Rough Ridge Track

Rough Ridge Track cuts across the heart of Canterbury’s high country between Lake Tekapo and the Rangitata Valley, following centuries-old sheep droving routes through golden tussock grasslands. The track climbs steadily from Tekapo through Merino Station to the 4,200-foot ridge line, where the full sweep of the Southern Alps unfolds from Mount Cook to the Two Thumbs Range. Historic musterers’ huts dot the route, including the stone Woolshed Creek Hut at the halfway point where high country legends were born over countless mugs of billy tea.

This is moderate high-country driving that rewards patience over aggression – rocky sections and creek fords demand careful line choice, but any well-maintained 4WD will handle it. Weather changes fast above the tree line, so pack warm gear and avoid winter months when snow closes the high passes. Station access requires permission from Tekapo Springs Station – call ahead and respect farm operations. What you get is the genuine New Zealand high country experience: vast skies, alpine silence, and landscapes that define the South Island’s character.