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!
A long gravel run through rugged backcountry, linking the St Arnaud and Nelson Lakes area with the Hanmer Springs side. Originally built to service the transmission lines, it crosses Rainbow Station's private land before reaching the Molesworth boundary. The northern end is steeper, with the road hugging river valleys, while it opens out near Lake Tennyson and the southern stretch.
Mostly well-graded gravel with optional river and stream fords, and bridges if you'd rather keep dry. Expect potholes on the southern section and rocky, loose going up north, where airing down helps. Crossings can rise after heavy rain. Most vehicles cope fine, and folks have done the lot in 2WD on a good day. The scenery is the drawcard: alpine peaks, native bush and quiet valleys with spots to fish or pull over for lunch. The camping near Lake Tennyson is well worth it.
Access is $60 per vehicle, paid in cash at the homestead near the northern end, where they often sell local honey too, so carry extra. Gates open 7am to 6pm. No fuel or services along the way, so bring water, food and insect repellent for the sandflies at the camps. Leave gates as found and take your rubbish out.
Tucked away in the high country of the Molesworth Recreation Reserve in Marlborough, this isolated campsite sits beside the stunning Lake Tennyson. It's a spacious, tidy lakeside spot that rates highly with visitors, offering trout fishing, kayaking, boating and walking opportunities, plus crisp alpine views that can include winter snow.
Facilities are basic but adequate: non-powered tent sites, two long-drop toilets, and water available from the stream. The site is wheelchair accessible with assistance. Be aware that it is very exposed, with few sheltered spots, so check the forecast and pack warm gear before heading in. The wind can pick up quickly, and in summer expect flies and mozzies around the lake edge.
Adventurous campers sometimes cross the lake exit river on a 4WD track to reach a quieter spot on the far side of the lake. Do a foot recce first, as it suits a snorkelled or lifted vehicle. A peaceful, scenic base that rewards good weather.
An easy day trip out from Christchurch, this gravel run takes you through high-country farmland with two working stations on the valley flats and a forested stretch at the northern end. You can tackle it from either the Oxford/gorge end or the Okuku/Whiterock end, crossing over Okuku Pass. Classic high-country views, grazing stock, and a hunting and fishing paradise along the way.
Mostly easy going, but bumpy and rough in places, especially at the south end, and a little steep and winding here and there, so take your time. There are a few fords and stream crossings, one wider and deeper than the rest, and all can rise a lot after rain, so always get out and check the river first. A ute or genuine 4WD is the go over a standard car.
Plenty of farm gates, particularly up north where the forest meets the farmland, so leave them as you find them. Pack a picnic and a camera; there's a popular swimming hole under the first bridge. Makes a good outing for visitors, and a different experience again as a night drive if you've got a decent set of spotlights.
A scenic alternative to the highway through the Mackenzie Country, this gravel road links the Fairlie and Burkes Pass area across towards Tekapo. You can tack it onto the Hakataramea Valley Road and Haldon Road for a longer loop out of Kurow, a good way to spend an afternoon.
The going is easy gravel, gentle enough that most vehicles will manage it in the dry, even a rental car. The reward is wide open mountain views as you drop down the Tekapo side. Along the way you'll cross a few low fords and small river crossings, some with narrow bridge bypasses, and one has a rocky, steeper climb out. Water can rise in the fords over winter, so take care if it's wet.
Up the wide, braided Macaulay riverbed you'll find a top-notch backcountry hut, beautifully maintained and sleeping 14. The valley runs toward Tekapo with surreal mountain views, and in winter a fresh dump of snow takes the whole trip up another level. The hut is one of the best around, so it's a genuine bucket-list run.
There's no formed road. You pick your own line across multiple braided crossings, and the track log is only a rough guide because the river shifts its course often. With many sets of vehicle tracks to choose from, it pays to follow the ones you can see ahead so you're not constantly backtracking. Expect loose rock and bumpy rock-crawling, with the larger rocks and harder going closer to the hut. Sticking to the left of the valley near the hut tends to be the smoother line, and watch for boggy spots on the true right.
Crossings are usually shallow when the river is low, but can get deep and far more serious after rain or as snowmelt rises through the day. Remote country with no cell service, so go in convoy and take more than one vehicle. Most reckon it's a couple of hours each way when the river is down.