In this two part series we explore the South Island in winter - challenged by the weather, things don't quite go to plan - but that's part of the fun!
Join us as we cross visit Lake Coleridge, Arthur's Pass, Maori Gully Road and more on our epic adventure
Harper Road runs up the western side of Lake Coleridge in inland Canterbury, finishing at a basic campsite near the top of the lake. It's a long, winding gravel road with brilliant alpine and lake views, and plenty of places to pull over and take it all in.
The surface is rough but generally wide enough for two vehicles to pass with care. Expect deep gravel in places, steep climbs and descents, and a fair bit of dust in dry weather. Taken slowly it's manageable in most vehicles on any tyre, though AWD is reassuring on the rougher sections. In winter the whole route can be under snow.
Several side tracks branch off the main road and are worth exploring; one about halfway along reportedly offers a better lake view than the campsite itself. At the end you'll find a simple campsite with a long drop and a hut/cabin. This is a shared route with Te Araroa walkers, so drive slowly and courteously and keep your dust down where you can.
Klondyke Corner is a large, open campsite in Arthur's Pass National Park, set near the junction of the Bealey and Waimakariri Rivers in Canterbury's high country. The spacious, flat clearing offers room for plenty of tents and gives excellent views out to the surrounding mountains, making it a popular base in summer.
This is a basic DOC-style campsite with non-powered tent sites, a cooking shelter, and non-flush long-drop toilets. Untreated tap water is available, but boil it before drinking, and there's also a nearby stream visitors have drawn from. The site is wheelchair accessible with assistance.
With its braided river setting and open alpine outlook, it's a scenic and relaxing spot to stop over while exploring the national park. Visitors rate it highly, and some have reported phone reception here.
Maori Gully Road is a handy West Coast link track that lets you avoid the sealed roads as you wind up through forestry land and over the hills towards the coast. It's a scenic backcountry connection for those who'd rather take dirt than tarmac.
While not technically hard, it's a longer route that takes a while to drive, and the going is graded medium. There are a few rougher, washed-out sections along the way, but these can generally be navigated with care.
The standout feature here is the gorse: it crowds in close along much of the route, so this is not a track to take if you value your paintwork. Expect to be brushing past vegetation for a good portion of the way. The area is also popular with hunters, so keep an eye out for vehicles and people, especially around the forestry sections.
This sheltered and secluded campsite is the site of an old gold mining town. Explore the gold mining area and try your luck fossicking in the nearby creek.