NON-HUNTER ACTIVITIES
Experience New Zealand activities which are literally ‘at your doorstep’ and the Patterson Team are here to assist you all the way and arrange everything and anything that you may wish to experience.
Majestic Scenic flights - Milford, Mt Cook, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier
Out & About – With Ben Patterson. Ben and his bush plane are on call at short notice. Ben one of the most current experienced Southern Alps Commercial pilots, is able to fly you in his six seat bush plane; a Cessna 206 to no end of highlight locations in the South Island. Flights depart from and return to Manuka Point’s own private airfield!
SHOPPING in Queenstown (Designer) We can arrange to fly you out on a days shopping and be back in time for dinner!
Update your wardrobe with all the latest fashions when you visit Queenstown’s clothing and shoe shops. From high street chain stores to local fashion boutiques, Queenstown’s clothing and shoe shops are a collection of the latest designs and must-have basics. Pick up a special local design to remember your visit by, or seek out a new pair of shoes for that special occasion,
Quenstown’s gift and souvenir shops stock a wide range of local souvenirs as well as New Zealand gifts, souvenirs and crafts. Centrally located, Queenstown gift shops and souvenir shops are open throughout the day and often into the evening, to ensure you can purchase all of your holiday memorabilia after a full day of exciting adventures!
SHOPPING in Hokitika (Carved Greenstone and Gold). The Gold Room Jewellery, Hokitika
The Gold Room philosophy ,when creating jewellery with natural gold, is to leave the nuggets in their original state, preserving the unique raw forms from the ground. When developing the natural gold nuggets and gold flakes into beautiful jewellery that is not only different but very wearable, many of the Gold Room’s innovative designs incorporate prized gemstones, elegant gold work and of course imagination. Each piece of beautiful jewellery is designed to express the nuggets own individual character.
Pounamu/New Zealand Jade, Hokitika
For many people Pounamu, also known as NZ Jade or greenstone, is more than a souvenir – it has a treasured spiritual significance. Pounamu stone is found in many places on the West Coast and is prized for its strength, durability and beauty. Historically it was used by Maori for weapons, tools and personal ornaments and it also denoted great status. These days its beauty is still well appreciated as it is found in many Hokitika shops and galleries. The Arahura River in Jade Country just north of Hokitika is the birthplace of pounamu.
Hiking and Photography
Taking a hike has never been easier from Manuka Point Lodge. There are miles of valley to explore on leisurely tracks and untouched mountains surrounding. Hiking is super safe as there are no snakes, venomous spiders or predators in New Zealand.
For all activities we advise you take your camera to capture the landscapes and animals as well as scenic shots. You can dedicate some time to photography as an activity, we guarantee you will not run out of interesting material and subjects to photograph.
Wineries
New Zealand’s South Island encompasses five renowned wine regions, each home to a number of award-winning wineries.
Home to some of the world’s most picturesque and productive wine settings, the South Island is a vino-lovers’ paradise. Central Otago produces full and rich pinot noir while Marlborough is known for fresh and zesty sauvignon blanc. Canterbury, Nelson and the Waipara Valley all produce fabulous, delicate off-dry whites, as well as other mouth-watering wine styles.
Spa treatments
Our local Spa, located just 60 minutes from the Lodge offers a tranquil and peaceful sanctuary for you to escape the daily stresses of travel and surrender to a spa experience designed to truly relax and rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Soak up the ambience and unwind with a combination of relaxing massage therapy with soothing aromatherapy oils and the finest natural skin products available. Finish your spa experience by relaxing with herbal refreshments in our relaxation room or outside in the private tranquil surrounds.
Golf, 18 hole award winning course
Our local course is ranked as one of New Zealand’s top five for layout and is the only high country golf course to make the grade. Designed by Sid Puddicombe, the 18-hole par 72 championship course is 7,006yds long. The Parkland style front 9 course is sheltered with a ‘Woodland’ feel. The links style back 9 course with its open and tranquil setting, is described as having a ‘Scottish’ feel. Equipment available.
Trout Fishing, stream and lake. Fly and spin
Many fishermen travel the world in search of opportunities to catch big wild trout. While this search might take them all over the globe, New Zealand is one of the rare places where an array of fishing experiences are available in an easy-to-access, California-sized chunk of land. The South Island contains a variety of fishing experiences and the stand-out areas are Nelson, Canterbury, West Coast and the Lower South Island.
If you’re the type of fisherman who likes to fish big rivers crashing down mountains – as well as hiking up streams that drain high elevation sheep ranches You’ll also discover spring creeks that get squeezed out of the ground at the base of large mountains and gentle streams. – you’ll find these experiences relatively short distances from the Lodge (in some cases less than 10 minutes!). Some of the best fishing is found in local lakes. No matter what kind of trout water you like best, we’ll find it for you.
4x4 driving experience
An off road 4×4 driving experience allows you to tackle tough terrain on board a purpose equipped Toyota Landcruiser or Side by Side quad bike. Off roading is the perfect way to enjoy good fun with a mix of twists, turns and traverses to get the adrenaline pumping. Negotiate water crossing and gradients as you learn a number of essential 4×4 driving techniques. Centennial Cabin and Jellicoe hut can be accessed by 4×4 on simple off road tracks.
Heliskiing (July 1 –September 30)
Heliskiing is based right here in the remote headwaters of the Rakaia River, the terrain incorporates 3 mountain ranges and more than 250 named runs. There are runs to suit all abilities from beginner to expert. The standard “Perfect” heliski day includes 5 runs, and pick up is Manuka Point Lodge’s helipad. The scenery is stunning, featuring glaciers and dramatic peaks, with incredible views down the Main Divide to Aoraki/Mount Cook. All the heliskiing guides are internationally qualified professionals.
Skiing and snowboarding
We can take you on a day trip skiing on one of the largest and highest ski areas in the South Island and a big mountain experience for skiers and snowboarders. It’s perfect for every age and ability and fantastic for families. A network of lifts, progressive terrain parks and dedicated learning facilities. Just 1 ¼ hrs drive from the Lodge, or 20 minutes by helicopter.
TranzAlpine Railway day tripping
The TranzAlpine runs daily throughout the year, departing Christchurch at 08:15 and returning at 18:05. It stops at Greymouth for 1hr, arriving at 12:45 and departing at 13:45.
We will have you aboard one of the world’s most famous train journeys, between Christchurch and Greymouth. You will cross the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River. Traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Descend through thick stands of native beech forest to your destination, Greymouth. Your train journey returns to Christchurch same day.
If it is in New Zealand and you wish to experience it we can arrange everything for you, get you there and back totally hassle free!
And it goes with the territory that you may accompany the hunters on Safari on occasions, should you choose to do so.
