Travelling Through McDonald Downs
Experience McDonald Downs as you travel along our private farm road through a working high-country station.
If you are travelling from Hawarden or Waikari, your journey begins at 438 MacDonald Downs Road, at the heart of the farm. From here, allow approximately one hour to travel through the station to the locked gate at the farm boundary, where you will join Okuku Pass Road.
Along the way, you'll find a picnic table approximately halfway through your journey, offering a great spot to stop, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery.
Where to from the gate?
Once you reach the locked gate at the station boundary:
Turn right onto Okuku Pass Road and continue through Lees Valley towards Oxford.
Turn left onto Okuku Pass Road to travel towards Loburn and Rangiora.
You can also experience the route in reverse, entering from the Lees Valley / Okuku Pass side and travelling through the station before exiting onto MacDonald Downs Road. If you plan to travel in this direction, please select this option when making your booking.
Once your booking has been confirmed and payment received, you will be emailed the locked gate code along with important travel information for your journey.
Terms & Conditions
Track Conditions
The tracks at McDonald Downs are private farm routes and are not maintained or managed to public road standards.
Conditions can change quickly due to weather, river levels and day-to-day farm activity. Hazards may not be individually marked, and the track is not inspected daily, so visitors must travel with care and drive to the conditions at all times.
Access may be closed or restricted at short notice due to:
Adverse or forecast weather
Flooding or unsafe river levels
Extended dry conditions, dust or fire risk
Track damage or unstable conditions
Any other safety concerns at our discretion
If we need to cancel or postpone your booking due to track, weather or safety conditions, we will offer you the opportunity to reschedule for a suitable alternative date.
What You May Encounter
As you travel through McDonald Downs, conditions and hazards can vary. Visitors should be prepared to encounter:
Loose gravel, uneven surfaces and potholes
Rocks and occasional rockfall
One-lane bridges
River and stream crossings
Blind corners and areas of limited visibility
Oncoming vehicles, motorbikes and farm machinery
Livestock and wildlife
Weather can change quickly in the high country and may affect track conditions, river levels and visibility. Please travel with care and adjust your speed to suit the conditions.
Visitor Requirements
For the safety of all visitors and those working on the station:
Motor vehicles must be 4WD or suitable high-clearance vehicles
Always keep left and be prepared for oncoming traffic
Travel at a speed that allows you to stop safely at any time
A maximum speed of 30km/h is recommended in open terrain, or slower where conditions require
Do not continue if you are unsure of your ability or vehicle's suitability for the conditions
Take all rubbish and belongings with you when you leave
Be Prepared
There is no mobile phone coverage across much of the property. Visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for changing weather, delays or unexpected situations while travelling through the station.
Please come prepared with appropriate clothing, water and any essential supplies you may need for your journey.
Property & Farm Etiquette
McDonald Downs is a working farm. We ask all visitors to respect the property and day-to-day farming operations while travelling through the station.
Leave all gates exactly as you find them
Give way to livestock, farm vehicles and machinery
Respect livestock, working dogs, staff and private property
Do not block roads, gateways, tracks or entrances
Follow any instructions provided by McDonald Downs staff
Responsibility & Liability
By entering McDonald Downs and proceeding with payment, all visitors acknowledge and accept responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing.
Visitors enter and use the property, including all farm areas, private tracks, roads, and surrounding land, at their own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, McDonald Downs, its owners, employees, and representatives accept no liability for any injury, illness, loss, damage, accident, or theft affecting any person, animal, vehicle, or property while on the property or using its facilities and accessways.
All visitors are expected to exercise reasonable care, follow any instructions provided and be aware that farming activities, livestock, uneven terrain and changing weather conditions may present inherent risks.
