Clarence Reserve Open Day - Sat 2 May

[muddy]

4x4 for a Good Cause

It is not often you get to claim that taking an amazing 4x4 trip through some of the highest mountains in New Zealand is all just about “helping out a good cause”. But that’s just what the Kaikoura Mountain Safaris, Marlborough 4WD club and the Department of Conservation are offering on 2 May 2009 at the Clarence Reserve Open Day.

The organized trip, which also serves as a fundraiser for Kaikoura St John, allows members of the public to spend the day exploring part of the Clarence Reserve near Kaikoura. The planned route, which is expected to take between 6-8 hrs, allows people with warranted and registered 4WD vehicles (bikes, buggies and atvs will not be permitted) and the confidence to drive on steep gravel alpine roads, to go from the Kahutara River on the inland road just south west of Kaikoura up over the Seaward Kaikoura Range ( at approx 4500 ft out into the remote Clarence Valley to finally reach Quail Flat. There will be plenty of oportunity to inspect several of the historc huts and station building as well as learn a little of the history of this seldom seen part of NZ.

“The route has been planned to give you the best opportunity to see incredible vistas, twisted rock formations , the craggy alpine slopes of the Seaward Kaikouras, some amazing alpine plant communities, small streams and of course the beautiful Clarence River.”

The tour will start from the Kahutara River bridge on the inland road in Kaikoura, with gates open from 9AM – 11:30AM. All proceeds from the $50.00 per vehicle entry fee will go to Kaikoura St. Johns. A limited number of seats are also available in the Mountain Safaris Unimog for those interested in participating but who do not have access to a 4x4 vehicle. The trip is weather dependent and a wet weather day of 3 May is scheduled.
To register your interest or find out more:
Contact Karl Townsend of Kaikoura Mountain Safaris on 021 869 643(day phone) or 03 319 6424 (evenings) for further details and to book your spot.

[tallsam66]

is anyone going on this?...sounds rather good

[pressy]

yea we are hoping to be there, sound like a good trip.

[DaveM]

Yeah, I'll be going, think Frank from the forum may go too?

[Bulletproof]

is anyone going on this?...sounds rather good

It is a very good trip and very scenic as you cross the seaward Kaikoura's and look down the valley to the Clarence River with inland Kaikoura's as a backdrop. I went on the first trip when it was reopened and would recommend it.We stayed at the Willows and the next day went to Quail Flat homestead

It is an easy trip with no body damage but well worthwhile.
Here is a small Video from 1995 but doesn't seem to be working properly



Cheers Richard

[kiwipete]

You lucky buggers, wish I could join you.

[muddy]

Karl is also planning a more challenging trip the next day for the Marlborough Club. Contact him if you have appropriate equipment and insurance if you are interested in making a weekend of it. He has camping facilities available, or advice on cheap accommodation...

[jeep4079]

think Frank from the forum may go too?

I'm not 100% sure yet, but will let u know after wednesday.

[kiwipete]

think Frank from the forum may go too?

I'm not 100% sure yet, but will let u know after wednesday.

Go on Frank, you know you want to.

[DaveM]

think Frank from the forum may go too?

I'm not 100% sure yet, but will let u know after wednesday.

Go on Frank, you know you want to.

Yeah, come on Frank, what else will you do with that 3 weeks holiday

[red-devil]

will ask wife when she gets home after work mmm midnight must stay up

[tallsam66]

Im looking at drivingup for this leaving chch at 6am, but dont want to drivethere if the track is closed due to bad weather.

Is there a way to find out on friday night if its open?

Where is everyone meeting & at what time ?

[pressy]

Im looking at drivingup for this leaving chch at 6am, but dont want to drivethere if the track is closed due to bad weather.

Is there a way to find out on friday night if its open?

Where is everyone meeting & at what time ?

hey there tallsam,

http://www.metservice.co.nz/public/loca ... koura.html

also there is a number you could call karl townsend 021869 643 kaikoura mountain safaris the night before

[red-devil]

were not going i have to do the oil change this time as i shoud have done it 2 weeks ago.

have fun up there while im under the truck

jono

[muddy]

This Trip is now cancelled. Unfortunately too much rain and snow, so will have to wait until next summer. Please pass the word to avoid any wasted trips to Kaikoura. A real pity....

[kiwipete]

Well I spose its good news for me as maybe next time I will be able to go on the trip.
Any particular reason why they have put it off for a year all the same?

[red-devil]

if its does snow mite go for a little trip up to the pass.

pressy is keen too, any one else is welcome.

[pressy]

i believe its because of the snow down to lower levels make it dangerous and may not find the tracks in the snow? karl is looking at doing a over night trip next season if there is enough wanting to go.

[muddy]

Remember it was planned as a fundraiser for standard trucks on road tyres without recovery gear. The snow will be around now until the end of winter....