Mt White & Canterbury High Country
5-day tour
This tour takes you beyond the main roads and into the heart of New Zealand’s backcountry. From vast alpine valleys to high mountains, it brings together a remarkable variety of landscapes, experiences, and people.
Based at Mt White Station in the Canterbury High Country, you’ll spend time in a landscape of wide valleys, braided rivers, and rugged mountain ranges - where farming, history, and the land are closely connected. It’s a place of real scale, and one that needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.
Staying on the station for three nights allows you to experience it properly. Mt White is a 40,000-hectare sheep and beef station in the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, and public access is limited.
During your stay, you’ll explore the station by 4WD, scenic flight and on foot. Walk through remote valleys to alpine tarns, visit historic musterers’ huts, and see how this country has been worked over generations. You’ll also have the chance to see the station from the air on a scenic flight, helping you appreciate just how vast this landscape is.
You’ll meet the people who live and work here, including a hands-on beekeeping experience, and enjoy meals prepared from local produce.
You’ll also spend time in the Canterbury foothills, including Windwhistle and Lake Coleridge, where you’ll be welcomed by locals who share their knowledge of the area’s history and landscape.
The tour gives you time in the high country, in a way most people don’t get to experience with a group of like minded people.
Each tour is unique
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Our small groups allow us to adapt to the weather and better support the particular interests of our guests.
Tour Highlights
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Visit longtime locals near Windwhistle for a history and landscape tour
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Stay at Mt White Station, one of New Zealand’s largest high country stations, nestled in the Southern Alps
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Scenic flight over Mt White Station
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4WD access across the station, including visits to historic musterers’ huts
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Guided walk through a remote valley to alpine tarns
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Free time to enjoy lake walks or a swim
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Enjoy meals prepared using fresh local produce
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Hands-on beekeeping experience, including tasting high country honey
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Small group travel (6-8 guests)
Tour Inclusions
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Airport pick-up and drop-off in Christchurch on arrival and departure days
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4 nights’ twin-share accommodation (3 nights with shared facilities)
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Travel throughout in a comfortable 4WD vehicle
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Experienced Driftwood guide
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All meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
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Scenic flight from Mt White Station
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All guided vehicle tours as described in the itinerary
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Exclusive access to private high country properties
Quick facts
Tour Dates:
16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
22 Mar - 26 Mar 2027
Starts and ends at: Christchurch City
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Group Size: Min 5 / Max 8
Destinations: Christchurch, Lake Coleridge, and Mt White Station
Transport: Private 9 seater 4WD van, Station vehicles and scenic flight
Accommodation: 1 night at a four-star B&B with ensuite, 3 nights in modern shearers quarters in a private room with shared bathrooms (4 bathrooms between 8)
Price:
$4,990 per person (twin share)
$5,490 per person (sole occupancy room)
WE DONATE
PER TOUR TO
LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS
$800
Physical Grade:
Suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness. You should be comfortable walking for 1–2 hours on uneven ground, including moderately sloped hillsides.
See physical grade descriptions here
Still have questions?
Tour Exclusions
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Snacks and alcoholic beverages
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Travel insurance
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The tour begins and ends in Christchurch. You're responsible for all arrangements before and after the tour. But if you'd like help, our experienced in-house travel agent can organise any flights, transport and travel insurance you may require. Just let us know when booking, or contact us to discuss your needs.
Book your tour today!
This tour takes you beyond the main roads and into the heart of New Zealand’s backcountry 5-Day Tour
From 4,990 New Zealand dollarsLoading availability...
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This tour takes you beyond the main roads and into the heart of New Zealand’s backcountry 5-Day Tour
From 4,990 New Zealand dollarsLoading availability...
Loading availability...
Other important details
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Itinerary is subject to weather. We'll adapt the itinerary to make the best of what nature serves up to us, but for your safety and comfort, some activities may be changed, shortened or cancelled.
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Travel insurance is your responsibility. Delays due to weather may require additional accommodation and meals at your own cost. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover such circumstances
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Minimum numbers apply. The tour will be confirmed when the minimum numbers are reached and no later than 60 days before the tour departure date
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Deposit. To secure you spot $1,000.00 deposit per perosn is required upon booking
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Terms & conditions apply. Prices are in NZD and include GST. All tours are subject to our standard terms and conditions.
"Unforgettable, memorable, quite laid back but at same time completely organised."
Ngaire Marwood