Activities
Moutere Boutique Tour
Moutere in the Tasman District was settled by pioneers in 1843 and with its clay, gravel and sandy soils eventually became renowned for its suitability for growing grapes. These soil conditions and the north facing slopes of the Moutere Valley have provided a home to a number of world class boutique wineries and cheese producers.
Moutere’s historic beauty and surrounding agricultural hinterland have inspired a variety of talented artists to take up residence in the area, setting up their own studios and gallery’s. This trip will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in this boutique wonderland. Enjoy wine tasting while learning more about the subtleties of crafting wine, visit Neudorf’s famous gourmet cheese producer, interact with local art and artists while taking in the beauty of this historic area.
During the day you will stop at one of our guides favourite spots for morning tea and a traditional picnic lunch. Along the way you may stop at other unique attractions in the area. This trip will depart the lodge around 9.30am and return at 4.00pm.
Murchison Town & Around
The rural town of Murchison is the southernmost town in the Tasman District and only 25 minutes drive from the lodge. Murchison has an abundance of history, beautiful gardens and scenery that sets the perfect stage for people who enjoy the outdoors. Murchison has a true sense of community and this is reflected in its people.
Members of the Murchison Garden Club will welcome you to their homes to enjoy the beautiful gardens they have created. Gain an insight into the historic past of the area, including the famous 1929 Earthquake, at the Murchison Museum before stopping at Mauria Falls for a gourmet picnic lunch. The Mauria Falls will take you by surprise with its sheer drop on an otherwise tranquil trail.
The afternoon will take you to the Buller Swing Bridge high above the Buller River that weaves it way from Lake Rotoiti to the West Coast of the South Island. This area was famous for it gold mining in days gone by and here you will have the opportunity to pan for gold and enjoy an historical walk. This trip will leave the lodge around 9.30am and return at 3.00pm.
Costs:
| 1-2 people | $ 150 per person |
| 3-4 people | $ 110 per person |
| 5+ people | By Arrangement |
(Cost includes morning tea, picnic lunch & Swing Bridge entry)
Guided Hikes
We can offer you a variety of guided hiking options to suit your ability and interests. Our guide will provide you with knowledge about the area, its wildlife and great photographic opportunities. We will pack you a gourmet picnic lunch and refreshments to enjoy on the trails. We recommend that you bring suitable foot wear that gives good ankle support and clothing suitable for alpine conditions. Department of Conservation regulations allow for a maximum of 6 guests and a guide in all National Parks. The time you leave and return to the lodge will depend on the option you choose.
Available hikes:
- A highlight at Lake Rotoiti is the nature recovery project the ‘Mainland Island’. This provides a safe haven for Tomtits, Robins and tiny Riflemen along with native Kaka. Here you will learn about the Department of Conservation’s efforts to protect our beautiful flora and fauna. The Lake Rotoiti Water Taxi will take you to the Coldwater hut for morning tea before dropping you at the Lakehead wharf to begin your walk through the ‘Mainland Island Conservation Project’ lead by our guide. This is an easy walk that takes approximately 3 hours.
- The Murchison area offers you a variety of easy to moderate walks to choose from. You may wish to do one or several walks choosing from skyline, river or historic trails such as the Lyell Trail that takes you through the once booming gold township. Our guide will tailor a walk that suits you. These walks take approximately 1 to 3 hours each.
- Nelson Lakes National Park provides two excellent hiking options for those looking for a more challenging hike. The first option is the ‘Mt Robert Circuit’. This hike takes you up Mt Robert through Beech forest and alpine herbs and shrubs before stopping at Bushline Hut where you can enjoy your lunch surrounded by stunning views. After lunch you will make your way back down Mt Robert to complete the circuit. The second option is the ‘St Arnauds Range Track’. This hike will take you through Red and Silver Beech forest and up to the spectacular views at ‘Parachute Rock’. On from here you will enter alpine herb fields that flower in early summer before reaching the ridge line that will give you views of the Wairau Valley, Mt Richmond and west towards the Kahurangi National Park. This is an advanced hike taking approximately 5 hours to complete.
- Our ‘Heli-Hiking’ option gives you the opportunity to combine the trill and experience of a modern helicopter flight with the beauty of exploring Mt Owen. At 1875m Mt Owen is the highest mountain in the Kahurangi National Park. You will enjoy spectacular views and terrain before being returned to the lodge by helicopter in the afternoon. This hike will take approximately 4 – 6 hours. The helicopter is an additional charge and can take a maximum of 3 people.
Note: Helicopter charge is additional with cost being dependant on flight time. The helicopter can take a maximum of 2 guests & 1 guide per initial trip and 3 people per trip thereafter. Total cost of helicopter will be divided evenly amongst group.
Fly Fishing Lesson
Staying at Lake Rotoroa Lodge presents the perfect opportunity to learn how to fly-fish. One of our experienced fishing guides will share their skills and years of knowledge with you and teach you the fine art of fly-fishing in a relaxed atmosphere.
The lesson will include a morning of fly-fishing tuition and an afternoon on the river fishing for brown trout. This will give you an opportunity to experience this delicate sport surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery and give you the ability to join your partner or friends on following days while at the Lodge if you wish. All equipment for this program will be provided by the Lodge. There is a maximum of two guests per guide. Lessons will commence at 9.00am and you will return to the lodge at around 5.30pm.
| 1 person | $ 580 (includes one day fishing license & lunch) |
| 2 people | $ 300 per person (includes one day fishing license & lunch) |
(This activity is subject to availability of guides)
Horse Trekking & Farm Visit
Tiraumea is a Horse Riding and working farm located about 30 minutes away from the Lodge. It is preferred that riders have some form of experience before riding with them as treks are through open countryside.
If you have not ridden before they are happy to give lessons in an enclosed and safe environment. They are conscious of your enjoyment and maintain all health and safety regulations.
Lodge Guests are always guided on treks by one of the farm owners Kate or Dallas and can supply you with whatever is required. This ranges from helmets to a variety of saddles.
If the weather is fine then there is also the opportunity to see the sheep dogs in action and watch some exciting sheep shearing.
Costs:
| Horse Treks | $ 70 per hour per rider and treks vary up to 4 hours |
| Return Transfer | Transfers from the Lodge and return is $110 |
Nelson City Tour
Photo courtesy of Scott VenningNelson City offers an abundance of art, culture, beaches, museums, food, wine, crafts and shopping. Nelson is home to the world famous ‘World of Wearable Arts’ Museum, 22 wine producers and a large number of talented artists. You can tailor your day to suit your interests with our guide providing valuable information about the city and what it has to offer. We stop for lunch in one of Nelson’s beautiful gardens or take in the sun and sights at one of Nelson’s pristine beaches. This trip will depart the lodge around 9.30pm and return at 4.00pm.
The Wild West Coast
The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is steeped in history, natural resources and rugged beauty. This trip will follow the Buller River as it weaves its way to Westport taking you through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery. On arriving in Westport we visit the ‘Cape Foulwind’ natural seal colony to observe and learn more about these beautiful animals in their own natural habitat. We will then lunch at the ‘Bay House’ restaurant, an icon in the Westport area. After lunch we have the opportunity to explore the small town of Westport.
For those interested in New Zealand history a visit to one of the most isolated coal mining towns on the west coast can be arranged. Denniston will provide you with an in depth look at how coal was mined in days gone by and how workers lived in these harsh conditions. Denniston also provides a number of easy to moderate walks through this historic area. The trip will depart the lodge around 8.30am and return at 4.30pm.
Blenheim Winery Tour
The Blenheim area is New Zealand’s premier Sauvignon Blanc producing area and home to many world renowned wineries. Blenheim wineries also produce a number of varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The Mediterranean – style climate is perfect for producing and enjoying these varieties. We have the opportunity to dine alfresco at one of many wineries on this tour. Our guide will provide specific information about the area through out the day. If you would like to purchase wine then many of these wineries can arrange for it to be shipped or you may wish to bring back a bottle to enjoy with your dinner. This tour is a must for those who enjoy fine wine and food. The trip will depart around 8.30am and return to the lodge at 4.30pm.
Lake Rotoroa Tour
Lake Rotora Lodge is situated on the door step of the Nelson Lake National Park and tranquil Lake Rotoroa. During the last Ice Age massive glaciers gouged out troughs in the mountainous headwaters of the Buller River. Today one of these troughs is filled by Lake Rotoroa. The lake is surround by beautiful mountains and Beech forest. The lake stretches away from the lodge for 11 kilometres towards the Travers Range ending at the Sabine and D’Urville rivers at the head of the lake. You can choose from a number of options that include a scenic lake tour and lunch or simply wind away a few hours spin fishing for trout. These trips are 1 to 3 hours in duration and can be arranged to suit your time table.
| 1- 3 people | $ 170 per trip (1 1/2 to 2 hours) |
| 4 plus people | $ 45 per person (1 1/2 to 2 hours) |
| Trolling for Trout | $ 120 per hour (price for boat hire per hour) 1 -3 people |
Canadian Canoeing
Photo courtesy of Ian TraffordCanadian Canoeing is a great relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of our surrounding rivers and lakes. Our guide has trained as a raft guide with years of experience on the rivers and lakes. Canadian Canoes are very stable and easy to paddle making this a comfortable way to enjoy the natural wonders around you. You can choose from a half day or full day canoeing option. The morning will have us canoeing a meandering section of the scenic Buller River which runs from Lake Rotoiti to Westport on the West Coast of New Zealand. We then return to the Lodge for a gourmet counter lunch before departing for an afternoon exploring Lake Rotoroa at the lodges door step.
Cost:
Morning or Afternoon Option:
| 1- 2 people | $ 80.00 per person |
| 3 people | $ 55.00 per person |
Full Day Option:
| 1- 2 people | $ 160.00 per person |
| 3 people | $ 110.00 per person |
(Cost includes morning tea and lunch)
Other Activities
The lodge can arrange a number of other activities for guests who wish to be more independent or who want something different. These activities include:
Golf at at Murchison Golf Club
Cost: $ 15.00 per person, $ 50 transfer fee
Helicopter scenic flights or winery visits
Cost: Price dependant on flight time
Kayaking on the lake - kayaks and life jackets provided
Mountain biking - bikes and helmets supplied
Maps and directions for local walks
Complimentary
White water rafting
Jet boating
All Tours and activity prices are available at time of booking. All rates quotes are inclusive of 12.5% GST (Government Tax)
