Rangitata Gorge Back Road

The Rangitata Gorge Back Road punches through Canterbury’s high country from the Rangitata River mouth inland to the foothills of the Southern Alps. This working farm track follows ancient Māori trails and later musterer routes, winding through tussock-covered terraces and past limestone bluffs carved by thousands of years of river action. The Mesopotamia homestead ruins at kilometer 35 mark where Samuel Butler lived while writing ‘Erewhon’ — proper literary history in the middle of sheep country.

Most of the route handles well in a stock 4WD, but the final 15km to Mount Somers requires higher clearance for loose shingle and washouts. Best tackled in dry conditions from November to March — winter snow closes the upper reaches. No permits needed on the main track, though some side spurs cross private land. Carry extra fuel and water, and watch for farm traffic during mustering season. The payoff is massive alpine views and some of the best high country camping spots in Canterbury.