4WD Trips . . .                

Benmore Views Family Camp is surrounded by some incredible scenery. To enable more people to share this, we are organising 4 wheel drive trips through the property. On these days the owners of Totara Peak Station and neighboring Peak Valley Station will allow a group of 4 wheel drive vehicles to pass over their properties, to enjoy the challenge of a moderate off-road trip and some incredible scenery. Trips start and end at Benmore Views Family Camp. This is followed by an evening  barbeque in the Woolshed on Totara Peak Station (behind the Motor Camp). Numbers are strictly limited, but you can register your interest by contacting us using the Contact Us page. A trip on a given day will only run if conditions are suitable and if there are sufficient numbers.

A successful trip was run in beautiful conditions on 17th September 2011.  The next trip is scheduled for next season, date to be confirmed.

The trips start at Totara Peak Family Camping Ground on Totara Peak Station at 11am, weather permitting, with introductions and a briefing on the day’s trip. From there we will ascend to the HeliPad, then on to Wally’s Bay, arriving at approximately 1pm for a one hour lunch break. For those keen enough there is the opportunity for a swim. If the weather is not pleasant we may go on to the Peak Valley Woolshed for lunch. After lunch we will travel onto Peak Valley Station and turn around at the Top Pylon on Bog Roy Block at around 3.30pm. From there we will travel back along the lake front to the Camp Ground, arriving back around 5pm.

Everyone should bring their own packed lunch and refreshments for the trip. In the evening there will be a barbeque and debriefing at the Totara Peak Woolshed. Food will be provided, but people should bring their own drinks. 

Totara Peak Station is about 3 ½ hours drive from Christchurch and 1 ¾ hours from Timaru. The 11am start means it is possible to do the return trip in a day. Alternatively, there is accommodation at the motor camp Friday and/or Saturday nights (bring your own caravan or tent). The motor camp has flush toilets and hot showers. There are no powered sites. It is not necessary to pre-book at the motor camp, payment can be made by cheque via the kiosk at the camp on the day. Or people can stay at one of the many places in Twizel which offer accommoation. One option could be to pack your tent with a view to camping at the camp, but keeping the option of moving to Twizel for Saturday evening if the weather turns cold.

The trip will be on formed tracks, with some slightly more challenging terrain. Only suitable 4 wheel drives with adequate tyres and ground clearance will be permitted.

All drivers will be required to sign a liability disclaimer on the day before leaving on the trip. All drivers are to have a current drivers license and every vehicle must have a current WOF and must be of a WOF standard. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that their vehicle is up to standard. No irresponsible driving will be tolerated. No dogs or firearms are allowed, and there is to be no alcohol consumed until the trip is completed. This environment is worth preserving – please retain all rubbish.

What you need to bring:

-       Camera

-       A full tank of fuel

-       Food and drink for lunch and evening meal

-       Suitable clothing for the high country

-       Adequate first aid kit

-       Swimming costume if you are feeling brave

To register your interest and reserve your spot, please email us using the Contact Us page.