A survey carried out by the Auckland Regional Council saw the Jeep park gaining significantly more support and recognition than any other local recreational 4x4 venue.
"It's a big vote of thanks to the efforts we have put in to make this place an interesting, fun and safe experience for owners of four-wheel-drive vehicles and their families," says Roger Winslade, the man behind the project.
"The support and use of the park has been going from strength-to-strength and we are looking at a number of new ideas to make it an even better attraction.
The off-road venue was created in mid-2008 with support from Jeep, the world's foremost four-wheel-drive brand, to cater for the thousands of 4x4 owners who live within easy reach of Woodhill, half-an-hour to the west of Auckland. There are more than 100 kilometres of 4x4 trails over 2250 acres through the forest, ranging from easy driving to tough tests on the sand-based terrain.
As well as attracting individual owners, the park also caters for groups and clubs and is the official venue for the Jeep 101 training courses run through Jeep dealers, where Jeep owners are instructed on the safe and enjoyable way to enjoy the legendary off-road capability of their vehicles.
David Smith, General Manager of Chrysler New Zealand, which oversees the Jeep brand in this market, says he is delighted with the public and council recognition of the park.
"We recognised the need for a professionally run four-wheel-drive venue in New Zealand and were happy to put our support behind it - Roger and his team deserve the results they are now achieving," adds Mr Smith.
Word of the Jeep Woodhill 4WD Adventure Park has even spread beyond New Zealand shores, with tourists from the UK seeking out information on the www.jeep4wdpark.co.nz website and making bookings as part of their holiday experiences in this country. Enquiries have also come from cruise ships calling at Auckland and wanting some fun activities for passengers.
Mr Winslade says the Jeep Woodhill 4WD Adventure Park is viewed as the ideal way to enjoy four-wheel-driving without causing damage to fragile land and the environment, because the venue is a working forest that is planted on sand and is designated as an official recreational area.
Visitors to the Jeep 4WD park will be able to enjoy new experiences planned for the coming year, including the use of a commercial sand quarry at the southern end of the forest, which can be made available for special events, such as a mini off-road trials area. Another former quarry is being set up for night-time four-wheel-driving for members of off-road clubs.
Mr Winslade says the park is also purchasing a tracked passenger vehicle, similar to those used in the Antarctic, as a tourist promotion.
Visitors can find out more by calling 0800 40 60 10.
