Outdoor Cardrona activities
Mountain Biking
The ultimate destination for mountain bikers – Cardrona Mountain Bike Park
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.
The Challenge Wanaka Triathlon, held in February is regarded as the world’s most scenic triathlon while New Zealand’s premier mountain bike and off road marathon while the Motutapu Icebreaker, takes you through stunning high county terrain and is held in March every year.
Horse Treks, Quad Bikes and Snowmobiles
Take in the stunning scenery of the New Zealand High Country from saddle back, bike or snowmobile – The Cardrona
The Cardrona offers rides to suit all abilities – from learners through to experienced riders. Experienced guides will escort you on the most memorable ride through the valley and surrounding hills.
Hiking
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.
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.
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 Hills 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.
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.
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 two alpine resorts; the Cardrona Alpine Resort and Snow Farm, our luxury lodge is the closest accommodation to these top 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.
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.
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
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.