Join me as I explore the area around Lake Coleridge - amazing to think it's only an hour out of Christchurch! The Wilberfor,ce the Harper, Fanghill and more. Stunning rivers, stunning views - another awesome adventure in my old Land Rover Discovery!
A cruisy gravel road through the Canterbury high country, linking Lake Coleridge with the route over Arthurs Pass. It's a popular way to get off the seal and connects in with Zig Zag Road before heading down towards Rakaia. The driving is straightforward and quick, but there are a few steep, loose-gravel sections, so AWD is recommended in anything less than perfect conditions. The scenery is the real draw here - stunning views out over the lake and up over the saddle, with plenty of side tracks to explore and the odd hill climb for those keen for a bit of fun. There are a few last-minute spots to camp along the way. It can be shut over winter because of snow, so it's worth checking with the local council before heading up.
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, though AWD is reassuring on the rougher sections. In winter the whole route can be under snow. There are several side tracks branching off the main road worth exploring, and 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. Note this is a shared route with Te Araroa walkers, so drive slowly and courteously and keep your dust down where you can.
A classic South Island braided river run in Canterbury, the Harper River route follows the valley with several river crossings along the way. The crossings are generally shallow, making this an easy and enjoyable drive in good conditions, though it's essential to keep a close eye on the weather as rain can raise the river levels quickly. On your left you'll spot the Pinnacles, an impressive natural rock formation and a real highlight of the trip. The route winds through wide open braided river country typical of the high country, with plenty of scenery to take in. Stick to the main route as you enter the valley, as the other tracks branching off to the sides are private. A great option for those after a relaxed introduction to braided river driving in the Canterbury high country.
Tucked into the Canterbury high country, the Avoca River track follows a stunning braided valley up towards the huts, or simply lets you explore at your own pace. Expect a bumpy, slow river drive rewarded with epic views of the surrounding mountains, and as you push further up the valley the native rainforest comes down to greet you.
This is a hard, low-speed route in places, with sections where the track gives way to crawling over the riverbed. There are numerous river crossings that can run deep, so a snorkel is recommended and a capable, well-prepared vehicle is essential.
The river crossings are the main attraction and the main hazard here. Levels can rise quickly, so keep a close eye on the weather and the flow before committing. Travel with company where you can, and don't push on if conditions look marginal. Done right, it's a genuinely memorable Canterbury backcountry run.
This Canterbury route follows the stunning braided Wilberforce River deep into the heart of the Southern Alps. Stick to the formed road on the entry, as all other side roads here are private. From there it's a true braided-river crossing, with no fixed route - you'll need to read the water and pick your own way upstream as the braids shift and change frequently. Several backcountry huts along the way are well worth a stop, so pop in and visit them as you pass. This is a rewarding day trip into spectacular alpine country, rated as a fun medium-grade outing. River crossings are central to the experience, so checking river levels and recent rainfall before you head out is essential, as the Wilberforce can rise quickly. Travelling with at least two vehicles is strongly recommended for safety on the crossings. Take your time, enjoy the mountain scenery, and treat the river with respect.
A rocky, often slippery climb in the Canterbury high country, leading up to Fanghill Hut. The track is well worth the effort: from the top you're rewarded with stunning views out over the valley below. Expect a rough, rocky surface that becomes notably more challenging in the wet, so pick your line carefully on the ascent. Rated a medium-grade run, it makes for a satisfying outing with mates. Note that Fanghill Hut itself is private property, so please admire it from the outside and stay clear. Take care on the descent, where the loose rocky terrain can be just as testing as the climb up.
Puhi Puhi Campsite is a basic, peaceful grassy site in Canterbury, just a short drive from State Highway 1, making it an easy spot to reach. The setting is flat and riverside, with a stream nearby that supplies water and gives you somewhere to explore. Facilities are simple: long-drop toilets and stream water, so come prepared and treat water before drinking. A short 700 m bush walk runs from the site, offering a quick scenic stretch of the legs through the trees. It's an unfussy, no-frills place, popular enough that it can fill up toward the end of the day in busier periods. Don't expect amenities beyond the essentials, and note there's no mobile reception here. If you're after a quiet, low-key overnight close to the highway with a river to wander beside, this fits the bill nicely.
A scenic gravel road that winds through the Puhi Puhi Valley north of Kaikoura in Canterbury, following the river along its course. The route is an easy, accessible drive with a few small fords to cross and plenty of points where you can pull over to reach the river or simply take in the views. On a fine day the valley scenery is well worth the trip, with several good spots to stop along the way. A DOC campsite sits beside the road, making it an easy option if you'd like to stay the night or break up the journey. Suitable for a relaxed day out rather than a technical challenge, this is a pleasant route for anyone wanting to enjoy the river and bush surroundings at an unhurried pace.
This short, easy drive loops around the outside of the famous Lake Grassmere salt lakes in southern Marlborough, running out toward the coast. The route is straightforward gravel, suitable for most vehicles, and rewards you with great views across Clifford Bay and a cool outlook over the coast at the end of the road. The distinctive pink-tinged salt evaporation ponds are a notable feature of this working landscape. Please note that vehicle access onto the beach itself has been stopped and the area is monitored, so stay off the sand and enjoy the scenery from the road. A relaxed outing rather than a technical challenge, it makes a pleasant detour for anyone exploring the Marlborough coast.