Owners of four wheel drive vehicles were given a better understanding of their machines and their abilities in a three day off road event run in the lower North Island during the Easter break.
Twenty-five Suzuki four wheel drives comprised most of the entries which were put to the extreme in the recent Zuki Central off-road gathering.
Many participants came away astounded at the capabilities of their vehicles as well as being better equipped to face the challenges of off-road driving.
The Cross Country Vehicle Club (Wellington) joined forces with Suzuki New Zealand in promoting an event that helped encourage both driver training and confidence building.
“The Cross Country Vehicle Club (CVVC) members and families created a comfortable and warming environment which fits the Suzuki way of life,” said Darren Stevens, Dealer Development Manager of Suzuki New Zealand.
“By the third day competitors had expanded their understanding of both the off-road environment and their Suzuki vehicles,” he said.
Zuki Central was based on the jamboree one class concept which is popular in the United States. In Canterbury the Christchurch Suzuki club had already run the Zukfest, a three day event based in Reefton, and the Zuki Central was a natural addition to the four wheel drive calendar.
Conducted and sponsored by the Central Zone of the New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association, Zuki Central was a product of the Wellington Cross Country Vehicle Club. Most participants were from Wellington, but the event also attracted entrants from Wanganui, Hamilton, Taranaki and Hawkes Bay.
The event coincided with the CCVC celebrating its fortieth anniversary, just a year after the iconic Suzuki Jimny enjoyed 40 years of production.
The Jimny model was a keen and capable entrant in the Zuki Central along with near new Grand Vitaras and not so new early generation Vitaras.
Entrants could familiarise themselves with the speed section, blindfold challenge, articulation ramping and the challenges of driving up steep inclines and reversing back down.
“Some of the participants were brand new to four wheel driving so a very rudimentary training section was done before they attempted any of the hazards,” said CCVC organiser Steve Mercer.
Cars were divided into three groups for day two and exploration of the Akatarawa Forest, an area administered by the Greater Wellington Regional Council who liase with the Akatarawara Recreational Access Committee.
This forest stretches north 25 kilometres from Upper Hutt to Waikanae and is around 12 kilometres wide. Located west of the Tararuas, the forest provides excellent opportunities for recreational activities but motorised access is by permit only.
Day three was a drive around the Palliser Bay coast on Orongorongo Station, encompassing plenty of opportunity to drive on loose surface roads.
“Participants told us how much they enjoyed the weekend and how much more confident they were now in their chosen Suzuki,” said Ralph Dobson, President of the Cross Country Vehicle Club and a Vitara owner.
Steve Mercer also highlighted how much drivers had learnt from the experience of utilising the full capabilities of their four wheel vehicles. “Not all Suzuki owners want to be Zuki drivers but there are enough of us around to be a driving force,” he said.
Based on the success of the Easter gathering, the club is planning to conduct another Zuki Central event in 2013.
“Certainly, Suzuki New Zealand is pleased to be associated with an event that promotes adventurous but safe off roading while also respecting the environment,” said Darren Stevens.
