New Zealand 4x4 Trials grand final in Hawke’s Bay draws crowds and crashes

Competitors at the New Zealand 4x4 Trials Grand Final in Crownthorpe, Hastings, on Saturday. Photo / Carl Gundersen

Some of the best off-road drivers in the country descended on Hawke’s Bay to show how well they can get their vehicles up big climbs at sharp angles.

The grand final of the New Zealand 4x4 Trials 2025/26 series was held in Crownthorpe on Saturday.

All money from the event at the rural Hastings property went to the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust.

More than 40 teams from around the country competed on 33 courses, driving fast over hills, mud bogs and rocks.

Competitors at the New Zealand 4x4 Trials Grand Final in Crownthorpe, Hastings. Photo / Carl Gundersen

NZ 4x4 Trials national competitions officer Chris Tomalin said the drizzle on Saturday morning made things a bit tougher with tacky ground conditions.

But he said it was a well-executed course and fitting for the final round of the season.

Close to 800 people came through the gates to catch the action.

Morrinsville drivers dominated the weekend - Shaun Nicholson, Bryce Nicholson and Cody Fogden winning the event.

Morrinsville’s Chris Gifford won the overall season and came second on the weekend with Sam Thomsen.

Tomalin said Gifford put in a massive effort this season and he wasn’t surprised to see him finish first overall.

Competitors at the New Zealand 4x4 Trials Grand Final in Crownsthorpe, Hastings. Photo / Carl Gundersen

There were a few crashes over the weekend, with Tomalin saying he had “a bit of a balls up” and took a couple of rolls down a hill himself, as did others.

“But everyone was safe and no one was injured,” he said.

“The safety systems work and the gear that we use to keep everyone safe did its job.

“It wouldn’t be a trial if there wasn’t some drama, eh?”

Competitors at the New Zealand 4x4 Trails Grand Final in Crownsthorpe, Hastings. Photo / Carl Gundersen

Hawke’s Bay 4wd Club president and event organiser Tim Dodge wanted to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and people who helped on the day.

Dodge encouraged anyone wanting to give the sport a go to get in touch with the club.

Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and has worked in radio and media in the UK, Germany, and New Zealand.