As winter sets in, the 42 Traverse remains off-limits to four-wheel drives to protect track condition and maintain access for conservation work.
The 42 Traverse, or T42, is a popular multi-use track and off-roading destination in the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area in the Central North Island. The area provides habitat for iconic species including kiwi and whio.
Department of Conservation Team Lead Tongariro Michael Christie says the winter closure to four-wheel drives protects the track and provides safe access for critical conservation work – including protecting threatened species.
"Winter off-roading causes heavy track damage, affecting our work and impacting the track experience for other users.
"It's also a safety issue - large vehicles can increase the risk of slips from sodden soils."
To protect the 42 Traverse, four-wheel drive vehicles are not permitted on the track between May 1 and November 30. These restrictions are outlined in the Tongariro/Taupō Conservation Management Strategy (CMS).
"To be clear, we have to focus our efforts and funding where it matters most, and we cannot afford to continue fixing a road purely so a few can tear it up again," says Michael.
"If you wreck it, it will likely become inaccessible to everyone."
The 42 Traverse extends through native forest, offers superb views back to Tongariro National Park, and is enjoyed by people doing a range of other activities including tramping, hunting, and mountain biking.
The 42 Traverse will reopen to four-wheel drive vehicles from December 1.
