Please think about how this video looks to those who know that valley well and want to shut access to 4wds, pretty disrespectful to the valley not to mention those that have worked hard to maintain the track and keep the gates open. Ripping up mudholes adjacent to tracks is not acceptable on public lands so why do you do it and post it publicly?
Great trip I past thru there on the 29th, started snowing in poolburn got heavy by the top of the hill and kept snowing the whole way too lake onslow, I went via the old dustan rd tho and needed chains in the ended mostly for safety since it was getting pretty deep and the snow was turning to ice.
This track has been closed for a couple years now. Due in part by both 4WD and bikes. The general disrespect to the farmer and his property is what ultimately closed it. Dirt bikes are just as bad when it comes to trail damage, and can often be worse when it comes to off-track damage yet it is often not talked about.
I don't believe I did any messing on this track. I stuck to the main lines and barely spun my tires. If i did get stuck, It was a quick recovery using recovery boards. I did indeed have a good night though.
I doubt these trucks did any major impact on the track that day. Thompson's Track is also notoriously known as a rough track and the NZFWDA along with affiliated clubs are doing everything they can to keep this remote road open and accessible to the public. They understand 4WDing has a broad range of interest including those with bigger tyres and Thompsons Track is a place for them to go.
Hey Johno, enjoying your videos! I am hoping to get a 1st 4wd to explore around the Queenstown area and was wondering what you would recommend around the 20-30k mark. I’m confident working on cars (have spent a ton of time building a RX7) but ideally want something reliable. Thanks!!
Wicked to hear friend! Unfortunately, I can't offer too much advise on vehicles within the price range. Never personally dealt with any. Exploring Central Otago and the Queenstown region though doesn't require a massive 4WD. My recommendation is get something stock and add the basic modifications needed for this region. A simple 2" lift and a snorkel will enable you to explore Skippers, Macetown, Rees, Nevis and all of Central without issue.
Personal opinion I feel clubs have a place to help represent us as a unified body. This is why I joined the association however I feel they are often stuck in the dark ages of the 60s where the Willis keep was the new 4wd. The way local clubs look at especially younger guys who have built bigger units with 35s or bigger means a lot of younger guys tend to go find the tracks ourselves. I think clubs are not obsolete they just need some “ updating” to recognise that just cos I have 37 treps on my overlander doesn’t mean I want to go rip up everyone’s front lawn.
That is one of the issues and its bound to happen. Every organization ever is going to have some friction when new blood comes in with updated ideas. It can be hard for the guys who have been running it for 15 years to now hand it over to some young bloke. It is inevitable though, they don't realize they were the young bloke once who came into the club and stirred it up. Just as once us young blokes take over. 15 years down the line we will be the 'dark ages' guy and some new fella is going to come in and stir things up. Its natural but can cause issues. Be open minded and sometimes these things take time to transition to facebook pages rather than snail mail haha
Some clubs out there are just stupid 🙄 treating ordinary people like crap that just wanted to learn, not pointing out any certain club but the few I delt with put me way off
There will always be a bit of friction when new minds join the old. It part of passing the baton. It just unfortunate that if those clubs don't accept these changes that they will simply die out in the end.
Great video and great info! It's unfortunate a small minority of disrespectful people ruin it for those of us that try to do the right thing. The education a club would provide is definitely invaluable in that respect.
Well said! I think land access for clubs has been a huge bonus in joining. Especially with more and more public tracks closing down:( I joined the Cozzie Four Wheelers club here in the Waikato Where are you based? Those birds are loud as! Haha Cheers for the videos, great stuff!
I'm based in Queenstown, seems the bird life here is vibrant once you get out of the city center haha The amount of work that goes into funding the battles to keep tracks open isn't shown nor the money required to do so. Supporting this cause through 4WD clubs is the best thing you can do. Glad to hear your part of one!
New to all this but am totally loving the content you're putting out there. Also, the advice you gave me & my son on our little Central Otago trip April just been. Keep up the great work Jono. Bloody brilliant to see.
Indeed! Smashed up the stock one in the hopkins, couldn't open the boot without the persuasive measures of a hammer. So it is in the plan, to get a swing out wheel carrier on there too and move the spare tyre out from underneath it. Being a 3rd Gen Surf, no one makes a reasonably priced bar so there is a little thinking and making involved and i'm no welder haha
@@4X4MonthlyNZ all good I just wanted to make sure I was told the track was smashed by flooding looks like you done it okay it’s years ago we went up there we were going to go up there over summer but was told it was smashed ,we mite do it this coming summer are things still the same or has the station made it harder to get in cheers
Cool vid man! Yea the rubbish left is always a downer when arriving at campsites. We do the same thing taking everyone elses rubbish out so that was cool to see!
Well there's plenty around but not many I've had a chance to drive through. Central South Island is my local and they definitely seem to be at either end of the south.
Nice video man. Love the overnight camping / cooking on the fire. You're right about the sandflies, they're the one thing that can ruin a trip. The scenery is outstanding.
Tourism life means I never have weekends off to enjoy club missions but its definitely on the agenda to get back out with ya'll again. Weekends could be a thing this winter season. fingers crossed.
