Four wheel drive tracks - Tekapo

Located in Lake Tekapo area in the Canterbury region

Above Lake Tekapo are two four wheel drive journeys following river valleys.

Macaulay River valley - Macaulay Hut

Four-wheel driving in Macaulay River valley.
Macaulay River valley

Distance: 18km

From the Lilybank road end, ford the Macaulay River and follow the DOC signs for Macaulay Hut. Orange trail markers denote permanent sections of four-wheel track and the best places to cross the river.

Macaulay Hut is located on the lower Tindill fan and is run by the Mackenzie Alpine Trust. 

Please end your trip here, as the upper valley beyond the hut has many fragile areas which are easily damaged by vehicles.

Godley River valley (east side) - Separation Stream

Distance: 30km

From the Lilybank road end, cross the Macaulay River to reach a marked public-access route through Lilybank Station. A four-wheel drive track follows the east side of the Godley valley for 25km to Red Stag Hut.

From here it is a further 5km to Separation Stream (the track is rougher in condition). It is one-hour walk from Separation Stream to Godley Hut, situated on the true right of Fitzgerald Stream, above the glacial-terminal lake.  

These tracks involve river crossings so caution and skill are vital. In route descriptions true left or true right denotes the side of the river when facing and looking downstream.

Follow the braided river care code

No vehicle access past Lilybank Station

The Godley river is cutting in against Sibbald range making it impassable at this point.