Activities & Attractions Search Results

Fine whiskies, superb scenery and a tiny alpine hut perched on a high mountain saddle — The Bad Decision is an exclusive retreat reserved for a select few. From Mackenzie Helicopters Lake Tekapo base, embark on a stunning scenic flight deep into the Southern Alps, a majestic snow-topped wilderness of New Zealand’s longest glaciers and tallest peaks. The flight to The Bad Decision soars past ‘the cloud piercer’ — majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook — before setting down beside the little red hut. Whisky on ice or neat? Settle in, savour the moment with your choice tipple, and listen to the gentle whisper of the mountains. A selection of fine whiskies, pure mountain air, 360-degree vistas, and...

This is a New Zealand farm tour like no other. Experience a real New Zealand high country farm firsthand on the historic Balmoral and Mt. John Stations. Get off-road and explore areas not normally open to the public on this vast 25,000-acre property in the legendary Mackenzie Country. During your 2-hour tour you will meet lots of animals, some of which you will hand feed. Learn about the working farms, flora & fauna & sample some pure NZ honey produced on the farm! Get your camera ready too as the scenery is breathtaking. On a clear day see Mt Cook nestled amongst the Southern Alps! Experience fresh water straight from the source and enjoy our private location on Mt John. This is a...

This is remote backcountry skiing at its best, in a white wilderness all to yourself. Based at our comfortable Rex Simpson Hut high above Lake Tekapo, you undertake day tours in the rolling basins of the Two Thumb Range. Off the Main Divide of the Southern Alps the Two Thumb Range has very favourable weather conditions, providing a choice of terrain for either easy to moderate cross-country skiing and Telemark touring or alpine touring on the steeper slopes. You can cruise over rolling hills and explore snow-filled valleys, or take an easy ascent to access ideal terrain for carving Telemark turns. Tuition will be given as required. All nordic touring equipment is included, as well as...

The Mackenzie Country's Lake Tekapo contains some of New Zealand's most picturesque and natural scenery. Teal blue lake water and chiselled mountains are amongst Mackenzie's jewels. Join Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking by sharing the natural beauty in one of the most natural forms of transport available, in a saddle. Choose one of our short treks from a Half hour trek for young children and nervouse beginners, 1, 2, or 3.5hr trek for the more adventurous.

From above or below, there’s no place quite like the stunning intermontane Mackenzie Basin nestled in the central South Island. The clarity of the air, the contrasting colours and contours of the landscape make this a unique and special place. Like a shimmering turquoise gem, Lake Tekapo is set between the craggy, snowcaps of the Southern Alps, golden tussock pastures, rolling hills and deeply glaciated valleys. Fly over iconic high country country farms into rugged wilderness, landing at a private spot in the mountains for panoramic views of alpine lakes and valleys carved out by ancient glaciers. Step out onto the mountainside to absorb the vista and take photos. Minimum numbers...

Paddle Tekapo mostly caters for freedom hires of 1-3 hours on beautiful Lake Tekapo. Also available by arrangement are kayak instruction on the lake and in rivers up to grade 2. Also by arrangement guided trips on kayaks and/or paddle boards are available. Fitness classes are also available by arrangement. Paddle Tekapo is a small and environmentally friendly company operating in summer at the lake front. Usual hours are 10am - 6pm everyday from Labour Weekend until Easter.

Roundhill is a family owned and operated ski area set in the heart of the Mackenzie Country. See Aoraki Mt Cook towering above the Southern Alps while the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo provide an amazing backdrop to your day on the snow. We have a brilliant terrain mix accessible from our 6 lifts. The beginners' area is super wide with a gentle pitch, and there are ample intermediate trails with lots of wide open spaces and fun undulating terrain, or if it's deep and steep that you're after The Heritage Express Tow reaches an elevation of 2133m - Australasia's biggest vertical. Parking is slope side and you can enjoy some hearty fare in our spacious fully licensed base lodge café...

Why hang up your tramping boots in winter? What better way to escape the city than to strap on some snowshoes and explore our high country on snowshoes. Go with a guide, who will lead you along ridges, up peaks for grand views of the Southern Alps and along giggling mountain streams, decorated with amazing ice formations. Each day the refreshment of the exercise is capped off with relaxation beside a warm fire in a cosy mountain hut, with meals cooked for you. Don't let winter hibernation take over - get out and experience the wonder of a white wilderness transformed by snow.

The Tekapo Trek is in the Two Thumb Range overlooking Lake Tekapo. It is available in 2 and 3 day options and also as a guided snowshoeing trip in winter. It is based from the fully stocked Rex Simpson hut, so that means pack weight is kept to a minimum. The area encompasses the spectacular landscapes of ice-steepened mountains and broad glaciated valleys of Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park. Views of Mount Cook and surrounding peaks are spectacular from Snake Ridge on your way up to the 2070m Beuzenberg Peak. This is the highest point on the Te Araroa Trail If you are new to overnight hiking, then this is an ideal introduction, especially for familiy groups.

The Cairns Alpine Resort Golf Course is a links-designed 9-hole course with two tee blocks per green, allowing for a full 18-hole round. We built the course to fit the landscape and character of the Mackenzie Country, and used the natural features and contours of the land. The course looks out over the beautiful landscape of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Golf is complimentary with all accommodation bookings at The Cairns, or available for a green fee to visitors not staying with us. We can also supply golf clubs and gear, as well as golf carts and trundlers. We are able to organise golf lessons with a local golf instructor by prior arrangement.

Right at the heart of The Cairns Alpine Resort, Lake Tekapo, is a family favourite - our animal petting farm. Pat and feed sheep, alpaca, bunnies, lambs, calves and even our very own Kunekune pig, Whiskey. He’ll be your best friend for life if you do. Enjoy cute photos opportunities and lots of fun for kids and adults. ‍ Guests staying at The Cairns Alpine Resort have complimentary access to our animal petting farm. For non-guests, access and animal feed is available for a small fee. Open during office hours - no need to book, just drop in.

Your six nights fully catered windsurf experience is based in the heart of the South Island. You are hosted in the peaceful settlement of Twizel, centrally located to easily access five different lakes. From crystal clear waters of Lake Ohau, Aviemore and Benmore to turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Tekapo, all with a breathtaking backdrop. We aim to explore a different spot each day. The timing of your trip is tailored to capture the summer thermal weather conditions, maximising your water time. During your time with us, all meals will be fully catered for (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack on the beach). Transport for you and your gear is included (from Queenstown).

Your six nights fully catered wingfoil experience is based in the heart of the South Island. You are hosted in the peaceful settlement of Twizel, centrally located to easily access five different lakes. From crystal clear waters of Lake Ohau, Aviemore and Benmore to turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Tekapo, all with a breathtaking backdrop. We aim to explore a different spot each day. The timing of your trip is tailored to capture the summer thermal weather conditions, maximising your water time. During your time with us, all meals will be fully catered for (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack on the beach). Transport for you and your gear is included (from Queenstown).