4WD weekends coming up in Clarence Reserve

 
7 October 2010

4WD weekends coming up in Clarence Reserve

Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts in coming months will once again have the opportunity to take a weekend trip through the spectacular landscape of the Clarence Reserve area of Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia Conservation Park near Kaikoura.

Drivers of nearly 200 vehicles and motorcycles in total took up the chance to be part of the Clarence Reserve 4WD weekends last spring and summer and this season’s trips have been eagerly-awaited. Five 4WD weekends are scheduled up until the end of February with the first due to take place on Marlborough Anniversary weekend, Saturday 30 October through to Monday 1 November.

Other 4WD weekends are scheduled for 26 November to 28 November 2010, and 7 January to 9 January 2011; 28 January to 30 January 2011; 25 February to 27 February 2011, road and weather conditions permitting. Gates open from 8am to 5pm each day.

The weekend trips enable 4WD enthusiasts to see the area’s incredible vistas, twisted rock formations, craggy slopes, pinnacles, some amazing alpine plant communities and the raging Clarence River.

Department of Conservation South Marlborough Area Manger David Hayes said the 4WD weekends were a big success last year.

“You need the confidence and skills to drive on steep and narrow gravel roads and cross fords, but the limestone outcrops and ancient volcanic formations of the Clarence Valley are breathtaking.”

The Clarence Reserve area protects some of the highest mountains in New Zealand outside the Southern Alps, so conditions are difficult at the best of times.  DOC staff monitor weather closely prior to each scheduled 4WD weekend to determine whether it can go ahead or the forecast weather conditions will warrant closure of the access road. People planning to make the trip can check if it is on by calling the DOC South Marlborough Office on 03 572 9100 a day or two beforehand.

Vehicles must be warranted and registered four-wheel-drives and drivers are required to carry chains at all times. There are several huts within the reserve, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is also available.  Hunting is not permitted during 4WD weekends.

The Clarence Reserve area is of national significance geologically.  Due to its relatively dry climate, the area escaped extensive glaciations during the Ice Age. Instead of glacial features, landforms above the original bush line are a result of mass movement of rock and debris. In places, it seems the very bones of the mountains are revealed — chalky white outcrops of limestone, contrasting vividly with deep-red remnants of ancient underground volcanic activity.

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