Wanaka Adventures
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WANAKA Waiorau Snow Farm A great fun day activity for families and all ages. Cross-country skiing over ADVENTURE/SPORT 50 km of trails with scenic views in all directions. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. If you are new to cross-country skiing, it is worth taking a lesson. Skiing The learners’ circuit is then a breeze and in no time at all you will be on a more Reliable snow, stable weather, breath-taking scenery and a wide choice challenging track and feeling the power and exhilaration of moving uphill of skifield, heliskiing and cross country skiing make Wanaka a superb with ease! winter resort. Wanaka Snowfest and World Heli Challenge are held in August. § Bar, café § Equipment rental § Ski school and lessons Cardrona Alpine Resort § Accommodation § 56 km of groomable trails About 40 minutes from Lake Wanaka Township. Wonderful views to § overnight huts - you need to book them Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and over towards Queenstown. § Email: [email protected] This area has wide, open slopes, a favourite with intermediate level skiers. It is ideal for families and learners with its ‘Magic Carpets’ Heli-Skiing (conveyor belt lifts). It has 700 metres of dedicated snowboard terrain Harris Mountains Heli-Skiing. This company offers the chance to experience with obstacles and jumps and 4 half pipes. the thrill of skiing virgin snow in incomparable and isolated surroundings. Each group of 4 clients is taken by helicopter into the mountains with a § Lifts - 2 quad, 1 double, 3 Magic Carpets, 1 learner platter qualified and experienced guide. The level of each group is matched to the § Brasserie, pizzeria, bar, café terrain. § Childcare area § Equipment rental There are 3, 4 and 7 run days and an alpine buffet lunch is provided. § Lessons Email: [email protected] § Accommodation units www.adventure.net.nz Email: [email protected] Kayaking www. cardrona.com Professional guides operate on most rivers but these notes Treble Cone are written for the enthusiastic Superb views of the lake, 5 lifts spread over 3 large basins and many kayaker with his or her own natural ridges and trails suited to all levels of skiers make this a popular transport. Times include a little field. 85% of terrain is suited to intermediate or higher ability. bit of playing around. § Lifts 1x 6 seater, 1 double, 2 T-bars, 1 platter lift The Wanaka area has very § Bar and café good kayaking for people of § Childcare a junior or intermediate level. § Equipment rental For Grades 4 and 5 you’d have § Lessons to go to the Kawarau River and Email: [email protected] the Nevis Bluff. www.treblecone.co.nz 1 § The Outlet of the Clutha River from Lake Mountain Biking Wanaka to Albert Town The Wanaka area is ideal for road or track biking because there is a variety of terrain for all levels of ability, and engrossing views wherever you travel. Normally grade 1-2.1 hour. Start by the Outlet Camping Ground. A Mountain bikes are available for hire from a number of outlets. Bikers must drift through beautiful scenery with a little bit of rapid. Suited to people give way to walkers with whom they share the tracks. with a little experience because the exit points on the Albert Town side can be close to trees where the current cuts into the bank on the true right.It’s safer to choose the opposite bank by the camping ground or § Mount Iron immediately on the downriver side of the bridge. - 2 km and 30-45 mins return. - The track goes up the west side of Mt Iron so a good level of fitness is § The Clutha River from Albert Town to Luggate required. Bikes are prohibited on the eastern side of the loop track. - Great views of lakes, rivers and mountains. Normally grade 2+. 2 hours. Start at the free camping ground opposite the town. This paddle can be more fun because there are some large boils and slow whirlpools to play around in. The odd rock creates a hole § Lake Wanaka Outlet-Albert Town-Wanaka to cut into. Exit just below the Luggate bridge on the right where you - 16 km; 1-2 hours. can find parking room. - Mainly flat with some stiles. - The track takes the eastern side of the lake to the Outlet of the Clutha § The Hawea River River, then follows the river to Albert Town. From there you can return to Wanaka by Alison Avenue and SH 6 or turn right as you leave the Anglers’ Normally grade 2+. 2.5hours. Much less volume than the Clutha, Access and bike up to the river terrace. Then follow Mt Iron Road and although you have to make sure water is being let out of the dam and Anderson’s Road back to Wanaka. there is enough to take the kayak. Meandering with some beautiful views. Drive down to the start of the river by going through the gate on the left hand side of the petrol station near the Lake Hawea Dam. § Dublin Bay Circuit There is a shallow weir for playing around in and a number of rocky - 10 km; 1 hour. sections and pools. Tricky in the odd place and dangerous if the river is - Gently undulating. high because of trees. Exit anywhere along the bank before the junction - Take the road to Lake Hawea on SH 6 but turn left to Dublin Bay about with the Clutha 2 km after passing over the Clutha River at Albert Town. Follow the track to the left when you reach the lake and it will take you around to the lake § The Motatapu River and Gorge outlet and back to the highway. Normally grade 2+. 2.5 hours. Drive up the Motatapu Road that turns up from the Wanaka-Matukituki road opposite the Glendhu Camping § Waterfall Creek Track. Ground and exit on the left below the bridge over the Motatapu River - 12 km return; 45 mins. further on. Here your driver can park in the shade. This is fun if there - Follow the track on the west side of the lake to Waterfall Creek. is enough water. You will sometimes scrape your bottom but the rock garden and the gorge near the end make it worthwhile. § West Matukituki Valley § Lake Wanaka - 20 km; 3-4 hours return. When there is a strong westerly blowing, the eastern shores of the lakes - Drive to Raspberry Creek car park at the end of the Matukituki Road can catch some largish waves that are okay for surfing. Paddling around which continues on from Aspiring Road. Bike from there to Mt Aspiring the shores from Wanaka to Ruby Island, the Outlet, Dublin Bay, or the Hut. islands up Stevensons Arm are pleasant half-day or day trips or as over- nighters. 2 Lake Wanaka Horse Trekking - Many streams to cross, otherwise a gentle climb up the valley. § Mt Iron Trail 2 hours Suitable for experienced riders only. No biking beyond Mt Aspiring § Lake Ride - by arrangement for the more experienced rider Hut. § - Awe-inspiring views of mountains and beech-covered lower www.nz-reservations.com/horse slopes. - Telephone Mt Aspiring Station (03 443 7155) for permission to All Terrain Vehicle Safaris ride in the Matukituki Valley. - E-mail: [email protected] - A choice of 3 distinctive fun rides: § Roaring Meg Track 1. Gold Trail Safari includes a guided walk around gold - 12 kms; 2-3 hours return. diggings and a BBQ lunch. - Start at the entrance to the Waiorau Snow Farm in the 2. Deer Park Safari takes you amongst Red Deer herds and includes light refreshments. Cardrona Valley. There’s a 4 km climb to Tuohys Saddle 3. Farm Airstrip Safari goes through rugged merino sheep and a 2 km descent to Meg Hut. country. Light snacks are provided. - Experienced riders only. Tandem Skydive - Experience the thrill of a skydive amid breathtaking lake and alpine scenery. Rock Climbing - E-mail: [email protected] Hospital Flat on the road to the Matukituki Valley past Glendhu Bay is a www.skydive.com popular place for rock climbing. The shuttle bus to the Matukituki will drop you off there. White Water Sledging Purpose built sledges allow individuals to descend rivers. All equipment is Fishing provided and guides show you the best course to take. § Fly fishing season - st1 October to 31st May. www.frogz.co.nz § The best months are November to April. 1. The Clutha River Trip. § Brown and rainbow trout. Two hours. A very scenic trip; you can see the trout swimming in the § There are many rivers and lakes in the area and the Upper Clutha wonderfully clear water as you glide along. River is famous for flyfishing. 2. The Hawea River Trip § Trolling: brown and rainbow trout and quinnat salmon can be Two hours. More challenging, but fun for families. caught all year round. § Commercial charters and guides are available. Mountaineering Companies provide guides for climbers of all levels. They also offer instruction COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES courses. Horse Riding Alpinism and Ski: www.alpinismski.co.nz Adventure Consultants: www.adventure.co.nz Backcountry Saddle § Based in the Cardrona Valley close to the historic Cardrona hotel on the Queenstown side. § Half and full day treks; 3-4 day pack trips in the back country § Appaloosa horses § Ph. (03) 443 8151 Fax 03 443 1712 3.