South Island Tracks

[strapper]

Gidday Guys, just joined the forum.

I'm not seriously into off roading, but have had a Ford Territory for the past year and have been really impressed with its ability to get around some of the landfill sites I work on. Have seriously raised some eyebrows of contractors driving Hilux's too

Anyway, I'm looking to take the family down to the Sth Island this Xmas to see the rellies in Akaroa and was thinking of spending another 10-14 days getiing around the bottom and and back up the other side. There may be another one in a Grand Cherokee joining me.

I'm looking for some information on "shiny paint friendly" tracks that are worth persuing. I'm definitely not afraid of getting it dirty, if fact the dirtyer, the better. I just don't like handing over money to panelbeaters and painters when it's not absolutely necessary.

If any of you have some ideas or can point me in the direction, (web sites or people to call) it would be much appreciated.

Looking to go after christmas and into the new year if anyone wants to tag along?

Cheers, Jock

[albundy]

Get a hold of the 4wd touring books. They have plenty of "shiney" tracks in them. You can lend them at most local librarys or buy them, there not too dear. You can get pretty well around central Otago, but would think carefully about Westcoast tracks in your territory, just avoid the mudholes as they can be deep up on Old Man Range. All round Banks Pennisular there are tracks you could do no problems. As for handing over money to fix your truck after a good hard core bush bash, do it myself and don't really get hung up on paint job, but anyway have a great trip and enjoy the scenery, you'll be back in no time its that good.
Al

[strapper]

Cheers Al, as the wife actually owns the car (pay the IRD less tax u know!) she probably wouldn't appreciate me panelbeating the wagon. Something about depreciation!

Catch ya