Mustering sheep down a mountain inspired Dunstan Downs sheep station owner Tim Innes to come up with a variation on the traditional high-country four-wheel-drive safari.
Following the sheep through the station's magnificent scenery has resulted in the first 4x4 High Country Music Muster on the weekend of February 22 and 23.
''It's also another way to open up the station for people,'' he said yesterday.
Already, about 80 people had booked for the safari, organised by him and wife Geva. It was ''a good start for the first one'', Mr Innes said.
That was enough to ensure the new venture, which would become an annual event, was economic.
People could use four-wheel-drives, motor bikes, mountain bikes or horses to get to the Fat Man's Lodge musterers' hut, at almost 1000m above sea level.
Transport was available for those without, he said.
The route was about 13km, reaching a height of about 2000m before dropping down to the muster site.
There would be two entertainers, Dunedin painter Norman Sinclair on keyboard with a variation of 1960s to 1990s music and West Coast bluegrass band Two Armed Men and Twisted Bandit, who would play continuous music.
The entry fee also paid for continuous food, starting from 2pm, and breakfast on Sunday.
Those on safari should bring their own tents, chairs, swags and refreshments, along with warm clothes.
Tickets had to be booked by Tuesday so there was an accurate number for catering, Mr Innes said.
