Public roads

[SMOKEU]

I've had a look on the NZTA website http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/what-is-a-road/what-is-a-road.html and it says the definition of a public road is 'A place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not'.

Does this cover things such as off road trails maintained by a district council (such as at the Waimak River banks)? I often see people riding (non road legal) dirt bikes at these off road trails and I'm wondering if these are still classed as a public road. I know that the cops don't care if people ride around there on dirt bikes, but what's the exact legal position of this?

[FJRider]

If you can "drive" (a car) there .. it is usually classed as a road. UNLESS there is signage and/or LOCKED gates ... meaning you aren't supposed to be there ...

The "Queens chain" means you should have "access" to the rivers and lakes ...

A lot of access is dependant on local Council rules and bylaws ...

On the whole ... there ARE a lot of grey areas on the subject ...