Muster: 09:00 Saturday 22nd November 2025 at Esk Head Station station yard, 340 Esk Head Road for Safari briefing (Esk Head Road branches off the Lake Sumner Road). Trailers/tow vehicles can be left in the Esk Head Station yard. Series 1s parked in a line-up for photograph before departure. 

What to expect

Approx. 20 series one Land Rovers, breath-taking scenery, wide open spaces, river crossings, tussock. We will stick to the main station tracks so do not envisage any serious off-roading. 

Plan for the day

We will start with look at the old cob homestead built in 1863 and a brief overview of Esk Head Station by the manager James Murray. The safari will take approximately 6 hours through ~60km of station tracks. We will depart the Esk Head Station yard and follow the south branch of the Hurunui River up past Deep Creek hut, then continue up the river to Bush Camp Hut. Time permitting, we may progress further before turning back towards the Esk Head Station yard. 

What to bring

A Series 1 land Rover, Warm clothes, insect repellent, packed lunch for you and your passengers, fire extinguisher, drink, spare fuel/oil/water, tow rope, spare parts/tools at your discretion, PRS radio (if you have one, channel to be advised on the day).

$10 donation per vehicle payable to Donald to go towards a thank-you gift for Esk Head Station. 

Phone Coverage

Phone coverage is very limited (some coverage on some of the high points), we will be carrying an emergency locator beacon in case of emergency. PRS radio will be the main way we communicate whilst on safari.

Weather Conditions

At a high altitude whether can change fast. Safe access to the station track network is weather dependant and we will postpone the safari if track conditions are deemed too slippery to ensure safe passage.  The station track network undergoes routine maintenance every spring to repair damage done over winter months.

The hosts will monitor track/weather conditions leading up to the safari. We will update the group by email 72 and 24 hrs before the event so that those travelling can alter plans should the safari not proceed as planned.

Accommodation

Some accommodation is available at Mount Whitnow Station (2081 Virginia Road, Hawarden) - Two bedrooms available in the cottage, one with a double and one with two sets of bunks. Please Note that it is a 2-hour drive from Mt Whitnow Station to Esk Head station. The shearer's quarters are two bedrooms with two single beds, and two bedrooms with two sets of bunks in each. Plenty of space available for camping.  Donation of $15 per person per night would be appreciated. Please contact Donald if you need accommodation on Friday and/or Saturday nights. First in First served.

Safari Guidelines

·      Whilst on Safari, all attendees must be driving or a passenger in a Series 1 Land Rover (1948-1958).

·      All drivers must register their vehicles on: https://The-Esk-Head-Station-Land-Rover-Series-1-Expedition.lilregie.com or by contacting Cameron (details below)

·      Convoy rules apply (always keep the vehicle behind you in sight)

·      All safari Land Rovers must be safe to drive with good tyres and brakes (both foot and hand). A current Warrant of Fitness is strongly recommended. Drivers must self-assess their vehicles throughout the day and seek advice from safari organisers if they have any concerns or something seems amiss.

·      Drivers to apply Land Rover recommended driving techniques and notify organisers if they are not confident negotiating a particular obstacle.

·      No fires, firearms, dogs, drugs, or alcohol on Safari. 

·      All visitors must sign the indemnity form before departing on Safari.

·      For those recording videos/photographs – please do not mention the owners’ names or the name of the stations on social media.

Key Contacts

Organisers: 

Donald Williamson, 0274 354705, coniston@xtra.co.nz 

Andrew Rutherford, 03 3142070, ajmrutherford@gmail.com

Cameron Craigie, 0272 225642, C.R.Craigie@gmail.com