Rainbow Road access, out of season?

[Racing Dave]

Hi folks,

It used to be possible to arrange permission and to get the key to the locked gate on the Rainbow Road, for a fee.

Does anyone know if that's still the case, and if so, who should I contact?

Thanks,

Dave B

[ADVGD]

Hi Dave, it still is available outside of the official open times pending farm operations and no snow over Blind Saddle. Star Holdings is who you are after, phone numbers etc here: http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/85/rainbow-road.php

Cheers

Josh

[Racing Dave]

Blind Saddle? I'm thinking Island Saddle!

Thanks for the phone contact info, I'll give them a ring this week.

[BMWST?]

i went with my brother on the annual 4wd club snow trip...we got stuck..but we were allowed too!

[ADVGD]

Blind Saddle? I'm thinking Island Saddle!

Thanks for the phone contact info, I'll give them a ring this week.

Oops, that's the one, too many names of places rattling around in my head mate! I have only ever been unable to get over Island Saddle once at almost exactly this time 2 years ago for the fly fishing opening season October 1st. I am unsure of the level of snow at the moment

[NordieBoy]

Blind Saddle is over the other side...
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20101030%20Clarence%20River%20Ride/slides/20101030-113632.jpg>

[ADVGD]

Blind Saddle is over the other side...
Certainly living up to its name in that pic Fran

Looking back on Blind Saddle with slightly more visibility =)

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/144/images/clarence-river-5.jpg

Island Saddle in 2010 from a trip on the trusty DRZ250

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/58/images/high-country-fishing-8.jpg

Are the NADS lads doing a Clarence run this season?

[barrie]

I went through in November last year,
they just had a new station manager start the week before who I presume is still there, his name was Justin Thompson and his number is 03 5211838, though I think it's easier to contact him on his email rainbow.station@lonestarfarms.co.nz
Good luck.

[Racing Dave]

Yes, Justin is the bloke to contact. I phoned him, and he asked that I ring him again 10 days before the proposed ride, and he will send me a key and a permission form, and advise on road condition. If heading north, payment is made at the farm house as you pass by, and the key dropped off. If heading south, pay the fee and collect the key, and post that back when home. Seems straightforward.