Offroad safari for 'shiny' 4x4s

BY MATTHEW DALLAS

"Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads."

Plimmerton Rotary Club's latest fundraiser is not so much Back to the Future as it is 'back to nature - with a few bumps', but the reference remains just as relevant.

The club is hosting an off-road four-wheel drive safari for beginners through Porirua's back-blocks on February 20. It is aimed at folks who may have a 4x4, but are perhaps a little nervous about taking it off the tarseal.

"It's not a hoony thing," says spokesperson Wendy Betteridge.

"It's a 'shiny' 4x4 safari not a serious 4x4 safari. For those who want to go off-road, without their vehicle getting a scratch."

Folks who don't have a 4x4 can also take part as a passenger in one of the 14 vehicles being provided by the Wellington Cross Country Vehicle Club.

Starting at the Hutt Valley end of State Highway 58 (the Haywards Hill Rd), the convoy will drive inland over hills, across Moonshine Rd, through Transmission Gully and come out on the Paekakariki Hill Rd at Battle Hill. The adventure will run from 9am to about 3pm.

Ms Betteridge says organisers have permission from about a dozen landowners to cross their land, so the safari is an opportunity for local people to experience a part of the region not usually open to private vehicles, "traversing narrow, cleared tracks through creeks and streams, and native bush on all sides".

A practice run over some of the terrain one evening last week offered "stunning views and spectacular scenery as far as the eye can see".

The route features no obstacles and has been selected by experts in off-road driving, who will also supervise on the day. Beaurepaires will be on-hand at the start and finish of the safari to deflate and inflate tyres (so the vehicles don't bounce around too much).

Cost $100 per vehicle  or $35 to be a passenger in a club vehicle. This covers all rights of passage and a light barbecue lunch. Proceeds go to Wellington Free Ambulance to help with buying new ambulance equipment.

All people need is their camera and a drink of water, says Ms Betteridge.

For more information and to register interest, visit: 4x4safari-rotaryclub.co.nz/index.html.

- Kapi-Mana News