Canterbury’s High Country River Runs

Itinerary

30% Deposit Required on Booking.

DAY ONE                                        AT, D 

 Pick up from home, and your high-country excursion begins. Starting with a flight into Christchurch, we board our bus and travel to our Resort. But before we get to Methven, we will visit a wonderful couple, the owners of Rockwood Station. Settled in 1852 by Henry Phillips and his family, it is now owned and farmed by Henry's great-great-grandson. The current homestead was built in 1910 in the Art Nouveau style and is bordered by 100 acres of native bush and the Rockwood Stream. The Homestead main rooms have been redecorated and surrounded by a beautiful woodland garden that dates to the 1850s and includes English trees, Rhododendrons, the original 1850s Cob house, family graves and prolific birdlife. Some of the original garden features remain. An Arboretum has recently been established. Once we have spent some time enjoying South Island hospitality, we will then take the short drive to Methven. 

DAY TWO                                       B, MT, L, D

Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes today as we head south, crossing the Rangitata to Peel Forest. Our first stop is the quirky Green Man Café for morning tea and a chance to meet our guides, Steve and Jenny Deans. We’ll enjoy a short walk-through Peel Forest, visiting ‘The Big Tree,’ before continuing to the historic Mt Peel Church of the Holy Innocents. Restored after earthquake damage, this 1868 church, built by John Barton Arundel Acland, holds rich history, including gravestones and the burial site of author Dame Ngaio Marsh. We’ll then enjoy lunch at our guides' home, followed by a visit to Rangiatea Farm Garden & Jewellery Store in Ashburton. We’ll learn about the farm’s history, explore its beautiful garden, and admire handcrafted jewellery made from local agates. After returning to our accommodation, we’ll head out for dinner at the stunning Terrace Downs, surrounded by the South Island’s breathtaking High-Country landscape.

DAY THREE                                    B, MT, L, D

After a hearty cooked breakfast, we set our sights on the extensive, braided river system of the Rangitata. We are travelling to reach arguably New Zealand's most famous High-Country Station, Erewhon, a picturesque 35,000-acre sheep & beef property nestled right amongst the Southern Alps. This Country provided a magnificent backdrop for The Lord of the Rings movie. The station includes a Clydesdale Horse Stud, and the horse team are used regularly on the station to do the cultivating work and heavy wagon transport. Weather permitting, we will take a short wagon ride, and see a display of an 8-horse team. Now that's horsepower!! The afternoon will see us making our way back down the valley to arrive at Lake Heron Station, a fourth-generation, 19,000 ha High Country Station. Here we will be hosted for lunch, with a talk and insight into daily life on this large property, the homestead, gardens, and world-class fine merino wool production. The Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa are only a 5 minute walk from Brinkley Resort and come highly recommended, if you would like to have a dip before dinner. Please note, this is optional and not included.

DAY FOUR                                     B, MT, L

Once we are packed and have finished breakfast, the shores of Lake Coleridge beckon. We will take in the magnificent scenery at the intake, one of Trust Powers Hydro Lakes, surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. The afternoon will see us making our way back down the valley to arrive at Middle Rock Station, as seen on Country Calendar. Here we will be hosted for lunch and a transported tour of some of the property. We will hear a little of the Station history and life in the river valley while we dine. This visit will be sure to entertain and an excellent way to bring our trip to a close. We will enjoy a scenic drive back to Christchurch airport.