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St James - 4WD Access
St James Conservation Area covers 78,000 ha of native beech/tawhai forests, alpine tussocklands, rivers, lakes and mountains. It was a key route for Mäori between the east and west coasts, travelling through the Clarence and Waiau valleys.
The area was one of the largest operating cattle/sheep stations in the country dating back to 1862. It was purchased by the Government in 2008 for public conservation land to protect its natural, physical and cultural values and open it up to outdoor recreation and tourism.
Subject to weather and environmental conditions, 4WD vehicles are permitted on the Edwards Valley and Maling Pass tracks as far as the true left of the Waiau River. To minimise track damage, access will be restricted during winter and other wet periods. Access will also be closed during periods of high fire risk or to minimise any other risk.
Motorised vehicle access includes 4WD vehicles, trail bikes and ATVs. Vehicle access is controlled by gates with combination locks at track entrances. The combination is changed regularly. People wishing to take vehicles into St James Conservation Area will need to provide full details of the vehicles, expected trip, and contact details for the driver of each vehicle – go to the DOC website or contact the DOC Waimakariri Area Office phn: (03) 313 0820, email waimakariri@doc.govt.nz during office hours.
Vehicles are not permitted on Peters Valley Track or on the true right of the Waiau River. Please obey all signs and report (and photograph if possible) any vehicles seen in other areas. Damage caused by motorised vehicles in protected areas, or complaints from other users, could result in the whole area being closed to motorised vehicles.
Be aware of the risk of spreading didymo; follow the check, clean, dry rule when moving between river catchments and use bridges where possible.
