SINGLE DAY 4WD TAG-ALONG

 

DESCRIPTION  |  1 DAY EXPEDITION

 

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.

 

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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 considerations, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt this track.

 

 

 

 

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

PRICE

 

• • $720 single vehicle - private tour
  • $460 per vehicle - 2 or more vehicles

 

DURATION

 

• • 8-10 hours ex Queenstown

 

INCLUDED

 

• • Hand held radio use
  • Morning tea

 

We offer discounts off the standard price with the following.

• • Booking 2 or more vehicles
  • Family bookings
  • Multi day bookings

 

TAG ALONG REQUIREMENTS

 

• Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour.
• All terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread.
• Hi/low ratio.
• This tour requires a medium level of off-road driving experience. It is not considered a beginner trip. There is one section of track with rock steps, vehicles need good clearance front and rear.
• Due to safety with track conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt this track.
• A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details.
• This tour operates on farm tracks and DOC land. As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads.
• Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, English must be your first language.

 

TAG ALONG BOOKING

 

Three steps for booking

 

1. Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz
2. We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return. We can collect these on tour day.
3. Payment options
   1. Online link we will supply - visa, mastercard, eftpos
   2. Direct bank transfer
   3. On the day, visa, mastercard, eftpos or cash

 

TRIP DEPARTURES

 

Full day tours depart 7:30 am

 

DATES AVAILABLE

 

These trips run from mid December to mid April, depending on snow conditions.

Please contact us to discuss dates.

 

 

 

 

​CONTACT US

 

 

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