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 run through the high country, linking Lake Coleridge with the route over Arthurs Pass. It's a popular way to get off the seal, connecting in with Zig Zag Road before heading down towards Rakaia.
The driving is quick and easy going. You can knock out the run in around 20 minutes one way. There are a few steep, loose-gravel sections though, so AWD is worth having in anything less than perfect conditions. Not a heap of technical 4WDing, but plenty of side tracks beg exploring and there's the odd hill climb if you're keen for a bit of fun.
The scenery is the real draw, with big views out over the lake and up over the saddle. It can shut over winter because of snow, so worth checking with the local council before heading up.
Running up the western side of Lake Coleridge, this long winding gravel road climbs through open alpine country to a basic campsite near the top of the lake. Brilliant views the whole way, with plenty of spots 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 on any tyre, though AWD is reassuring on the rougher sections. In winter the whole route can be under snow.
Several side tracks branch off the main road and are worth a look. One about halfway along reportedly has a better lake view than the campsite itself. At the end there's a simple campsite with a long drop and a hut. This is shared with Te Araroa walkers, so drive slowly and keep your dust down where you can.
Wide open braided river country in the high country, the kind of place where the valley spreads out and you've got scenery in every direction. The Harper follows the river up the valley with several crossings along the way, most of them shallow and easy going in good conditions.
Keep an eye on the weather though. Rain can lift the river levels quickly out here, so it pays to check before you commit.
On your left you'll spot the Pinnacles, a rock formation that's a real highlight of the run. Stick to the main route as you head into the valley, since the tracks branching off to the sides are private.
A braided valley deep in the high country, with the track running up alongside the Avoca River towards the huts. Big mountain views the whole way, and as you push further up the valley the native bush comes down to meet you. Plenty of room to just explore at your own pace.
It's a hard, low-speed run in places. Some sections give way to crawling over the riverbed, and there are numerous river crossings that can run deep. A snorkel is recommended and you'll want a capable, well-prepared vehicle.
The crossings are the main attraction and the main hazard. Levels can rise quickly, so keep an eye on the weather and the flow before committing. Travel with company where you can, and don't push on if things look marginal. Done right, it's a genuinely good backcountry run.
A braided river leads deep into the Southern Alps, the gravel beds spreading wide between the peaks. On the way in, stick to the formed road, as all the other side roads through here are private.
From there it turns into a proper river run with no fixed line. You read the water and pick your own way upstream as the braids shift around, which they do often. There are several backcountry huts along the way worth pulling in to have a look at. It's rated medium and makes for a good day out in the mountains.
The crossings are the heart of it, so check river levels and recent rainfall before you head off. The Wilberforce can come up quickly. Two vehicles at least is the way to go for the crossings. Take your time and treat the river with respect.
A rocky, often slippery climb up into the high country, this one works its way up to Fanghill Hut. The effort pays off at the top, with good views out over the valley below.
The surface is rough and rocky throughout, and it gets noticeably harder in the wet, so pick your line carefully on the way up. It's a medium-grade run that makes for a good day out with mates. Take care on the descent too, where the loose rock can test you just as much as the climb.
Fanghill Hut itself is private property, so have a look from the outside and enjoy the spot.
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. There's no mobile reception here.
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. 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 gravel road that winds up the Puhi Puhi Valley, following the river along its course. It's an easy, accessible drive with a few small fords to cross and plenty of places to pull over, whether you want to get down to the river or just take in the views.
On a fine day the valley is well worth the trip. There are several good spots to stop along the way, and a DOC campsite sits right beside the road if you'd like to stay the night or break up the journey.
A short, easy gravel loop around the outside of the famous Lake Grassmere salt lakes. The going is straightforward and most vehicles will manage it fine.
With views across Clifford Bay and the outlook over the coast at the end of the road, it's a nice place to stop.
Worth knowing that vehicle access onto the beach has been stopped and the area is monitored.