4WD Trails in Canterbury

The Hakatere Conservation Park loop (Lake Heron, Mesopotamia Station access), the Lees Valley road from Oxford, and the upper Waimakariri gorge from Arthurs Pass are the standout weekend options. Hakatere is accessible to capable standard 4WDs from late October through April; the river crossings at the Rangitata and Potts are the main variables to check. The Lees Valley road is more forgiving and gives beautiful back-country without major crossings.

Most Canterbury alpine tracks above 700 metres are accessible from late October or November through to April, depending on snowmelt. The Hakatere Conservation Park opens after the spring snow clears — typically mid to late October. The upper Waimakariri gorge tracks near Carrington and Temple Basin are accessible through more of the year due to the lower altitude. Check the Canterbury Mountaineering Club and DOC Canterbury for current alpine conditions.