Land Rover Safari Adventure!

by Kittie Beletic

2, 400 acres of nature heaven! This private New Zealand nature preserve is a working high country sheep and deer station surrounded by rivers, gorges, rock formations, waterfalls and pastoral bliss. Claremont Country Estate, located close to Christchurch in the South Island, is in the heart of the Canterbury region’s diverse and dramatic scenery as well as the Waipara wineries.

That’s just the backdrop.

The event is called Land Rover Safari Adventure! It’s a treasure hunt that twists and turns throughout the Reserve promising the intrigue of a geological quest and the terrain of Indiana Jones. Capture incredible photos of the New Zealand high country while experiencing the ultimate off-road driving experience! View prehistoric treasures dating back 72 millions years, including the remains of Mossasaurs and Plesiosaurs, the remains of the world’s oldest penguin and 17 species of pre-historic sharks.

Complementary to guests of Claremont Country Estate who stay three nights or more during high season, participants have use of the rugged Land Rover Defenders equipped with everything you need for a first-class treasure hunt: mud-terrain tires, ladder frame chassis, coil springs for a more comfortable ride and the permanent 4-wheel drive system (borrowed from the Range Rover). It’s one thing to drive a Land Rover on the highway, maybe down a dry riverbed or up a mountain trail. The water-filled riverbeds at Claremont, its rolling farmland, and the rugged high country terrain provide a driving experience worthy of both Woman/Man and Machine.

Guests are provided with a map of the estate, marked trails and highlighted sights to explore. Every stop is numbered and treasure hunters are encouraged to roam the territory! Celebrated geologists and paleontologists have followed the same trails, intrigued by the ancient clues, inspired by the breathtaking scenery, and awed by the rock formations and wildlife.

Accommodations reminiscent of 19^th century English country house, mouth-watering cuisine and fine New Zealand wines only add comfort to a long rugged day of safari. This is a 5-star road rally that takes you from tranquility to peak excitement and home to luxury. Ah, the good life!

Kittie Beletic loves to drive, especially off road. Her current ride is … not a Land Rover. But her son has a Defender 90 and she has spent hours of great fun touring about in it, gathering rocks and camping with friends. The family has even piled it high with holiday gifts on a trek to upstate New York! Have a good story idea? Contact Kittie at kbeletic@gmail.com.