Image via Hayden Jones/YouTube
For those who know, New Zealand is one of the most scenic parts of the world. There’s a reason it was selected as the filming location for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with diverse and absolutely picturesque settings throughout the island nation. While some think the best way to experience that is just visiting the established filming locations in a well-worn pilgrimage, we think off-roading through the country is the best way to go.
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And when we’re talking about off-roading, we’re not referring to driving down some fire roads. YouTuber Hayden Jones shares his adventure through the New Zealand wilderness with his friends in several Land Rover Defenders as they ford rivers, crawl over obstacles, and test their mettle against nature.
One of those Defenders is special in its own way. The Defender Wolf is a decommissioned UK military transport, one of only two to be in New Zealand, at least according to Jones. Military-spec vehicles can be a big deal in some off-roading circles and for these guys it’s clearly a feather in the owner’s cap.
Jones claims the video he shared is of their journey along the most scenic trail in the country. We couldn’t say for sure whether he’s right or not, but we can say it’s incredibly pretty there. The foliage is vibrant, the waters looks crystal blue, even the rocks have a hue about them that’s captivating.
As they traverse a landscape which looks like a living painting, they make their way eventually to a defunct mining town called Macetown. That part would be of interest to history buffs, allowing access to historical areas most never see, something else off-roading through different areas can provide if you’re so inclined.
But the scenery is breathtaking. And we know usually that kind of beauty doesn’t fully translate through the camera lens, so to behold that portion of the countryside with your own eyes would be quite the treat.
Check it out for yourself.
Image via Hayden Jones/YouTube
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