Client Testimonials

“Confidence Building

I signed up for the 4wd driver training day so that I could learn more about what the 4WD could do and in the process I learnt what I could do. It was fun, educational and I drove places I never would have had the confidence to drive without the support of the instructors.” Maria C., 12/04/2023

“This is a must do....

I thought it would be nice to go out and get some 4WD training so I would know what I was doing rather than just guessing and hoping for the best. After doing the course I’m telling you this is a must do course, it’s specific and all the training is safety based. The instructors are amazing and patient and you build your skills and confidence slowly and steadily. By the end of the day everyone was trying everything and having fun doing it. There were a couple of partners that didn’t even want to drive at the start that ended up driving everything and wanting more. I’m definitely more confident, safer and know what my car can do now. Will definitely be doing a winter one 😎” Jody C., 12/05/2023

“4wheel drive training course

As a total novice to 4wheel driving I can honestly say that my confidence in my cars ability has grown 10 fold. I always fancied doing some off roading but to be honest was completely petrified about loosing control of the car and damaging myself and my car. But not any longer. My confidence grew throughout the day and I totally loved it and cannot wait to do more. Would highly recommended 🤓” Stretch, 01/30/2024

“Fantastic Jimny Day

Thanks to Adam, Ken, Brian, and Adrian, for an amazing training day at Parkley 4WD. We honestly had no idea how capable our 4WD is off-road until we did it ourselves, despite having watched countless videos and read reviews. From being very cautious and nervous at the start of the day, we were happily scampering up and down serious inclines amongst other things by the end of the day. We would highly recommend that anyone do this training day. We're still smiling a week later!” Deana Averill, 01/30/2024

“I had the pleasure of attending a 4WD day for Jeep owners which was held at Parkley Off Road Training area which considerably exceeded my expectations. The site was laid out in such a way that it can accommodate different groups and facilitate many different experience levels. The maintenance of the site was impeccable, and I could really appreciate how much work gets put into running a facility like this. I found instructions and guidance given through the day really helped me improve my off road skills and enjoy taking my vehicle on some challenging obstacles. Parkley is a must for anyone who is looking to upskill or for groups looking to enjoy a day of off road driving.” Gordon Macfarlane, 01/27/2024

“As an Off-Road Training Specialist, I have used numerous numbers of properties around the country for this type of training over the years. I can honesty say that the Parkley 4WD Training Facility has to be in my view the foremost training facility in the country. The training facility has the range of tasks and obstacles for novices or those with little experience yet allow them to build confidence and driver input skills safely, but it also allows for more experienced drivers to advance due to its set up and the many options it has to offer. With lovely panoramic views on the top ridge including the coastline is a great way to stop in the middle of the day from training sit back enjoy your lunch and take in the view. With on site classrooms, toilets, some accommodation if required and the availability to have events with marquees, catered food or cook your own on the BBQ using the kitchen in the classroom if needed. The proprietors Ken and Brigid are great people and happy to work with you to make your event or training day a great one. They offer skills that add to the safety and technical information. Brigid has 35 years experience as a Registered Nurse and is on hand should there be any accidents. Ken's decades of knowledge built up as a Motoring Journalist that gives instant access to information on most vehicles such as wading depth, traction system, electronic systems and much more. Their involvement cements my view that this is the foremost training facility in the country. I am happy to endorse this facility 100%.” Adrian Bowen, National Training Manager, Advanced Vehicle Training.
Phone: 027 260 9930

“Parkley Off Road is a training venue I have used for a number of years for my Chainsaw, Light Utility Vehicle [LUV] and 4WD training. I train in places throughout the country and rate Parkley at the top of the game for its facilities, its proximity to Christchurch and its Management. I have never had to cancel a course due to weather as the ground conditions at Parkley are always safe and suitable for my requirements and the ground is never sludgy or unusable. Except for snow Parkley has every road, or ground condition and contour needed to simulate and allow trainees to experience in complete safety while developing their confidence in themselves and the vehicle. Parkley has a great classroom complete with warm log fire, always lit in cold conditions. It also has a kitchen whiteboard; large screen TV and toilet facilities. Finally Ken the owner has a great knowledge of vehicles and is a hugely valuable resource both for his in-depth knowledge of almost every vehicle and his ability to explain the features and functions on them, when and if required. I have no hesitation in recommending Parkley Off Road and Ken if you are looking for the best training and facilities available.” Leon McMillan, Director Instructor, BASIC DRIVER TRAINING.
Phone: 021 0227 2038

“The valuation team had a half day training with AVT at Parkley Off Road training venue, on the use of all wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles in off road locations. We had a range of vehicles with different capabilities that were all well catered for resulting in a fun and educational activity for all those involved. I would thoroughly recommend this training for the excellent venue and trainer as well as both the safety aspect and the team building enjoyed and I hope to bring back the greater team in the future.” Chris Boyd, Executive Director, Rural & Agricultural Valuation and Advisory Services, Colliers.

“Proactive Drive Charitable Trust utilises the Parkley Off Road training facility on a regualr basis for our off road training. We find this facility to be very good as it provides a range of different options all in close proximity to each other meaning that the training can be focused and not spent travelling from one area to the next losing valuable time. It provides suitable areas to train in mud, gravel, banks, rivers etc, and provides challenges appropriate to all levels of ability no matter the weather. It is also good to have an area that is able to be used during wet weather times. Access to all the areas is good,enabling those who arrive in a standard car to access the site with no issues The buiding is very useful as on wet or cold days as there is always a fire going to provide a warm dry area for people to take a break when needed. It’s large enough to accomodate our class sizes adequatley. I have also used this site as a camp over night exercise for a voluntary team which I manage and found it great for this type of training. We were able to run a number of exercises during the night and also manage the safety aspects of this. This provided very beneficial training to the team who are required to operate in the dark. Ken is always very accomodating and willing to assist where ever there is a need and his knowledge of different vehicles is also helpful. Overall we enjoy working alongside Parkley Off Road Training area and find it very well suited for this type of training and enjoy going there no matter whatever the weather Proactive Drive Charitable Trust is all about driver training and education to those who need it across Canterbury. By supporting our programmes you will be helping create better safer drivers for life.” Tim Hartnell, General Manager, Pro Active Drive.
Phone: 027 203 7006