Whatever happened to Crumpy's Hilux?

Turns out that it's alive, reasonably well, and living in Greytown. Top Gear NZ editor Cameron Officer has done a great feature on its life after television in the June issue. It's worth spending $9.80 for a read, especially if your interests extend beyond 4WD.

One weekend in March

Here's a video of the Otamatea Christian School 4WD Safari fundraiser organised in March with the Rodney Off-Road Club and run out of Matakohe. The video's a bit dreary early on, but stick with it as there's some good action later on. Two runs were available, play or safari. The play run consisted of playing in the mud on challenging terrain, with short safari stints between challenges. The safari run meandered over farmland and through bush tracks, enjoying great views and scenery, according to the notes accompanying the video.

June 1 … it's officially winter

A 1989 Range Rover helps get us in the mood for some seasonal slithering. It's taking on the mounds at Jeep Woodhill 4WD Park, bear Auckland.

Kauri Coast – it's six months away, but …

This trip Up North, run in association with the Kauri Coast 4WD Club, is always popular so it's best to get in early. An bonus of the Jan 19th-25th event is that it returns to the stunning silica sands on the east coast; this alone is worth the entry fee. The proposed route goes from Dargaville, along beaches and through forests, following some early settlers' tracks. Safari-goers camp overnight at schools and a golf club and meals will be available each night.

Get in touch with Chris or Leanne Kemp, 0-9-434 6005; 329 McBeth Road, RD9, Whangarei 0179, or email kauricoast4wdclub@yahoo.co.nz. Here's a post from a couple of years ago with a picture of some action in the silica sands.