Experience New Zealand’s high country wilderness with our legendary Cass Valley Backcountry Tour
Cass Valley Backcountry Tour is an authentic comfortable scenic 4WD tour through the high country wilderness of the Mackenzie Country. This journey offers breathtaking landscapes travelling through Glenmore Station, one of New Zealand’s finest Merino wool providers and incredible High Country Stations. Private entry offers remote access to the remarkable backcountry and outstanding scenery of The Cass Valley.
Journey on an incredible Mackenzie High Country experience by scenic 4WD tour into Lake Tekapo’s legendary natural landscapes. Discover towering mountains, glaciers, river crossings and incredible scenery, while learning about the unique geology, ecology and history that formed this part of New Zealand’s South Island. Enjoy this wonderful Tekapo tour into The Mackenzie Country’s isolated wilderness for the highlight of your time in Lake Tekapo. Everyone just loves it.
Cass Valley Backcountry Tour Highlights
The Cass Valley is an alpine river valley northwest of Lake Tekapo and Glenmore Station is a very large sheep and cattle station that starts from the banks of Lake Tekapo. A spectacular location, it is in the Canterbury Region of South Island. It rises in the Hall Range immediately below Rankin Pass and also receives water from the nearby Huxley Glacier.
The route up the Cass Valley passes close to the Glenmore homestead and works its way up the braided Cass River. Similarly, it passes the true right of the river toward a popular ski trek. In season, this is the well-known ski tour loop, “The Scorpion.” The Cass River is named for Thomas Cass, Chief Surveyor of Canterbury Province from 1851 to 1867.
- Private access to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful high country on our Cass Valley Backcountry Tour.
- Remote backcountry scenic 4WD tour Of Glenmore Station and The Cass Valley wilderness.
- Also, experience stunning natural landscapes unique to the Mackenzie Country.
- In addition, enjoy our Glenmore Station Farm Tour
- See Merino sheep, Big Horn rams, Angus cattle, and Red deer.
- Explore the crossroads of nature — river and stream crossings.
- Further, visit and photograph backcountry Musterer’s huts.
- View breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers, moraines, and big snow-capped mountains.
- Finally, enjoy the chance to view endangered wading birds such as Banded Dotterels, Black Stilts, Wry Bill, and other species.
- Learn about the unique outstanding landscapes, history, ecology & geology
- Refreshments and snacks
Tour Details
Duration
3 Hours
Departure
AOTEA GIFTS | Tekapo Township
Departure Time
1:00 PM
Minimum Group Size
2 People
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable, Stable Footwear, Warm Jacket, Hat, Sunglasses, Camera
Included
✔️ Driver
✔️ Educational Tour
✔️ Light Refreshment
✔️ Light Snack
Not Included
❌ Meals
❌ Souvenirs
Season
October – July
Tour Notes
There will be opportunities for photos and breathtaking vistas to enjoy. Light walking to close proximity viewpoints for photos, so stable footwear is recommended.
General Questions
How rough is the 4 wheel driving? Will I be comfortable or is it rough?
Our scenic 4wd tours are more of a scenic experience in comfortable custom fitted 4WD vehicles to ensure a smooth tour, while maximizing the incredible landscapes. You won’t be bouncing around that much. We explore on farm tracks and through side streams and rolling tussock country side, and some rougher terrain.
Is there a lot of walking? How physical are the tours?
Our tours are made for exploring mainly by vehicle, and we take plenty of stops for photographs. They don’t require hiking, or walking far. On The Cass Valley Tour, there is an option for a 20-minute hike uphill to a waterfall, for those who are in relatively decent shape and have adequate footwear. Your guide would be the judge.
Are kids allowed?
Yes indeed! We love sharing nature with kids. Our tours are family-friendly and offer a wonderful experience for little ones to explore pristine nature and marvel at the surroundings and animals. We ask that you bring your car seat for infants or kids needing to be in a car seat.
How long are your tours?
Most of our tours are 3 HRS long. Our private tours are 4 HRS and explore further.
Our 1.5-hour tours are generally only available for groups of 4 or more.
What's so special about where you take people?
We give people access to private land where they cannot travel on their own. Our private access allows guests to experience a slice of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery on their own, away from anyone else.
How many people can you fit in a vehicle?
Our 4WD Vehicles can fit 6 people comfortably.
How big of a group can you take?
We can easily take groups of 18 with 3 4WD Vehicles. With advance notice, we can accommodate up to 30 + people.
Our general day-to-day tours take 6 people per vehicle per tour, some days we could be 2 vehicles on tour.
Where do we meet, and where do your tours depart from?
Our tours depart from Lake Tekapo Township, next to the statue of a Kiwi Bird, Moa Bird, and a Sheep. Right outside AOTEA Gifts, a big red and green sign and across from Kiwi Treasures information center. Your 4WD vehicle & driver will pull up there at the time of your tour.
Trip Questions
What makes this tour so special?
This tour offers some of the best scenery in New Zealand. Traveling through remote Tussock high country and seeing the incredible glacial blue lake of Lake Pukaki with snow covered and glacial glad mountains, leading up to NZ’s high peak MT Cook. The scenery on this tour takes people’s breath away. If you're not planning to go to Mt Cook, you should do the Braemar Station Backcountry Tour, as it will be your best experience of Mt Cook’s landscapes.
What's the difference between the Cass Valley VS Braemar Tour?
The Cass Valley tours explore a remote alpine river valley on the western shores of Lake Tekapo. It offers a closer-up experience into a beautiful valley and rolling alpine lakes, with stream and river crossings.
The Braemar Station Backcountry Tour offers incredible expansive views of Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, and The Ben Ohau Range. It's very different from driving to Mt Cook National Park. Travel is through remote tussock country, offering a variety of breathtaking views. Many of our guests come back to do either of the tours they missed out on, or they do both!
Do you go to a backcountry hut on this tour?
Yes there is a wonderful Backcountry hut on this tour, and also a newer hut to stop in and have tea at along the way.
Do you feed animals on this tour?
If you’d like to feed animals, this is the tour to do so. There is a lovely pet feeding area for kids and animal lovers, if you would like to on the tour. Just mention it to your driver, and you’ll get to feed a lovely mob of sheep, horses, goats and even a deer sometimes.
What time of year does this tour operate?
This tour operates from October 1- June 1 annually. This tour does not operate during the winter season ( June - September)
About Glenmore Station & The Cass Valley
Glenmore Station is an Iconic New Zealand High Country Sheep Station In the heart of the South Island’s Mackenzie Country. Glenmore is situated on the Western shores of Lake Tekapo and runs deep into the Cass Valley wilderness, bordered to the West by the Lieberg Range. Will & Emily Murray are the 4th generation of the Pioneer Murrays to run this beautiful station which has been farming Merino Sheep since 1912. Its stunning 19,000 hectares in size, is home to 10,000 Merino Sheep, Merino Studs, Angus Cattle, and Red Deer.
This breathtaking High Country has been recognized for supplying the World with some of the finest Merino Wool on offer, including the supply to the famous “Icebreaker” Brand since the start. With more than 19 years of continued Merino Wool supply, this station encompasses New Zealand at heart in many ways. Glenmore Station also holds an immense amount of Natural Landscape Values that are Unique to the Mackenzie Basin. Our 4WD Scenic Tours on this station will allow you to experience the outstanding array of stunning landscapes and natural features, unique to the Mackenzie Basin itself.
The Cass Valley is situated on the western side of Lake Tekapo, offering a world of Natural wonder and beauty. Access to this stunning alpine valley is solely through Glenmore Station. The Cass Valley Encompasses a large block of mountainous country, containing high inherent landscape values of The Mackenzie Country. The overall naturalness of the rocky steep scree slides, the U-shaped valleys carved by glaciation, waterfalls, glaciers, lateral moraines, and tussock-clad terraces, overwhelm the senses and ignite the wonder of such a supremely stunning and unique landscape. The Cass Valley’s braided river system and Delta is also a special environment for some of New Zealand’s most endangered nesting birds such as The Black Stilt, The Wry Bill, The Black Fronted Turn, The Banded Dotterel, The Black Billed Gull, and the Oyster Catcher.
Meet Our Guides
Ben
Founder & Guide
Ben
As kiwi as it gets, hails from a long history of guiding throughout New Zealand and overseas. From The Milford Track, driving jet boats on the Hollyford track, or multi day hiking tours and enduro mountain bike expeditions, he is a man of many talents! Filled with a rich and passionate knowledge of geology and history, and wild places. Ben is the co founder of Tekapo Adventures and enjoys sharing his passion with people from around the globe. On his down time you can find him riding bikes with the kids, hunting and tramping and fixing vehicles!
Cristina
Founder & Guide
Cristina
A Can- Iwi as we call her, shes born in Canada and lives in New Zealand alongside Ben and their little two monkeys. You’ll enjoy her local knowledge and passion for nature and wild places, alongside her rich experience in guiding throughout the southern alps by hiking and Mountain biking for over 16+years. She looks after alot of the admin and marketing and sales and you can also find her behind the driver’s seat too! On her down time you can find her exploring nature with the kids, or doing yoga.
Paul
Guide
Paul
A Tekapo local ( Content To come !) On his down time you can find Paul planting native trees for the community, or spending time with his grandkids.
Why Choose Tekapo Adventures
Choosing Tekapo Adventures means opting for a uniquely immersive experience in the Mackenzie Backcountry. Our intimate knowledge of the land, family roots, and commitment to sustainability make every journey with us not just a trip, but a foray into the heart of New Zealand's natural majesty. Join us to discover why our exclusive access, expert guidance, and diverse, educational adventures set us apart as the preferred choice for discerning explorers.
FAMILY HERITAGE
Join our family. Experience the warmth and personalized service that can only come from a family-run venture. We actively explore and share wonderful experiences with people from around the globe and our small family in The Mackenzie Backcountry. A part of our hearts lies in the landscapes found here.
DIVERSE EXPERIENCES
Whether it’s a peaceful 4WD tour or a challenging Alpine hike, our diverse offerings cater to all adventure spirits. 4Wd day tours to remote mutli day hiking experiences, we enjoy the diversity of exploring the Mackenize Backcountry in many ways.
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEYS
Expand your horizons. Our trips are infused with insightful narratives about the local ecology, geology, and history.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Unveil the hidden corners of the Mackenzie Country with our unparalleled access to private lands. We hold exclusive access to some of New Zealand's most incredible high country stations.
EXPERT GUIDES
Learn from the best. Our guides are not only wilderness experts but also storytellers of the land.
SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURES
Journey with a clear conscience. Our eco-friendly approach ensures the preservation of these landscapes for years to come.
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