Tuatara ATV/UTV
Petrol Side by Side

Go anywhere

The Tuatara has an impressively powerful 1000 cc, three cylinder, 12-valve engine. Paired with an amazing five-speed transmission, it offers huge power at any speed on almost any type of terrain. The manual transmission offers the advantage of engine braking through every gear, and eliminates the issues posed by CVT transmission drive belts, which tend to slip when wet, and often wear out prematurely, increasing maintenance costs.

To handle the toughest, most rugged conditions, the Tuatara comes with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). The IRS allows the vehicle to keep its rear wheels stable and in constant contact with the terrain in all conditions, giving better traction, a smoother ride, and less sliding. Together with the high ground clearance, IRS lets you stay on the throttle through turns and when negotiating rough and undulating terrain. There’s also switchable 2WD/4WD, and individually selectable front and rear differential locks, giving it true “go anywhere” capability.

The Tuatara outperforms the rest even when it’s standing still. The unique brake pedal lock enhances the handbrake, providing total retention even when parked on the steepest incline.

Get more for less

The ATV includes so many features and accessories that our competitors only offer as expensive add-ons. These include the 1360 kg electric winch, fold-down windscreen, roof-mounted LED lightbar, electrically operated rear tray hoist, high-grip CSV tyres, engine intake snorkel, waterproof Bluetooth radio, PVC roof with carry tray, and two deck-mounted equipment boxes.  What other UTV boasts such features as standard?

No other utility vehicle in New Zealand has a front cargo tray. The front cargo tray on the Tuatara has a 150 kg load capacity. Power steering keeps the handling light, even when you’ve got rolling fence posts or a sloshing spray tank up front.

Also not found on other UTVs in New Zealand: the 100% steel rear cargo tray. No flimsy plastic here! The cargo tray’s drop-down sides allow you to carry wider loads with ease.

All-day comfort and safety

With an all-weather roof and windscreen, the Tuatara gives you protection from New Zealand’s fierce climate. The adjustable steering column lets you set a comfortable steering position for any height and body size. The walk-through cabin allows easy entry and exit from both sides of the vehicle—essential for tasks where you’re constantly hopping in and out. It’s also a great help if you have mobility issues that make conventional cab designs uncomfortable.

The passenger cabin is a truly safe place to be, no matter the terrain. It’s enclosed within a robust roll-over protection system (ROPS), and all three seats are equipped with four-point seatbelts for added safety.

Tough and built to last

Given the punishment UTVs get every day, your first consideration when choosing a UTV should be robustness.

The Tuatara is the most solid UTV available in New Zealand. The chassis and main cargo tray are made from high-grade steel. The ladder design of the chassis gives it amazing structural strength. No need to worry when negotiating rocky areas, pushing through branches and tree stumps, or even bottoming out on hard soil.

To ensure your UTV workhorse is around for years to come, the entire vehicle undergoes a six‑step electrophoresis treatment in the factory. Electrophoresis is generally recognised as the best anti-corrosion protection for steel.

Tuatara…or chameleon?

The most amazing feature of the Tuatara is its versatility. It meets all the requirements for road use—right down to the registration plate light. It can be registered and warranted for on-road operation, where it can travel at up to 60 kilometres per hour. At the same time, it’s an off-road vehicle that’s capable of negotiating almost any terrain with ease. It’s strong, with an enormous carrying capacity, but its immensely powerful engine is both quiet and economical.

The Tuatara is certainly more functional than any other UTV on the New Zealand market, yet it’s several thousand dollars less than a comparable UTV would be (if one even existed). And that’s not even considering the estimated $3,000 worth of accessories included as standard features.

Fact! The Tuatara is a truly stand-out Ultra Terrain Vehicle.