LOWBURN STATION
This 6070 ha sheep station has been farmed by owners Anna Nielson, David McLean and their families for the past 17 years It also adjoins the Pisa conservation area and is currently stocked with over 2,000 Merino withers and 800 Texel lambs, (similar to Perendales) and 80 + Alpaca.
DOC PISA CONSERVATION AREA is 23,000 ha of stunning high country overlooking the Upper Clutha and Wakitipu Basins, with views beyond that to the Southern Alps. It’s the highest of Central Otago’s fault block mountains, consisting of very distinctive landforms and eco systems. Along the tops, remnants of the Crifffel diggings (reputed to be the highest gold diggings in Otago), reveal hand dug water races, tailings and the outlines pf former miner’s dwellings.
ROBROSA STATION is a 3,715 ha Merino sheep and Angus cattle station extending from Cardrona Valley to border the DOC Pisa conservation area. It is also the site of the Rhythm and Alps festival held annually at New Year.
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE PROVING GROUNDS (SHPG) which borders the Snow farm, is a 400ha vehicle and tyre testing facility which has also operated here since 1986. During our winter months, international car and tyre manufacturers send new models for assessment an testing here in southern snow.
SNOW FARM Founded in 1986 by Mary and John Lee on Waiorau Farm, the Snow farm, (originally called the Waiorau Nordic Ski Area0 was the first cross-country ski area in NZ. Waiorau, (which translates as “the place of over one hundred waters” was the Maori name that Ngai Tahu gave to this area. Today with General Manager Sam Lee, the Snow farm has 56km of trails which are enjoyed by over 15,000 visitors for cross country skiing in the winter and another 10,000 hikers and mountain bikers over summer. It also has 3 huts with a total of 33 bunks. (Bob Lee, Daisy Lee and Meadow) a fourth hut, (Musterers) is currently under construction to provide an additional 36 bunks.
WANAKA LIONS 4WD History
Wanaka Lions Club annual 4WD trips within the Upper Clutha area began in 2018.
Each trip includes 2/3 photo stops and a lunch break, ending in a complimentary Lions Club BBQ .
We acknowledge the owners of the Stations, allowing access for up to 100 vehicles split into 2 convoys, as well as providing information on the history of the property and current farm data.
Thanks to DOC for granting permits thru application, to allow us to travel thru DOC Conservation Areas resulting from recent Land Tenure review.
Thank you to Wanaka Search and Rescue personal, plus Shotover 4WD Club - providing service vehicles on the day, ensuring trip safety and any necessary recoveries. Without their assistance and experience we could not run such events.
Beneficiary of our 4WD trips is Wanaka Search and Rescue ( SAR )
2018 West Wanaka Station. One of the most spectacular and historic High Country Stations in the Upper Clutha area. Jaw dropping mountain top panoramic views of Lake Wanaka. 12,000 hectares bounded by Lake Wanaka on the East and the Matukituki River to the South and West.
2019 Bedigo Station. A round trip of approx 50km. awe inspiring views from the iconic area located high up in the Bendigo Mountains. Large areas set aside for the preservation of historic sites, that in the late 1860’s was scene of NZ’s richest quartz reef gold strike. 7,600 hectares carrying 17,000 stock units.
2020 Hillend Station. South of Roys Peak. 14km 3hrs duration trip. Magnificent views over Wanaka and Cardrona. Begins at the back of Heaton Park Wanaka and finishes at Timber Creek just off the Cardrona Road. Climbing from 320m asl to 1100 m.
Hillend station was once part of Wanaka Station – split off in the early 1900’s. Heavily invested in sustainable land management.
2021 Forest Range Station to Lake Hawea. Departing from Forest Range Station woolshed in the Lindis Pass, climbing up to heights of 1500m asl. Then entering Lincoln University owned Mount Grand Station ( since 1988 ) and dropping down to Johns Creek at Lake Hawea. 27km trip of 4hr duration. Magnificent views over the Lindis Pass, Lake Hawea and Hawea Flat. Forest Range Station has been owned by the Emmerson family since 1916.
2022 Snow Farm to Lowburn Station. 36km - 4hr / 30 min trip. Climbing to the top of Mt Pisa 1960m asl with great views of Mt Aspiring, Cardrona Ski Field, Pisa Moorings, Lake Dunstan, orchards, Cromwell and Lowburn .
2023 Morven Hills in the Lindis Pass ( unfortunately cancelled due to weather and track conditions )
A 24 km round trip.
2024. Lauder Station through Cluden Station. Beginning at Lauder Station near St Bathans , Traversing the Dunstan Mountains reaching a height of 1663m als, crossing the Lauder Basin Conservation Area before heading onto Cluden Station, down Cluden Creek, before exiting at the foot of the Cluden Hill. 48Km – 6hr trip. Cluden Station has 5 generations of ownership. 10,000 hectares after Tenure Review.
2025 Lowburn Station through to Cardrona Village
The 2025 Terrain