River & Ranges - 3 Day 4WD Adventure Trip

Leave the highway behind and join Get A Grip Adventures for three memorable days exploring private stations, remote valleys, river country and the spectacular landscapes of Canterbury’s high country.

​

Beginning on Canterbury Anniversary Day, this guided 4WD journey connects North Canterbury’s working station country with Lees Valley, Lake Coleridge and the upper reaches of the Harper River. With two overnight camping stays and a different landscape unfolding each day, this adventure offers an opportunity to experience parts of Canterbury, and stories, that few people ordinarily get to explore.

​

The Journey

Day One: Culverden, Cheviot and Island Hills

Our adventure begins with a backcountry farm-road journey between Culverden and Cheviot. Travelling through rural landscapes away from the main highway, we’ll enjoy the changing scenery and character of North Canterbury’s farming country.

​

From there, we’ll continue to Island Hills Station, where we’ll explore the station’s impressive high-country environment before settling in for our first overnight stay under the stars.

​

Day Two: McDonald Downs and Lees Valley

After departing Island Hills, we’ll travel through McDonald Downs Station and continue into the remote and dramatic Lees Valley.

​

Surrounded by mountain ranges, open farmland and river landscapes, Lees Valley provides an impressive setting for the second stage of our journey. We’ll finish the day at the Ashley Gorge Holiday Park, where we’ll stay beside the river and enjoy a relaxed evening in the heart of the valley.

​

Day Three: Lake Coleridge, Harper River and the Pinnacles

On our final day, we’ll leave Ashley Gorge and travel toward Lake Coleridge before following the Harper River into increasingly remote high-country surroundings.

​

Our destination is the spectacular Pinnacles—a striking natural feature and a fitting finale to three days of exploration. After enjoying the area, we’ll conclude the organised journey and begin our respective trips home.

 

Adventure Highlights

• Three days of guided 4WD travel

• Private-station and backcountry access

• A farm-road route between Culverden and Cheviot

• Island Hills and McDonald Downs Stations

• An overnight camping stay at Island Hills Station

• Riverside camping at Ashley Gorge Holiday Park

• Remote valleys, rivers and mountain landscapes

• Lake Coleridge and the Harper River

• A visit to the spectacular Pinnacles

• Support and training from an experienced 4WD trainer and adventure guide

• A relaxed, small-group experience with like-minded people

 

Who Is This Trip For?

High Country Rivers & Ranges is designed for people who enjoy exploring beyond the main roads and want to experience Canterbury’s high country as part of an organised and professionally guided journey.

​

Participants should be comfortable driving on gravel roads, farm tracks and variable backcountry terrain. The trip is about exploration and enjoyment rather than extreme four-wheel driving; however, weather and track conditions may add challenge to some sections of the route.

​

Vehicle Requirements

Participants will require a capable, road-legal 4WD vehicle in sound mechanical condition. Vehicles must be suitable for the expected terrain and equipped with appropriate tyres and basic recovery and emergency equipment.

​

Full vehicle, equipment and preparation requirements will be provided before departure.

​

Trip Information

• Duration: Three days and two nights

• Dates: 13th - 15th November 2026

• Meeting point: Amberley

• Finishing point: Lake Coleridge

• Group size: maximum 8 vehicles

• Accommodation: Camping at Island Hills Station and Ashley Gorge Holiday Park

• Meals: Self-Catered or Catered

​​

Cost: (GST included in prices)

Catered

• 1st person $1,365

• Passenger in vehicle $677.00

• Children under 16 years $340.00

Self-Catered

• 1st person $1,020

• Passenger in vehicle $440.00

• Children under 16 years $80.00

 

Important Information

This adventure travels through working farms, private stations and remote backcountry environments. Participants must follow all instructions, respect landowners, remain on approved routes and apply responsible environmental and biosecurity practices throughout the journey.

​

The itinerary may be altered when necessary due to weather, river levels, track conditions, landowner requirements or other safety considerations.

​​

Places on this adventure trip are limited. Book via the link below or contact us to register your interest, or request an information and booking pack.​​