TOUR DESCRIPTION

This full day expedition provides an opportunity to explore the Waikaia Bush Road, a fairly rugged 4WD track requiring a reasonable amount of off road experience to safely traverse. From the serene Waikaia river, lush beech forest, tussock plateaus, gold mining and massive rock Tor covered scenery, this road provides access to the beautiful Umbrella and Old Man Ranges.

Waikaia is situated in Northern Southland. The first visitors were Māori hunting moa on the tussocklands of the Garvie Mountains and Old Man Range. Gold discoveries further up the valley in 1862 brought a rambunctious town, known then as Switzers, with hotels, dancing halls and gambling dens. The last productive claim was King Solomon’s Mine, which closed in 1937. A rail line operated from 1909 to 1959.

ITINERARY

This is a big day. Starting early we head South to Lumsden and on to the small Southland township of Waikaia. From Waikaia we pass through stunning beech forest at Piano Flat beside the Waikaia river before the 4WD section starts. The Waikaia bush road climbs very steeply up to the tussock country. This track is not for beginners, it has extremely steep and narrow sections, rock steps and generally requires a good background in off roading. The rock steps require vehicles that have good entry and exit departure angles (Vehicles with low overhanging front or rear bumpers and tow-bars are not suitable for this trip). Once on the tops the countryside has commanding views over the Garvie and Umbrella mountains. Rock tors are a common feature in this landscape adding to the dramatic views. We have two main exit points for this trip, either the Obelisk and down to Alexandra, or extending on to Duffers saddle and Cromwell.

Due to safety with conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt this track.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Waikaia Bush Road
• Switzers museum
• Umbrella Range
• Old Man Range
• Obelisk rock
• Potters
• Historic Clyde
• Mitchells cottage
• Gold mining history

TRIP REQUIREMENTS

Vehicle requirements

• Four wheel drive
• All terrain tyres preferred with minimum 70% tread
• Hi/low ratio
• Due to safety with track conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt this track.
• Experience off-roading is a must for this tour. It is not considered a beginner trip.

DATES AVAILABLE

Trips are run on demand

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EARLY IMAGES

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Article about the Waikaia Bush Road

TUAPEKA TIMES, VOLUME VIII, ISSUE 437, 24 FEBRUARY 1875