Kaimanawa Forest Clements Road Circuit
Wild horse country and military zones in remote ranges
Deep in the Kaimanawa Ranges, Clements Road cuts through some of New Zealand’s most isolated high country, where wild Kaimanawa horses roam freely and army training exercises echo through empty valleys. This forestry loop road climbs from the Rangitikei River up onto the windswept Kaimanawa Plateau, passing through active military training areas where unexploded ordnance signs remind you this isn’t your typical Sunday drive. The notorious Clements Mill bridge crossing marks the halfway point, where many vehicles turn back rather than tackle the technical descent through Breakfast Creek.
Expert-level difficulty demands modified 4WD with rock sliders, winch recovery gear, and satellite communication — cell service is nonexistent and army training can close roads without warning. Winter access is impossible due to snow; stick to December-March weather windows. No permits needed but check with Waiouru Army Base for training schedules. Carry minimum two days’ fuel and water plus emergency supplies. Wild camping is allowed but respect military restricted zones. The reward is experiencing New Zealand’s last true wilderness, complete with wild horses and untouched native forest that few Kiwis ever see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4265 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Taihape, Manawatu-Wanganui |
| Land manager | New Zealand Defence Force |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to run Kaimanawa Forest Clements Road Circuit?
A modified 4WD with a lift, all-terrain tires, and full recovery gear — snatch block, straps, hi-lift, the works. A stock SUV will get you hurt out here; this is an expert-rated circuit with no bailout support nearby.
When is the circuit actually driveable?
December through March is the window. Outside of summer, the high-altitude sections get snow and ice and the river crossings can blow out completely — this is not a trail you want to test in shoulder season.
Do you need a permit to drive through the military zone?
Parts of the circuit cross New Zealand Defence Force land — contact NZDF Waiouru in advance to confirm access and any active training restrictions before you roll out. Showing up without checking is how you get turned around 30km in.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The high-country ridge sections with the steep, loose dirt climbs and the river crossings are where rigs get stuck or damaged. Expect off-camber shelf roads, no room to pass, and water crossings with no clear depth markers — probe before you drive.
There's zero cell service — how do people handle communication and navigation out there?
Carry a PLB (personal locator beacon) or a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach — this is non-negotiable on a 2-3 day loop this remote. Download offline topo maps before you leave Taihape and don't rely on anything cloud-dependent once you're on trail.
Trail track
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