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 in Methven. Before we arrive in Methven, 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 afternoon tea while will hear a little of the Station history and life in the river valley before a transported tour of some of the property. 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

Departing in the morning, the day begins with a visit to Orari Gorge Station, where guests learn about its history and heritage buildings over morning tea of fresh farm apples and hot beverages. This is followed by a guided walk through the gardens and historic structures. Next, the journey continues to Kakahu Angus Farm for an immersive experience, including an introduction to the homestead and gardens, lunch in the peaceful surroundings, and a guided drive up the farm track with sweeping views of the land and mountains, accompanied by insights into local farming life. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Geraldine to explore artisan shops, with optional visits to a vintage car and machinery museum, boutique gin distillery, or a renowned food store. The day concludes with a return to our accommodation and a relaxed dinner at Fable 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 spectacular High Country and the extensive, braided river system of the Rangitata. Our first destination is Quartz Hill Station, a working sheep and beef property with a proud farming heritage and a special connection to Tauranga. Quartz Hill provides wool to Stoney Creek, the local outdoor clothing brand, giving us a fascinating insight into the journey from farm to quality woollen garments. On arrival, we will enjoy a farm tour from the comfort of our bus, learning about the Station’s history, livestock, wool production and life in the High Country. Following our tour, we will enjoy morning tea and a talk sharing more stories of the Station and its farming heritage. Then we continue to Lake Heron Station, a fourth-generation 19,000 ha High Country station, where we will enjoy lunch and gain an insight into daily life on the vast station, including its homestead, gardens and fine merino wool production. Before dinner, enjoy some free time at your leisure, perhaps taking the opportunity to relax and unwind with a soothing soak at Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa.

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. This afternoon we visit Midhurst, a 400-hectare working farm. We enjoy a delicious lunch under a marquee in the garden while hearing the history of the farm, the homestead, and its current operations. Afterward, tour through the gardens and continue to a purpose-built 8-hectare irrigation lake located beside the property. This visit will be sure to entertain and is an excellent way to bring our trip to a close over a final lunch together before we embark on a scenic drive back to Christchurch airport.