The Road to Mesopotamia

Escape the crowds as we take you on a journey up the glacial carved Rangitata Valley to visit the historic Mesopotamia sheep station. This is located in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Travelling from the Timaru port by coach your guide will describe the areas farming practices its rich history and point out the natural features as we travel.Our first stop is the vibrant country town of Geraldine, well known for its cafes, art and the Giant Jersey, known as the world’s largest jersey. We visit the Peel Forest Park with its ancient podocarp forest, with a chance for a short forest walk to see the 1000-year-old Totara tree,or enjoy the birdsong of the native bellbird,perhaps even an encounter with a fantail or native keruru(wood pidgeon). After leaving Peel Forest Park we pass by other stations starting with the historic Mt Peel, then White Rock, Rata Peaks, Ben Mcleod and Forest Creek.As many of the stations operate their own game parks we can often see wild game and trophy animals in the paddocks along the way. Once we reach Mesopotamia Station we visit the Mesopotamia School where a sumptuous home style lunch is served with a complimentary wine or beer . After lunch a Mesopotamia station employee provides an authentic demonstration of sheep shearing and sheepdogs working at the woolshed. Passengers then have a chance for photos and to take in the vastness of the upper reaches of the glacial carved Rangitata River valley with its stunning panorama of glaciers and snowfields. They will see just why this landscape was chosen as the site for Edoras and Helms Deep in the “Lord of the Rings” movies. The journey home can include a short stop at the Tin Shed where a range of quality clothing and products can be purchased. Then it’s only a short 30 minutes’ drive across the Canterbury Plains to the Timaru Port. Travel Notes -The total distance travelled in the coach is approximately 230 kms (140 miles). Estimate coach time of about 3 hrs 45 minutes as it can be on unsealed country roads. We allow plenty of time for enjoying the locations,the forest walk ,and shopping and bathroom stops if required. A full commentary is provided throughout the tour.

Photography

Refreshments