On arrival, guests enjoyed a morning coffee and light refreshments before taking part in a driver briefing led by professional off-road instructors. With the route and conditions explained, everyone headed back to their vehicles and the real adventure began.

The convoy made its way across the  Wharekauhau grounds, tackling a variety of terrain along the way. Guests navigated flowing streams, dense forest tracks, muddy paddocks and sections of coastline, experiencing first-hand the the Defender’s off-road capability.

The challenging conditions also provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo opportunity, with guests and vehicles making their way into the remote valley despite the cold, wet and windy weather.

While the terrain proved challenging at times, the Defender made light work of the conditions. The experience demonstrated that its impressive off-road capability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, with features including heated seats and a heated steering wheel proving particularly welcome for occupants as the weather closed in.

Following the off-road experience, the convoy returned to Wharekauhau Country Estate, where guests were treated to a three-course lunch and the opportunity to relax, share stories from the drive and enjoy the surroundings.

The event provided a genuine opportunity for customers to experience Defender demonstrating its off road capability, comfort and versatility in challenging conditions, while enjoying a memorable day in one of the region’s most spectacular settings.