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!
Rainbow Road is one of New Zealand's most iconic off-road routes, a scenic gravel run through rugged South Island backcountry linking the St Arnaud/Nelson Lakes area with the Hanmer Springs side. Originally built to service the region's transmission lines, it crosses Rainbow Station's private land between steeper, river-hugging valleys at the northern end and the more open country near Lake Tennyson and the Molesworth boundary.
Expect a well-graded but long gravel road with optional river and stream fords (bridges are available as an alternative), plus potholes on the southern section and rocky, loose going at the northern end where airing down helps. The scenery is the highlight: alpine peaks, native bush, and picturesque valleys, with peaceful spots to stop, fish or picnic.
Access costs $60 per vehicle, paid in cash at the homestead near the northern end, where they often also sell local honey. Gates open daily 7:00am to 6:00pm.
There are no fuel or services along the way, so carry water, food and recovery gear. Stay on track, leave gates as found, take rubbish out, and check the Rainbow Station website before you go.
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. 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 from Christchurch, Lees Valley is a scenic gravel drive through Canterbury farmland, with two working stations on the valley flats and a forested section at the northern end. The route can be tackled from either the Oxford/gorge end or the Okuku/Whiterock end, crossing over Okuku Pass. Expect classic high-country views, grazing stock, and a few fords and stream crossings - one is wider and deeper, and all can rise significantly after rain, so always get out and check the river before crossing. The track is mostly easy but bumpy and rough in places, especially at the south end, so take your time. A ute or genuine 4WD is recommended over a standard car. There are many farm gates, particularly toward the north, so leave them as you find them. Pack a picnic and a camera; there's a popular swimming hole under the first bridge. It also makes a memorable night drive with a good set of spotlights.
A short, well-maintained gravel road in the Mackenzie Country of Canterbury that makes a scenic alternative to the highway. It links the Fairlie and Burkes Pass area towards Tekapo, and can be combined with the Hakataramea Valley Road and Haldon Road for a longer loop from Kurow. The route is easy going gravel, gentle enough that most vehicles handle it in dry conditions, with the reward being expansive views of the mountains as you head down the Tekapo side. Along the way you'll cross a few low fords and small river crossings, some with narrow bridge bypasses; one has a rocky, steeper climb out. Water levels in the fords can rise over winter, so take care if it's wet. Poison is used for pest control in the area, so it's wise to keep dogs in the vehicle to stop them eating or licking dead rabbits. Allow around half an hour, plus time to stop for photos.
A much-loved Canterbury 4WD trip up the braided Macaulay riverbed to a top-notch backcountry hut, beautifully maintained and sleeping 14. The route runs up the wide valley, with surreal mountain views and, in winter, the chance of fresh snow. There's no formed road here: you pick your own line across multiple braided river crossings, and the track log is only a rough guide because the river shifts its course often. Expect plenty of loose rock and bumpy rock-crawling, with the larger rocks and harder going coming closer to the hut. 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. This is remote country with no cell service — you could be walking a long way back toward Tekapo for help if something goes wrong, so take more than one vehicle. Sticking to the tracks toward the left of the valley near the hut tends to be the smoother line. A genuine bucket-list run for its scenery and that superb hut.