Directions

From Westport, take State Highway 67 north to Waimangaroa – turn right from the main road, on to the road to Denniston. Drive up the Denniston Road to the top.

Denniston - 4WD

Four wheel driving is an increasingly popular recreational activity, which provides access to challenging terrain and unique environments.

The Department of Conservation, Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd and the Buller 4WD club have, in partnership, created an opportunity for 4WD use on the Denniston Plateau.  The Denniston Plateau is a unique environment. With a fragile ecosystem and a wealth of human history, it provides an opportunity high in natural, historic and recreational values.  Responsibilities that accompany 4WD activities ensure these areas are maintained and make it possible for all users to have continued access to areas.

The Environment

The Denniston Plateau is a unique part of New Zealand. A vast plateau, its remoteness and ruggedness make it a wild and dramatic landscape. A highly sensitive ecological area, its geological make-up of sandstone over coal gives it a thin and highly acidic soil layer. This, combined with high rainfall, high wind exposure, and low sunshine hours, are challenging conditions for survival. The alpine plants that have adapted to live in this harsh environment are slow growing and fragile. The combination of alpine and pakihi/wetland areas that make up the plateau provide specific habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.  Stunted shrubs including manuka and pink pine live among sheltering tussocks, the most common of those being red tussock. Small red sundews are a feature of the wetland areas, their sticky droplets enticing tiny insects.  The plateau is home to the nationally endangered species of carnivorous land snail patrickensis of native snail in the area.  Other significant native species include the great spotted kiwi, which can be heard calling at night.  Weka, kea, and fernbirds can be seen during the daytime and with a little care, skinks and geckos scurrying across rocks.

♦ Please note; the access gate key code system is no more.  This has been removed and the site is free access to all.

For history, tracks & a lot more click here.