The Harper & Wilberforce rivers, Lake Coleridge - stunning winter 4WD trip in the South Island

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!

Trip area

In this video

Lyndon Road

A cruisy gravel road through the hills - cuts from Lake Coleridge through to the road over Arthurs Pass. It can be shut over winter because of snow, be worth checking with the local council.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
14 km

Harper Road

Cruise up Harper Road to the top of Lake Coleridge. Rough gravel road the whole way in - and in winter, covered in snow! Take the day and cruise through - or stay at the campsite at the end.

Grade
Gravel
Time
2 hours
Distance
23 km

Harper River

A classic South Island braided river, follow the valley as you cross the river and follow the route. Keep a close eye on the weather as rain can bring issues pretty quickly.

On your left will be the Pinnacles, an awesome natural formation.

Remember to keep to the route as you enter the valley as all the other roads off to the side are private.

Grade
Hard
Time
4 hours
Distance
19 km

Avoca River

Cruise up the stunning Avoca River towards the huts (or just explore the valley). A bumpy slow river drive with stunning views of the mountains around you - it's pretty epic!

As you head further up the valley the rainforests come down to greet you.

With a few river crossings, keep an eye on the weather - they can rise pretty quickly

Grade
Hard
Time
4 hours
Distance
22 km

Wilberforce River

Cruise up a stunning South Island braided river. Stick to the road on the entry as, all the other roads are private. From there you'll need to figure your way up the river as it changes frequently. Pop in and visit the huts on your way past.

Grade
Hard
Time
4 hours
Distance
34 km

Fanghill

A rocky slippery (at least in the wet) climb up to Fanghill Hut, well worth the climb - the views out over the valley are stunning.

The hut itself is private, so stay out of it.

Grade
Medium
Time
1 hours
Distance
1 km

Puhi Puhi Campsite

This peaceful grassy campsite is near a short scenic bush walk.

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0
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Puhi Puhi Valley

A scenic gravel road through the Puhi Phui valley that follows the river. There's a few small fords and access to the river at various points. There's also a DOC campsite on the road.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
17 km

Te Paruparu Intake

Cruise around the outside of the famous Lake Grassmere salt lakes out to the coast. Stay off the beach here, they've recently stopped all vehicle access and it is monitore.

The end of the road offers a cool view out over the coast.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
5 km