responsible track use, closures, and conservation priorities across New Zealand. The aim? To keep trails like the 42 Traverse open for future generations.

Why the Closure Matters

The 42 Traverse, or T42, winds through the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area — home to threatened species like kiwi and whio. As DOC’s Tongariro Team Lead Michael Christie puts it, “Winter off-roading causes heavy track damage, affecting our work and impacting the track experience for other users.”

But it’s not just about the ruts. Wet, unstable soils mean safety risks increase, especially with larger vehicles. Slips, washouts, and track degradation are real issues in winter conditions, and repairs stretch DOC’s already tight funding and priorities.

“If you wreck it, it will likely become inaccessible to everyone,” Christie warns. It’s a stark reminder that access is a privilege, not a right.

Alternatives to Explore

Just because some tracks are closed for winter doesn’t mean the 4WD fun stops. Consider these off-season alternatives:

• Training Days – Use the downtime to brush up on recovery techniques, winching, and off-road driving skills at a club day or private property.

• Maintenance Missions – Sort those repairs, upgrades, and mods you’ve been putting off. Your truck will thank you when summer rolls around.

• Trip Planning – Lock in your summer 4WD calendar. Research permits, closures, and legal access for backcountry routes across the country.

• Support Local – Explore open trails that are managed with all-weather surfaces or maintained year-round by regional councils or clubs.

We're in This Together

As 4WDers, we’re stewards of the tracks we love. The closure of the 42 Traverse is a call to action — to do better, plan smarter, and treat these places with the care they deserve.

We’ll continue working with DOC and other land managers to keep you in the loop on future closures, seasonal alerts, and best practices. Because at the end of the day, it’s about more than just the drive — it’s about protecting the whenua beneath our wheels.

📍 42 Traverse reopens to four-wheel drives on 1 December. Until then, leave the mud tyres at home — and let’s tread lightly.