Land Rover Above and Beyond Tour Grand Finale New Zealand
The cold turquoise water is fed directly from the Southern Alps and is awe-inspiring. We camped (yes camped) next to the water in Isolation Bay and at night, gazed at the stars. Next morning, with camp broken down and breakfast out of the way, we headed near 80km south to Black Forest Station, next to Lake Benmore. Another dusty, gravel road but something we were beginning to get used to (car and drivers).
"Tekapo is stunning and if you have never been, I strongly urge you to. The cold turquoise water is fed directly from the Southern Alps and is awe-inspiring."
Our first big climb. Tight, rutted and dusty trails had us winding our way up 10-degree hills. Now, this may not sound a lot, but when, as the elevation increased, you’re looking out the driver's side window at unsurvivable drops, let me assure you, your concentration level is heightened. We essentially hugged NZ's largest man-made lake, Lake Benmore, but from a very lofty position. The view from the top was something special; expansive and simply marvellous. In good oldfashioned ‘what goes up, must come down’ terminology and with downhill descent mode engaged, we made our way to NZ’s largest hydropower station for a bite to eat, a change of vehicles (we moved into the Range Rover), and the chance to calm our nerves. Next stop would be St Bathans and the ‘haunted’ Vulcan Hotel, but not before travelling along the Oteake Conservation Park trail and crossing the east branch of the Manuherikia river. Thankfully, it wasn’t at full flow and the luxury SUV’s large wading depth barely noticed.
The night’s accommodation was split all over town, with some of us even spending the night in 'Jail' (by their own volition). I’m not sure whom spent the night in the Vulcan’s room number one, but the ghost of Rose didn’t join us on the next leg. Our last driving day had us heading for Leaning Rock/Haehaeata Hill. As it turned out, our hill climb the previous day, paled into comparison. At 1,653 metres, it overlooks the Clyde River, Cromwell, and as far as I’m concerned, most of New Zealand. The trek up to the top had been heart racing but only for those of us behind the wheel, the Range Rover felt like it could climb twice the height and double the 14-degree incline. While admiring the breathtaking view, Land Rover had one more surprise up its sleeve and the distinctive pulsing sound of helicopter rotors gave it away - they’d treated us to a flight over Cromwell. I have to admit that the final leg to Millbrook Golf resort was a bit of a blur. I’m sure it involved some steep descents and rugged terrain but I was still buzzing from the climb and flight. Dinner the resort that night was quite literally a chance to congratulate all involved plus ourselves. It had been a magnificent experience that showcased New Zealand in all her glory and proved how effortless the vehicles coped with the terrain. The tour really went way ‘Above and Beyond’ my expectations and when it comes to the Discovery and Sport, well, they really do have adventure down to a tee. WORDS — DAVE MCLEOD
121