4WD weekends in Clarence Reserve
DOC media contacts:
Shelly Sidley, Community Relations Ranger, or David Hayes, South Marlborough Area Manager, phone +64 3 572 9100.
Date: 23 October 2009
Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts are being encouraged to take advantage of 4WD weekends in the Clarence Reserve area of Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia Conservation Park near Kaikoura over the next five months.
Five 4WD weekends are scheduled with the first 4WD weekend taking place this Marlborough Anniversary weekend, Saturday 31 October through to Monday, 2 November. Gates will open 8am to 5pm each day, weather and road conditions permitting.
Department of Conservation South Marlborough Area Manager David Hayes said the weekends provided opportunity for those with the confidence and skills to drive on steep and narrow gravel roads and cross fords, to travel through the unique limestone outcrops and ancient volcanic formations of the Clarence Valley.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to explore the Clarence Reserve area by four-wheel-drive, to see the incredible vistas, twisted rock formations, craggy slopes, pinnacles, some amazing alpine plant communities and of course the raging Clarence River.
“Conditions are difficult at the best of times so drivers are required to carry chains. We will also make a call the Thursday before the scheduled 4WD weekend as to whether forecast weather conditions will warrant closure of the access road.”
There are several huts within the reserve, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is also available. Hunting is not permitted.
Other 4WD weekends are scheduled for 4-6 December, and 5 -7 February, 5-7 March and 2-4 April 2010. Vehicles must be warranted and registered four-wheel-drives. Further information can be obtained by contacting the DOC South Marlborough Area Office, phone +64 3 572 9100 or visit Clarence Reserve.
The Clarence Reserve Conservation Area protects some of the highest mountains in New Zealand outside the Southern Alps. It is of national significance geologically and for the many rare, interesting and unique native plants and animals it harbours. Due to its relatively dry climate, the area escaped extensive glaciation during the Ice Age. Instead of glacial features, landforms above the original bushline 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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