Daniel headed south for 2 weeks of filming and exploring in the South Island - sadly COVID-19 had other ideas and forced an early retreat. Even still, he managed to get down through some amazing spots - Rainbow Road, Molesworth Station, Lees Valley and the Macaulay Valley!
One of New Zealand's most well known offroad routes, Rainbow Road is a fairly well graded gravel road with a few fords to tackle along the way. The road was built to support the transmission lines running through there.
Access costs $60 per vehicle and the road is open from Boxing Day through to Easter (please confirm before going).
Gates are unlocked daily from 7 am – 6 pm, you won't be able to pass through outside of these hours without prior permission from Rainbow Station.
This isolated campsite beside Lake Tennyson offers trout fishing, kayaking, boating and walking opportunities.
One of the two options to link Tophouse Road with Hanmer Springs. This is the less challenging option over Jollies Pass Road which is grade 2 gravel
Just out of Christchurch, Lees Valley is an easy drive through farmland. There is a ford which can be deep after rain - always get out to check it first. There are a lot of farm gates along this route.
A short gravel road that bypasses the highway - the views as you head towards Tekapo are pretty amazing!
Explore the Macaulay Valley and head up to the hut. The track log is a rough guide - the river changes the course fairly often. Would highly recommend taking more than one vehicle.