Thread: 4wd vs ATV vs SXS

I'd go with an older 4wd or ute. Having to buy a trailer will eat into your budget and then be something you need to store, take for a wof etc.

Towing a trailer is a pain in the ass IMO, and you are then limited to the types of trip you can do.
If your daily isn't a 4wd then you'll have to park on the road somewhere, and are limited by needing to return to your vehicle, so no round trips.
If you were in the North island needing to navigate narrow, mud/clay trails then an ATV would be a good idea, but in Canterbury I'd consider an ATV a big disadvantage.

If you could find a used 4wd ute then you have the option of adding a quad later, which would probably be the best of both worlds.

I can't comment on what models to buy, or how far your budget will go.
Used 4x4s seem to be stupid money these days.