Is This New Zealand's Most Scenic 4WD Track?

Join us on an epic 4WD journey into New Zealand's old gold mining town, Macetown. Experience the rugged terrain, discover the town's rich history, and witness the rare Defender Wolf-one of only two in the country.
Support us on Patreon to help preserve these remarkable adventures. Get ready for an unforgettable expedition! Subscribe now!
Patreon: www.patreon.co...
For Land Rover parts, I use www.g-rover.co.nz (NZ only)
Myself and Dad in the Series 2a
Dan and Rachelle in the red Series 1
Ben in his Defender 90
And Paul in his Defender wolf
My Instagram: / hayden_jones_series2a
If you need new tyres, look no further than the guys at Maxxis
www.maxxis.com...

[@OS-hx4jk]

Can't understand why your channel doesn't have 100k subs already.

[@hayden_jones]

Me too !! 😅 One way to help is by sharing the videos with family and friends.

[@OS-hx4jk]

@@hayden_jones I do all the time!

[@jayesh5131]

​@@hayden_jones Need to work on the editing , But one day you'll get there 5k to 100k 🎉

[@hayden_jones]

Any tips? What could I improve on?

[@shaunperry811]

might not be at 100k subs but you're above 100k views!!!

[@Measuretwicelad]

Finally, a 4x4 video where the engines aren’t red lining, bits flying off, tires ripping up the tracks. I’m super jealous of your awesome trail and fresh water crossings, Perth West Australia 👍👍

[@lesmondk3376]

Lots of tracks in the South Island and heaps of river crossings

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks. It's definitely not all about red lining the revs, massive tyres, and ripping up the landscape. I'm glad you're enjoying the content 😊

[@joedulewich3207]

Oh my God! This is killing me! Here I am, in Canada, house for sale, married to a Kiwi woman who wants to go home....and lucky me, wants to take MY sorry ass with her.... We are just waiting for the sale and we are on the plane... Landrovers are something I have memorized from owning several, including a series one pick up. I AM going to look you folks up when we get there.. Thank so much for the video folks...( new subscriber). Stay Healthy, Be Strong, Live Well, Die Shameless.

[@Crust2013]

Too many here now

[@bushmanPMRR]

This epitomises why your videos are so good: great cars, a bit of local history and some utterly jaw-dropping scenery! No BS, no 'perch the merch' but simply excellent videos. Many thanks & greetings from Ireland

[@hayden_jones]

Thank you very much! There are many more to come.

[@briananderson5634]

Drove in there several times in my old 1956 Chevrolet 2wd pickup truck. Good fun!

[@Chris-NZ]

Back in the late 50’s and early 60’s groups of us little kids used to wander up these rivers armed with our gold pans hoping to make our fortune , we didn’t but the memory of that place especially the autumn colours is still in the memory. Great drive, those early miners were amazing , not least cutting those roads into the cliff sides ,getting those heavy timbers and machinery up to Macetown. I don’t know how I stumbled over your channel but great work , it looks like a lot of challenge and fun . 😀. Cheers Chris, ex CHCH boy 😀

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks Chris, I'm glad you stumbled across the channel. NZ is full of amazing history, tracks, scenery. I'm just glad I get the opportunity to show you all of it. Cheers

[@stephenmcintosh93]

watching this reminds me how much i enjoyed these kind of runs... and gives me a kick to get my defender back on the road. lovely scenery ,awesome mountains in the background.

[@hayden_jones]

I love it when my videos help motivate people to get their vehicles back out there.

[@timhenderson9794]

Man those drone shots were unreal. Best video yet I think

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers mate. I agree 👍🏼

[@ALL_4_WHEELS]

Mate what a vid! You have some epic views! Love this channel so much!! Well done Mr H!! 🤜⭐️⭐️⭐️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks so much !! 🙏🏼

[@iamie153]

Back in early 1984 my wife and I were planning to head up to Macetown but it was too late in the day so we planned to come back the next day. Overnight was when the skies opened and the southland floods were the consequence. We have never managed to get back there but your video has inspired me to add it to the retirement list. Thank you.

[@hayden_jones]

Wow, well, I hope you can make it one day soon. Autumn is probably the best time to do it.

[@iamie153]

@@hayden_jones indeed, I figured your trip was either late March or early April.

[@samhunt9380]

Old Canterbury Landrover Club member here, living in Australia since 1971. I enjoyed this immensely. Loved the old Landies. Still drive one to this day. Getting old so I need the comfort of a RR Sport....lol. Cheers Thanks for sharing. Subscribed.

[@hayden_jones]

Awesome, thanks, Sam. Yeah, I could see myself in a RR when I'm a few years older. But for now, I can still handle the loud, uncomfortable ride of my Series 2a 🤣🤣 just !!

[@calsurflance5598]

Certainly worth the wait Hayden. Such a beautiful country. I live near the gold country in California. Those stamp mills were deafening when they were running so I’m told. Lots of abandoned mills around here, and even an enormous gold river dredge. Thanks for the NZ history lesson. Those Landys were right in their element. Thanks for this Hayden!👌 well done!

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers 👍🏼 I really appreciate it 🙏🏼

[@Mark-bl1rf]

Fantastic time of year to head in there. I did it about the same time of year 7 years ago. My favourite 4wd adventure.

[@hayden_jones]

The Autumn colours make the trip perfect.

[@nigelbarrett1929]

Loving the content Hayden, especially the cameos by Ross. I've had three attempts to get to Macetown on the motorbike and each time had to turn around due to the river being too high. The last one involved an unplanned swim, I can confirm its cold.

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks so much, Nigel. You'll just have to keep trying because it's definitely worth the trip. I wish we spent more time up there looking around. Unfortunately 2 of the crew had to get back to Christchurch the same day.

[@judyjones168]

Wow Hayden you really captured Macetown at its finest , absolutely stunning , & very interesting , cheers

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks so much 🙏🏼

[@andrewrosanowski7910]

It's a great trip done it myself back in the day, with our series 3 SWB... loved it!

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers mate. Best track in NZ ?

[@andrewrosanowski7910]

@@hayden_jones could well be!

[@frankshizzlemin8809]

Wow 😮 Absolutely LOVED it !!! Fantastic video Hayden. What amazing scenery

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks mate 👍🏼

[@PIRFICSTATION]

Wow, always amazing scenery and great filming Hayden keep up the good work. How does your channel not have 100k subs

[@hayden_jones]

Good question! Thanks mate

[@nickybeazley4727]

What a magic day, love all the colours. Makes me want to take another trip up to Macetown, it’s been a while.

[@hayden_jones]

It's a magical place. Thanks 😊

[@smled9256]

Amazing drone footage and the autumn colours are beautiful. Will add it to my must do list!

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks. Definitely add it to the list!

[@fovo2]

Awesome area. Been a while since I did it in a 4x4. Last 2 times was on my mountain bike. Yearly mob race Glenda bay to arrow town. The Motatapu.

[@TheLandyfan]

Fairplay, one the best trails videos, with hands down the best vehicles, superb. What an absolutely stunning trail, just makes you want to go there. Just wow.

[@hayden_jones]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chops6302]

Excellent video thanks Hayden, thanks for sharing. Looking forward to getting my 2A up into the high country in Vic/NSW this coming spring.

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers. 👍🏼 You guys have such a massive area to explore.

[@cwmckie]

Another great video, Hayden. Making me very homesick. Pretty good effort with the old mining relic commentary too! Guessing there is a significant overlap between classic Land Rovers and mining history!

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers mate. Rumor has it, the world's best gold miners drive Land Rovers, and only Land Rovers 😁

[@frankshizzlemin8809]

You should go home mate. NZ looks beautiful

[@lesthiele4921]

Greetings Hayden, that was absolutely outstanding and made more so by your drone shots, it just shows you how great New Zealand scenery is, very best regards to you and your all your Landtover mates from a ex ChCh lad now living in Melbourne 👍👍👍👍

[@hayden_jones]

Always appreciate the lovely comments from you, Les. 👍🏼

[@pauldaniell4407]

Excellent Hayden...what happened to the bit with the goats!?

[@hayden_jones]

😆 😂 the goats didn't make the cut. I'll include them in a bloopers video one day 😆

[@ABCampingTony]

Loved this. Would be fun to go along with you guys sometime. Tony

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers Tony. Follow me on Instagram, and we'll chat.

[@anthonyschuld6301]

Thanks for sharing. Top spot thus will definitely be on the list to do. Awesome sicef NZ.

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks 👍🏼 😊

[@dubemccready7438]

now that was good to follow & see what our seniors had to do to earn a income back in the day of Gold MIning in the South Island cheers everyone.

[@youclassic1411]

Haydenさん、日本からこんにちは。 いつも、素晴らしいトリップをありがとうございます。 今回はディフェンダーウルフも 仲間入りですね。 私もウルフに乗っているのですが、 戦場の過酷な日々を過ごした ウルフが、あんなに素晴らしい 景色の中で第二の人生を送る事ができるのは、とても感慨深いものがあります。 これからも、素敵なトリップに 連れ出してあげてください。 私のウルフも日本の良い景色を見せてあげようと思います。 これからも、素晴らしいトリップを 楽しみにしています。

[@tomasimawirokodiva8553]

Mean Video my Brother Big H 👏👏🥇don’t worry my brother I’ll spread the word 💪👏🥇

[@robertwaters2772]

Brilliant colours in autumn

[@hayden_jones]

The best time to do this track

[@whirlymurley3974]

Ive done this a few times now and its awesome.. Changes slightly everytime with water heights etc and seasons

[@hayden_jones]

It truly is one of the best tracks in my opinion. It has a bit of everything.

[@xarups]

Just found the channel. What an epic Journey. Loved it.

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers 👍🏼

[@PhootiePhreak]

Those drone shots were outstanding mate. What a beautiful country to drive in. Top stuff!

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers mate. Appreciate it

[@TheOverlandLegend]

That looks like Land Rover paradise, beautiful

[@hayden_jones]

You're not wrong.

[@CRN8091]

Looks like a lot of fun!

[@mikeeverett4705]

Nice video ! Awesome colour and very well edited 👌

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers Mikey 👍🏼 Glad you enjoyed it

[@pedros.m.7960]

Aunque el vídeo tiene ya varios meses, yo lo acabo de ver ahora mismo y me pareció un trabajo espectacular, el sitio es insuperable, el magnífico río, la vegetación, los colores de las hojas de los árboles desde el amarillo al rojizo, pasando por los ocres y djferentes tonos de verde y marrón, las tomas aereas. Un trabajo muy interesante y por el cuál os felicito. ❤❤🙂🙂👍👍

[@beardymanadventuresnz]

Beautiful place, haven't been up since i was a teen, might have to come back in summer and do the track.... so many to do in the S.I though :)

[@hayden_jones]

Yeah we're very lucky with all the fantastic tracks to choose from

[@kdrgardens9778]

Hi Hayden, Hi from Bathurst NSW AU. I am loving your videos. I watch them on my television and i'm really really enjoying them. I cannot add comments on my telly so I'm just on here to say thank you for putting them up. love your stuff.

[@kdrgardens9778]

P.S. I'm subbed twice. On my Telly and my Laptop.

[@hayden_jones]

Thank you so much for your support. I've always wanted to go to Bathurst to watch the great race.

[@bittersweet340]

Did know this heritage cite existed... wonderful place located in the valley

[@TikitourOverland]

Awesome track that ay! sick footage to mate 👍

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks mate 😁 appreciate it

[@nicmarshall5967]

Wow my first trip into there was a vallent wagon and an fait coupe.

[@ben_orchard]

Great capture of a great day

[@lyndonkapoor8823]

Another must do trail to add to the list. Thank you for a great video 👌

[@hayden_jones]

You definitely should!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Awesome stuff as usual!

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers mate 👍🏼

[@marionnatale8230]

I agree with OS. This is so good and the scenery is amazing. LOVE IT!!! 🙏❤️✝️

[@hayden_jones]

Thank you. 😊

[@glenmooney4574]

Really enjoyed that. Great drone footage 😁

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@OrinAdamthwaite]

Keep it up mate! Beautiful country!

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks mate. 👍🏼

[@euanhowden4193]

Nice, your comment at the end about last time was as an 8 year old would be the same for me, now to do it with my kids

[@hayden_jones]

Time flies !! Making these memories now with your kids will last a life time

[@peanutmack]

Absolute scenes!

[@Motumatai3]

Being Land Rovers, do you have to put an oil boom across the stream downriver from all your river Xings?!!!

[@hayden_jones]

Well, in our Land Rover river-crossing adventures in New Zealand, we've enlisted the help of an extraordinary species: the majestic kiwi bird! Yes, these flightless wonders have surprisingly taken up the task of oil boom deployment. With their keen sense of direction and determination, they scuttle downriver, carrying mini-booms on their beaks. They might not fly, but they sure know how to make a splash! And don't be fooled by their fluffy appearance; these kiwi conservation crusaders take their river-crossing duties seriously, ensuring that our Land Rovers glide through pristine waterways without a drop of oil in sight. It's a true kiwi-tastic collaboration that keeps both our vehicles and nature looking beautiful!

[@sleepingdog334]

@@hayden_jones - yep

[@lesmondk3376]

@@sleepingdog334he’s got a Toyota engine that’s why he’s got no leaks lol

[@datjeepcray4188]

Woof, shots fired!

[@hayden_jones]

😁

[@trevorspeedy6333]

We did Greymouth , Hokatika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka and TeAnau, what beautiful country it is compared to our homeland Australia. We would love to come back again and do some of that. Wonder what the hire car company would say doing it in a hire vehicle.

[@SymonGnome]

Glad to see you recovered your drone. The shots from it were amazing. The water wasn't too bad: after about the third crossing my feet were numb and I couldn't feel how cold the water was. I didn't go up to the stamping batteries. By the time I got to Macetown I was tired enough and still had to bike back.

[@hayden_jones]

Ohhh, were you the guy pushing the bike up the hill while I was running down in a panic ? 🤣

[@SymonGnome]

@@hayden_jones yes. I didn't have the fitness to ride up that hill.

[@michaelmorahan57]

there is a stamping battery at tuapeka mouth where the tuapeka river flows into the clutha river

[@gardencity-solar]

Awesome video mate.

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks mate 👍🏼

[@hayden_jones]

And thanks for the SUPER THANKS $$$, you're the first person to say thanks with $.

[@PhootiePhreak]

Inspector Gadget! Obviously the solar game is going good haha

[@rogercarter2470]

Great video Hayden looks a cracking trip. I have visited Arrowtown before (from UK), hopefully returning to the area February 24, do any companies run trips along that route?

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks 👍🏼 Yes, I think there's a company called Nomad safaris.

[@raisalahuddin955]

So beautiful track. Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@gibbonarms]

Primo, Invincible mine is another must do 👌

[@hayden_jones]

Yeah, I definitely want to check out that site.

[@gibbonarms]

@@hayden_jones the views up the Reese valley are stunning. I've brought my mtb from the UK to NZ, but no room for my landy

[@scapekiwi]

incredible drone footage!!!

[@markl2504]

Just beautiful mate 😍😍5:36 got myself a screen saver

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers. Not a bad screen saver!!

[@tewaewae]

First ford on the way up was used for the river crossing scene in the first Lord of the Rings movie. We went up Mace town in the 80s in a Subaru ute.

[@mikebrennan6165]

Thanks Hayden, whilst we've got some great tracks here in the UK, I am very envious of what you have over there! Maybe one day I'll get to ship my 110 over for a few months :) No tracks for me just yet though, got a few weekends of welding ahead before the annual trauma of the MOT test :(

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks. Yes, we're very lucky here in NZ.

[@fbwnsan]

This is just epic!

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers. Pretty lucky to have these types of scenes at our back doorstep.

[@AndreBrunner-u9d]

Flippin awesome. Fantastic views

[@rJBowker007]

Mountain biked that track in 95 with my girlfriemd at the time. Needless to say it almost ended the relationship on the day 😂

[@hayden_jones]

🤣🤣🤣

[@alastairrigden4441]

epic video, do you know if the track is accessible through winter, August/September

[@hayden_jones]

Definitely, but as always, it depends on the river level.

[@im_just_a_sad_guy]

Best youtuber ever❤️‍🔥

[@AdventureswithLaurenandJake]

Amazing

[@Krav57]

Absolutely beautiful… but I can’t help but think … who’s got the recovery gear? And what about fuel. at 10MPG (I have a 95 D90) and a 16-17gal tank… I’m always thinking about fuel….

[@hayden_jones]

We all carry recovery gear. I used less than half a tank of diesel on this track, but on longer trips, we all carry spare fuel.

[@cuzzybro2199]

I miss NZ

[@morsey9]

Stunning shots! I wonder if your drone might be set to a different frame rate compared to the rate selected in your editing software? I've had it cause slight stuttering in videos and setting it the same helped smooth it out.

[@hayden_jones]

Hey, thanks for the tip. I'll check it out.

[@XavierRadić_NZL]

As we locals know, Macetown is a great trip and location to visit... 26+ river crossings, history & scenery. Whether on foot, motorbike, quad, horse and other vehicle... best times Dec - Mar, outside these times can be really dangerous and reckless, mainly due to weather changes and water levels. It has been over 50 years since my last full trek into Macetown, mid-summer, and still one river crossing close to Macetown itself was over 3ft deep!!, hazardous, even in summer. I am penning this only partway through your trip, so will be interested in how you and your vehicles manage the hard rock parts in and out of river, with no smooth easy options to dig or grind the pathway!! Take care & stay safe. 💜💜(PS: Please can I suggest you do not take any pets/animals on any of your trips, as travel through, over, into any DOC land or High Country Stations is best avoided. It is now illegal to have pets on any DOC land, without permit! - "You are not allowed to take a pet into conservation land without DOC permission. This includes national parks, wildlife areas and reserves...You must not camp or visit a hut, lodge or cottage on conservation land with a pet unless DOC has provided written approval. It is an offence even if your pet stays within your camp or vehicle. This includes at national parks, wildlife areas and reserves." ref: www.doc.govt.nz - 2024) This is also another way, you can find any future access denied off-road.

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers for the advice 👍🏼

[@XavierRadić_NZL]

@@hayden_jones Thanks and most kind, Hayden. 💜💜 Keep up the good work.

[@juliansmith9824]

Driving up a river! Who's heard of such a thing!, so lucky you are!, we're not even allowed to walk beside some of our rivers cos they go through private land or are for fishing permit holders only. Enjoy your beautiful countryside.

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks so much. What country are you in ?

[@juliansmith9824]

South coast of England! Uk that is! Great videos! Keep them coming!

[@juliansmith9824]

I visited New Zealand 24 years ago,drove from Cape Reinga to Bluff over a space of 5 weeks. Truly an amazing country. Even better because of all the land rovers there.

[@kenbearsley8322]

You're lucky you have the comforts of a four wheel drive. Think how they did that back in the day's of the gold rush. Getting the timber, machinery etc in, then Getting the gold out. And we complain we have it hard now. The worst you guys would have is a flat tyre or carrying extra fuel and some tools for getting out.

[@hayden_jones]

Absolutely.

[@notsorare]

Another two batteries up the creek before the Homeward bound battery The track is a little overgrown now

[@hayden_jones]

Yeah, we saw the sign indicating where they were. If we had more time, we probably would have checked them out. Cool part of the country.

[@4x4ManiacBadTimeGarage]

awesome

[@Mooreish]

So close to Paradise

[@tewaewae]

Paradise is about 90 kms away. Top of Lake Wakatipu. Beautiful camping spot

[@robertsteel3563]

Now I really want to get a 4WD/4x4 SUV/Ute!

[@hayden_jones]

DO IT !!

[@robertsteel3563]

@@hayden_jones I will once I get the money!

[@nigeldawson6794]

Hi I did this trip back in summer 1990 in a 2wd ute . Still amazing now.

[@robertsteel3563]

@@nigeldawson6794 So i guess I can save some money and get a 2wd/rwd/fwd ute/suv and it'll be mostly fine then! 😅

[@vernonsim-o6o]

i wish i could join your adventures 😁

[@Grunzaa]

Love the Wolf

[@hayden_jones]

It's pretty cool 😎

[@syedali8974]

These are grandfather of suvs hayden Watching on 1 am From odisa India

[@hayden_jones]

Cheers 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@marcusbrown6326]

Cool trip

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks. It's one of my favorites

[@borntoexplore4x48]

Nice video guys

[@hayden_jones]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Like the landys wish I’d kept mine SWB series 3 brought it new from the uk

[@hayden_jones]

Yeah, rule #1. Never sell your Landy

[@MountainGuerrilla]

wouldn't;t want to meet someone coming the other way on some of those tracks

[@hayden_jones]

You're exactly right. Thankfully, every time we came across other vehicles, there was a small spot to pull over.

[@allgood6760]

Great country mate! 👍🇳🇿

[@hayden_jones]

She's a beauty 😍 🇳🇿

[@wild_rover2648]

stunning, thanks

[@hayden_jones]

No worries 👍🏼

[@northislandguy]

If only we could bring our trucks from Oz and go off-roading it would be so good!! 🤙🏽

[@hayden_jones]

Agreed!!

[@nimeshvala1793]

New Zealand the great ❤

[@tea_for_the_tillerman]

"12 seconds later" 😂

[@hayden_jones]

In all honesty, it was probably bloody close to that !! hahaha

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

Is it a 4wd only track or can AWD cars with good ground clearance do it?

[@hayden_jones]

It's not a hard track, but some of the river crossings can be deep. There are a few spots where ground clearance is needed. I'd probably avoid doing it in a AWD car.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

Is the track easy to follow if you've never been in there before? What about best time of year weather/traffic wise?

[@hayden_jones]

The track is very easy to follow. Lots of river crossings. As for the best time of the year to go, I'd say around March April, when the leaves are changing colours. I'd imagine the busiest months would be Dec/Jan, but I could be wrong.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

@@hayden_jones thanks for the reply mate, you guys are rolling some nice Landies there. I was confused at the end though, how come none of them broke down? ;)

[@hayden_jones]

50% of them aren't running a Land Rover engine 😂

[@michaelwashington5643]

nice one buff diesel

[@hayden_jones]

Thanks mate 👍🏼 😎

[@ping8654]

well done, didn't know you could go 4WD without 37" MTs, LED lightbars, rooftop tents, a fully kitted trailer and 2 winches. 🤣

[@hayden_jones]

😄😄 yip, it is possible

[@shanecollie5177]

Yeah been in plenty of times over the years,on one occasion my brother and i went in with a 2wd gn 620 datsun ute with snow chains on,could only get to the old township as not enough ground clearance to get to the mining battery.

[@StephenCookson-xc3ho]

I remember this day 2007 working alongside my brother Robert Cookson state highway 20 Queenstown off ramp Matt Digger Tristan Kim Rod Anthony Marty

[@halburtonwarrington-minge3434]

A kiwi in Chicago missing the place..... badly.

[@hayden_jones]

That's fair. I'm in Christchurch, and I'm missing the place as well !! 😁 Currently working on a new video.... stay tuned.

[@davidforbes6250]

Stalwart Stig.

[@honahwikeepa2115]

Meke hikio 💪🙏👊😎👍