Activities & Attractions Search Results

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...

Famous for its all day sunshine, wide open uncrowded runs and friendly kiwi atmosphere, Mt Dobson is the ultimate skiing and boarding destination. This family owned and operated field is located on State Highway 8, the main tourist route between Christchurch and Queenstown. The gentle access road leads to a three kilometer wide basin, boasting 14 separate runs. The largest learner and intermediate area in New Zealand, huge natural halfpipe and miles of fresh untracked snow make for great skiing and boarding for all skill levels. The rolling natural terrain is easily accessed by the platter, T-Bar and Triple Chair. With a ski school, gear/clothing rental and cafe Dobson has everything...

Alpine Recreation offers a range of guided ascents and mountaineering instruction courses to suit beginners through to advanced climbers. Or maybe you are already an experienced mountaineer but want to improve safety by taking a guide for an ascent of one of our 3000m peaks. Start off with a taste of mountaineering on the 3-day Ball Pass Trek, where you'll learn how to use crampons and ice-axe, or go straight for a 5-day or 7-day climbing course. We are the only operator to have our own mountain hut in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Our costs include equipment and all food.

Enjoy a glacier & snow landing experience on the Tasman Glacier. The Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island offers one of the most visually spectacular glacier environments in the world. Experience the adventure of flying through the towering mountains of the Southern Alps in a ski plane or helicopter. Exceptional views of Aoraki Mt Cook and the Hochstetter Icefall as you fly up the Tasman Valley. Explore the flawless and pristine Tasman Glacier and experience this unique alpine environment with 600m of glacier ice beneath your feet. Reserve your choice of ski plane or helicopter. Both offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beautiful views right from takeoff view the Tasman...

We can offer sight fishing for large hard fighting brown and rainbow trout in the gin clear waters of the MacKenzie region. Your guide, Anton Donaldson, has many years experience chasing these wily trout in the scenic back country rivers of New Zealand. He can help put you in front of the fish of your lifetime and give you the right flies and techniques to snare your prize. We can arrange a trip to suit your requirements, whether you are after sight fishing, night fishing, winter fishing, trophy fishing or thread lining. If you are after the fly fishing experience of a lifetime, contact us and we will make your dream a reality.

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.

Located in the gold level Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory is perfectly located to explore one of the darkest skies in the world. The observatory is well equipped with a 6" refractor telescope, you can take a closer look at far away objects such as Saturn, Jupiter and its moons, clusters, nebula and constellations. We specialise is small group stargazing experiences. The Observatory is adjacent to our underground wine cellar and your experience includes refreshments, nibbles and an introduction the Dark Sky in the Wine Cellar. If you have a Canon or Nikon DSLR camera, bring this along for amazing deep space astrophotography opportunities.

Red Cat Biplane Flights offers a unique aviation experience. We are the only company in New Zealand operating an open-cockpit Grumman biplane that can take two passengers in addition to the pilot. This means you can share the fun and adventure with a family member, friend or partner. On all our flights you get to wear a leather flying jacket, leather helmet and flying goggles. We can fly throughout New Zealand but our base is at Pukaki Airport near Twizel in the spectacular Mackenzie Basin and only 5 km south from the turn off to Aoraki Mount Cook. We offer a range of flights from our popular Mackenzie Magic option through to flying over New Zealand's largest glaciers. Prices start...

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...

New Zealand's most spectacular skydive. Epic views of Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Located between Queenstown/Wanaka and Christchurch. Freefall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. Experience the most thrilling, adrenaline-pumped adventure, as you take on the highest Mt. Cook skydive, jumping from 10-15,000ft above one of the most magical locations in the world with Skydive Mt. Cook. An authentic kiwi experience.

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.

Photographers speak of the magic or golden hour — the first hour after sunrise or the final hour before sunset — magical moments as the light changes and the snowy peaks and sky appear bathed in pink and gold. As the sun rises or sets, take flight with Mackenzie Helicopters for an extraordinary opportunity to experience New Zealand’s highest mountains at their most breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera to capture the memories, the gorgeous golden glow and pretty pink hues. Perfect for a special or romantic occasion; even more fabulous combined with a landing for a champagne breakfast or a visit to the Bad Decision high-altitude whisky bar.

Tasman Glacier Helihike offers easy access to the realm of the mountaineer. With your mountain guide, you will fly high onto the white ice of NZ’s longest glacier– the mighty Tasman. We meet our guests at Mt Cook Airport, provide a safety briefing, and equipment check. Then we embark on a thrilling helicopter flight into the mountains. You land at 1,200 metres above sea level and spend up to 2 hours in the mountains. This is a guided interpretative trek on the white ice. The gently undulating terrain is an amazing landscape of fluted ice, runnels, moulins, and sinuous winding streamlets. As your crampons bite into the ice, you will trek on gentle undulating terrain, below the highest peaks...

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).