This year’s Methven Lions Club Glenfalloch to Lake Heron 4WD Safari saw approximately 370 vehicles pass through the gates, raising approximately $18,000 for Lions Club projects in the Methven district and donations to Methven Search and Rescue, the Rakaia Gorge rural fire unit for first aid equipment and the Alford Forest Rural Fire Unit for a defibrillator.

Glenfalloch and Lake Heron Stations are currently owned by the Todhunter families and consist of approximately 10,900 and 20,000 hectares. They sit at the head of the Rakaia and Ashburton Gorges respectively. The track through the stations is very well maintained and a credit to their efforts.

Run as a self-drive safari rather than a tag-along meant you could set your own pace, take photos at your leisure, pull over and escape the dust, or enjoy a picnic afternoon tea and a dip in the river for the kids on the flats.

The track was well marked thanks to Ashburton Property Brokers real estate providing directional arrows at intersections, and volunteers from the Methven Lions Club and Search and Rescue manning checkpoints along the way.

It was great to see such a wide variety of vehicles and range of people take part in the trip. The camaraderie amongst the participants was excellent with most happy to stop and have a chat, while others issued a friendly wave or thumbs up as they passed.

Thanks must go to the volunteers, organisers and sponsors of the trip and the station owners for allowing us access to their land. If you ever see this trip come up again take the time and go, it’s well worth the entry fee and you know you’ll be donating to a good cause.  

To read the full story in the July 2016 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (June 20) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.