Got an inquiring mind and an adventurous spirit? Then come and join us on a morning's exciting journey of discovery.........

Exclusive to lodge guests is Claremont’s unique and exhilarating guided Land Rover “safari” adventure. Acclaimed by Destinations Magazine as” the most interesting and diverse off-road experience in NZ – truly breathtaking!”

This departs each morning after breakfast and takes place on our own 2,400 acre estate and private nature reserve, returning in time for lunch. This is complimentary to those who stay three nights or more. The tour is also available at the indicated tariff for those who stay for just one or two nights. Not only does this morning's adventure offer you a combination of a New Zealand high country station (ranch) tour and off-road driving experience but you will also view some truly amazing geological discoveries. Getting there by Range Rover is half the fun.

Guest frequently tell us that our Estate is more akin to “a National Park” than a farm and that the Estate tour has proved to be one of the highlights of their NZ experience. It is a combination of a farm tour, an off road driving experience and a geological odyssey.

Your guide will talk you through NZ Deer farming, sheep farming and then take you back in time to the origins and pre-history of NZ. You will be introduced to the amazing natural wonders and geological features that have been unearthed on this remarkable property and that have previously intrigued celebrated Geologists and Palaeontologists. You will see the stunning 300 ft limestone escarpment - that through half closed eyes looks much like the great wall of China.

Next there are the fascinating 65 million year old “God’s Marbles” (Similar to the Moeraki boulders that are billed as the eighth wonder of the world) – 1.0m limestone spheres that roll out of the river bank and you will learn how these were formed. You will visit the KT- Boundary – evidence of how the dinosaurs disappeared. The KT boundary was only discovered in 1980 and is only to be seen in a very few places in the world.

We then take a short walk to the spectacular “White Gorge” where many fossils can be found. Last, but not least, is the gigantic 45m high “Bishops Head” natural rock sculpture which is three times as large as one of the American Presidents heads to be seen at Mt Rushmore.

The first dinosaur fossil to be discovered in New Zealand was discovered here by Thomas Hood back in 1859. Over the last one hundred years at least 134 significant vertebrate fossilsare recorded as having been discovered within the Waipara river bed on and close to this property - including the remains of Mossasaurs and Plesiosaurs, along with the remains of the worlds oldest Penguin and 17 different species of pre-historic sharks.

As recently as 2004 a complete Mossasaur head was found in the river bed on Claremont. This river has proved to be the most prolific deposit of Cretaceous material in New Zealand and is known to Palaeontologists worldwide. Who knows what you might discover?

Wellies are supplied. Hats and sun-cream are recommended!

Please note that this excursion is operated mornings only during the high season from 1st October to 30th April. It is weather dependent and may be modified cancelled or postponed for safety reasons entirely at the discretion of the management. It is not suitable for those with infants or for those with disabilities.

Enquire>   Check Availability>   Book>