TOUR 1017 & 1031
Full Tour Itinerary:
This classic tour has become something of a Bay Tours institution. The experience of driving through New Zealands’ largest farm – nearly 450,000 acres spanning a major part of the upper South Island – is a kiwi rite of passage. The stunning scale and rugged beauty of Molesworth Station is contrasted by the alpine tranquillity of the village of Hanmer Springs where we’ll be based. Another stark contrast to the impression of permanence of Molesworth can be seen when we visit Woodchester Station where the effects of the Kaikoura earthquake are plain to see. A FREE DAY in Hanmer Springs itself allows you time to relax or explore this beautiful alpine village between our big station touring days.
Day 1: Hawke’s Bay to Hanmer Springs
We depart Hawke’s Bay Airport at a very civilised hour this morning and head for Christchurch. There we’ll be met by our local guide, Mark Gilbert. Mark’s company, Molesworth Tours has 40 years experience guiding into the Molesworth back country and has been leading Bay Tours trips through the area for more than a decade. Mark wil transport us to our base at Hanmer Springs.
Day 2: Molesworth Station, Jack's Pass & Clarence Valley
Today we’re collected by Mark in a special 4WD mini-coach and we head over Jack’s Pass and into the Clarence Valley and Molesworth Station. We’ll visit iconic points on the massive station such at the 150yo Acheron Accommodation House, Isolated Flat with its hundreds of acres of rippling clover and tussock grass, and the main central homestead complex with its century old cob buildings. Cattle share the sides of the sparkling rivers with Canada Geese and Paradise Ducks. It’s difficult to prepare yourself for the sheer vastness and beauty of the place. Passing through sections of the Muller and Tarndale Stations on the way back, we descend back into Hanmer Springs again via the rugged Jollies Pass. A day heavy with memorable moments.
Day 3: Hanmer Springs Free Day
There’s time to relax and reflect on yesterday as you have a FREE DAY in Hanmer Springs today. Explore this beautiful alpine village with its many bush walks, wander the tranquil grounds of the old Queen Mary Hospital with its historic buildings or enjoy a soak in the pristine thermal Hot Pools of the spa which gives the town its name. Tonight we’ll dine together at the hotel.
Day 4: Woodchester Station, Cheviot Hills Station & Kaiwara Valley
Today we’re back with Mark as we head to Woodchester Station, east of Hanmer Springs, but we first stop for morning tea at Waiau. Here we’ll meet some locals and view some incredible collections. It’s here you begin to see the carnage caused by the earthquakes of 2016. After a cuppa we drive into Woodchester itself along the 6km driveway in. Here the Kelly family will host us and show us some astonishing evidence of natures’ power which has transformed their lives forever. After lunch with the family we continue east into the magnificent old Cheviot Hills Station centred around the remains of the old 57 room homestead and hear the colourful stories of the owner of this once vast estate. We’ll view the ‘Clay Cathedrals’ at Gore Bay before turning back towards Hanmer Springs and crossing the beautiful Kaiwara Valley, via a twisting 4WD track through farmland and over the saddle of the Kaiwara Range with spectacular views across the Amuri Basin. Wow! What a day.
Day 5: Hanmer Springs to Hawke's Bay
After a relaxed start we depart Hanmer Springs and make our way back to Christchurch Airport where, after a late lunch, we catch our flight back to ‘the Bay’.
