Activities
Check out the wonderful activities to do in this area only minutes to 30 minutes away.
Many beautiful walks in this area - www.mtsomerswalkingtrack.co.nz
Or for a day of Salmon & Trout fishing on the Famous Rakaia River - www.hunting-fishing.co.nz then click onto 4 Seasons Safaris - Fishing & Hunting NZ
White Water Rafting on the Rangitata River for all levels www.rafts.co.nz
Hot air ballooning - www.nzballoning.com
A days horse trekking - www.peelforesthorsetrekking.co.nz
Air Rangitata - www.airrangitata.co.nz
Hiking & Walking
One of the highlights of this beautiful region are the stunning walkways and tracks. Right on the back doorstep of Alpine Views Farmstay is the main entrance to the Mount Somers Tracks.
While the Mount Somers Walkway (two-day) and Mount Somers sub alpine circuit (two-day) are a must for the serious hiker, the Mount Somers Conservation Area features a variety of walks, varying in time from one hour to five hours. Highlights include the popular picnic spots at Woolshed Creek and Sharplin Falls. We offer a transport service - we can take you to the start of the tracks and then when you emerge at the end, hot, tired (but triumphant!) we will organise to meet you and bring you back to Alpine Views for a hot shower and comfortable bed. Sound good? Click here to book.
Not far away (15 mins drive) the Rakaia Gorge Walkway which traverses the edge of the Rakaia River's northern bank, offers several unique features of geological and historical interest. Local jet boat operators can also act as a water taxi, dropping you off at the end of the 1.5 hour walk.
The Awa Awa Rate Reserve has a number of bushwalks ranging from 10 minutes, through to four hours, taking you on a nature walk through many specimens of rhododendrons, native beech forest, mixed groves of broadleaf and fuchsia, rata, alpine scrub and grassland.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Another highlight of this area is the internationally renowned ski resort of Mount Hutt. Known to have the most consistent snow and longest season in the Southern Hemisphere, this resort boasts high speed chairlifts, great learner facilities and also a stylish base area with cafes and sunny decks. If skiing or snowboarding isn't your thing, it's still well worth the trip for the views - you can ride the chairlift just for the scenic trip and the view over the back of Mt Hutt is jaw dropping.
In addition there are a further 6 smaller ski and club areas within 1.5 hour's drive and some of the best heliskiing in the world in the mountain ranges directly behind your view at the top of this page. We also have a drying room for skiers for wet gear.
Golf
Perhaps golf is your thing. If so, you've come to the right place - this region is a golfers dream boasting within half an hour’s drive, six challenging country golf courses and one of New Zealand’s best international golf resorts. Terrace Downs Golf Resort is located just on the other side of the Rakaia River and provides other activities including horse riding, land yachting, jet boating and of course the stunning 18 hole golf course.
Fishing & Hunting
We are located close to some of the finest high country areas for hunting. Local species include Red deer, thar and chamois. The Rakaia River is well known for excellent salmon and trout fishing. There are also a number of other lakes and rivers in the glaciated mountains of the Southern Alps. You can be dropped into these areas by helicopter or 4WD and we can arrange for guides if required.
The local helicopter company is located only a few minutes away and we can arrange helicopter taxis as well as scenic flights and heli jetboat and helic picnic combo's - just ask!