The number            B&B in Wanaka with over 100 Excellent! reviews in TripAdvisor

Outdoor activities

Skiing/ Snowboarding

 

Open your window and check out the ski conditions

Waiorau Homestead is an ideal base for Skiers and Snowboarders - situated only 2 minutes from the base of the access road to three alpine resorts; the Cardrona Alpine Resort,  Snow Farm and Snow Park NZ, our luxury lodge is the closest accommodation to these top three Ski and Snow Board Fields:

 

Cardrona Alpine Resort caters to all abilities from brilliant learner terrain, purpose built snowboard parks and pipes and a variety of slopes that suit families and friends of all levels. Cardrona Alpine Resort will also be one of the venues for the Winter Games NZ.

 

Waiorau Snow Farm is New Zealand’s only Nordic cross country skiing area and home to the international Infinity Merino Muster and biathlon series which attract competitors from all over the world.  Waiorau Snow Farm will also be one of the venues for the Winter Games NZ.

 

Snow Park NZ is New Zealand’s premiere freestyle resort, and is a world renowned dedicated Snowboarding field.  The snow park hosts a number of world class snowboarding Competitions including the Burton New Zealand Snowboarding Championships in late July.

 

Waiorau Homestead is also only 30 minutes drive to Treble Cone Ski Field and 45 minutes to both Coronet Ski Field and The Remarkables Ski Fields

 

Winter Games NZ 2011

Winter Games NZ 2011 will take place at Cardrona Alpine Resort, Snow Farm, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables from 15-30 August 2011 and will feature alpine skiing, free skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and adaptive snow sports.  Waiorau Homestead Lodge is conveniently located directly beside the access roads to Snow Farm and Cardrona Alpine Resort  and only 30 minutes drive from Coronet Peak. Book Now for Winter Games 2011 specials.

 

Dog Sled Tours

The Homestead is located at the base of the access road to Snow Farm, where dog sledding is on offer. Snow Farm’s gentle terrain is ideal for this unique winter activity. Directed by the Musher, the team of dogs will carry you along the trails through stunning alpine scenery.  To book contact Quiet Running Adventures on www.quietrunning.co.nz (limited time slots available, so book early).

 

Snow and ice driving

The Southern Snow and Ice driving experience is focused on providing you with one of the most amazing driving experiences you will ever encounter. Using highly trained driving instructors you will learn the fundamentals of driving in a wintery environment.

 

Their world class facilities allow you to take the wheel in unique cars upon specially crafted snow and ice facilities. You will receive quality instruction throughout all of their courses enabling you to discover firsthand the exhilarating rush of driving on snow and ice.

 

Mountain Biking

The ultimate destination  for mountain bikers

 

Our central location in the Cardrona Valley, makes Waiorau Homestead an excellent base from which to access an extensive range of biking tracks, ranging from gentle tracks along the lakeside to more challenging  rides such as the 55 kilometres of mountain bike trails on the Pisa range directly adjacent to the Homestead.

 

The Challenge Wanaka Triathlon, held in mid January is regarded as the world’s most scenic triathlon while New Zealand’s premier mountain bike and off road marathon, the Motutapu Icebreaker, takes you through stunning high county terrain and is held in March every year.

 

Let us pack you a gourmet lunch and take one of our mountain bikes to explore the area at your leisure. Heli-biking can also be arranged.

 

Horse Treks

Take in the stunning scenery of the New Zealand High Country from saddle back

 

Back Country Saddle Expeditions offers rides to suit all abilities - from learners through to experienced riders with rides from two hours to full day available. Debbie, a local identity who has owned the stables for 20 years, will escort you on her beautiful Appaloosa horses on the most memorable ride through the valley and surrounding hills.

 

Hiking

Lets us pack you a sumptuous lunch - and you can enjoy the Cardrona Valley and surrounding areas on foot.

 

There are a number of easily accessed trails from short strolls around the lake and vicinity to all-day treks in the immediate vicinity. Lake Wanaka is also the gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park, a world heritage area that is ideal for tramping and climbing.

 

Our Homestead is adjacent to the entrance to the Department of Conservation Roaring Meg track which takes you over the Pisa Range and down into the Bannockburn Valley. Take your lunch in the back pack and your hosts can pick you up for the return journey.

 

Fishing and Hunting

A fisherman and hunter's paradise

 

The Southern Lakes District boasts some of the world’s most extreme and picturesque scenery and is blessed with a world-class range of fly fishing rivers and lakes - in particular the area is renowned for trout fishing. Guides can be arranged for all types of fishing both on land and from a boat. Riversong Guides

 

Hunting safaris for world class deer can also be arranged in the local Cardrona area. New Zealand is home to some of the world's biggest Red stags ranging in size from 200 to 300 kgs. Cardrona Safaris focus is to provide the hunter with the best hunting experience and in Cardrona we have had some exceptional trophies of up to 30 points. Cardrona Safaris

 

Quad Biking

Experience the adrenalin pumping thrill of Monster Trucks and off road vehicles.

 

The Cardrona Adventure Park, situated in the Cardrona Valley offers Monster Truck and quad bike trips for all - from beginners through to advanced and intermediate rides. The rides take in the spectacular scenery across the Pisa Range and surrounding areas - taking in lunch at the top of the range can be a great option.

 

Golf

Enjoy a round of golf (or two) in the most stunning surroundings

 

Wanaka's 18-hole golf course, immediately adjacent to Lake Wanaka, is located in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. There are a number of other golf courses in the area including one of New Zealand’s premier golf courses Millbrook as well as the Michael Hill Golf course where the

NZ Open is currently held. These world class golf courses are a 30 minute drive over the scenic Crown Range Road.

 

Water Sports

Take a personalised luxury yacht charter

 

Lake Wanaka and nearby Lake Hawea are home to all watersports including jet boating, sailing, boardsailing, and kayaking, white-water rafting as well as swimming and lake cruising.

 

Lake Wanaka Cruises offer stylish scenic cruising in an incredible location, famed for its stunning alpine scenery.

 

Gold Panning

Do as our pioneers did...

 

Try your hand at gold panning as the old time miners did in the late 1800’s The boundary stream to the Waiorau Homestead and the Cardrona River are both situated adjacent to the house, making easy access to this favourite pastime in the valley.

 

Adventure

Adrenalin junkies take note!

 

The Wanaka and Queenstown areas provide so many opportunities to indulge in activities which provide the ultimate adrenaline rush, they are almost too numerous to list. Heli-skiing and snow boarding; paragliding; skydiving and tandem skydiving; white-water rafting; water canyoning and bungy-jumping. Flights in historic fighter planes are also available at the local Wanaka airport.