Top of the South Island Scratchy 4x4 trip

The trip is being run by Shaun and Denise

We will be spending 12 days exploring the top of the South Island taking on some fun and challenging tracks. You will need to have a reasonably capable truck.

The general concept will be that we are camping (or you can Motel if you wish) in one place for 2-3 nights enjoying some of the local tracks then move to the next area and repeat, so will be fine for those with caravans/mobile homes etc.

Trip itinerary has been developed in conjunction with Ian Hanford, secretary of the Nelson 4WD Club. They will be accompanying us on the trip as our local guides. Please note that this itinerary is subject to change without notice:

• Day 1 (30 September) - Meet at Pohara Beach Campground, Takaka, explore Cobb Dam, Takaka Hill, Canaan Downs, return to Pohara Beach Campground.
• Day 2 - Meet at Pohara Beach Campground, explore Cowin Rd, Patarau Beach, return to Pohara Beach Campground.
• Day 3 - Meet at Pohara Beach Campground,, explore Aorere Gold Fields, return to Pohara Beach Campground to collect the caravans and then relocate to Tahunanui Beach Campground, attend Nelson 4WD Club Meeting in the evening.
• Day 4 - Meet at Tahunanui Beach Campground, explore Maungatapu track, enjoy lunch at Rai Valley Tavern and return to Tahunanui Beach Campground via Maungatapu track.
• Day 5 - Meet at Tahunanui Beach Campground, explore Heslops Farm located in the Richmond area, return to Tahunanui Beach Campground
• Day 6 (Saturday 5 October) - Meet at Tahunanui Beach Campground, travel via dry weather / back country roads to St Arnaud area, explore Leatham River Road, set up camp at Caves Hut (DOC, we will be bush camping here for 2 nights)
• Day 7 - Explore Branch River Track up to Grieg’s Hut (DOC) and beyond (this track is currently closed on weekdays for logging), and the Boulder Stream track before returning to camp at Caves Hut.
• Day 8 - Explore the Leetham River valley upstream of Caves Hut, returning to caves hut for lunch, break camp and relocate to Kerr Campsite (DOC), Lake Rotoiti.
• Day 9 - Meet at Kerr Campsite, explore Maud Stream Track, Porika Track, Braeburn Track and Nuggety Creek Road, return to Kerr Campsite. 
• Day 10 - Meet at Kerr Campsite, enjoy the views of the Wairau River valley as we relocate to Spring Creek Campground, drop the caravans and then explore Taylor Pass and Altimarloch Track before returning back to camp. 
• Day 11 - Meet at Spring Creek campground, explore Wairau Bar, Clifford Bay, Marfell’s Beach and Cape Campbell (permission required to use access road or travel along beach at low tide which is at 5:48pm), returning to Spring Creek campground. 
• Day 12 (Friday 11 October) - Meet at Spring Creek Campground, travel via back country roads and the north bank of the Wairau River, head up Top Valley Road and Staircase Road to Mount Patriarch (hopefully we will have some stunning views from the lookout), return to Spring Creek Campground , enjoy a final evening in camp together around the campfire.
• Day 13 - Drive to Picton via Port Underwood Road, board ferry to Wellington

You are welcome to come for the whole trip or just a few days. Please contact Shaun for a registration code and let Shaun know if you intend to come for the whole trip or just a few days.