Home > Activities

Activities

Gunyah Country Estate is a wonderful base for many activities and attractions. In less than 30 minutes you can feel the crunch of snow under your skis at Mount Hutt Skifield, or see your fishing rod tighten with the tug of a high country salmon. You can relax on one of the world’s most famous train journeys – The Tranz Alpine, or tramp or bike through the untouched alpine scenery of Arthur’s Pass.

For those who can abandon the luxury of their beds, it’s just a short drive to see the sunrise hot air ballooning – the spectacular views over the farmland from the mountains to the sea will take your breath away. There are four golf courses near The Lodge, and if you’ve still got time to spare why not try jetboating, horse trekking or some of the many scenic drives that surround Gunyah Country Lodge.

Your hosts take pride in the beautiful surroundings of their lodge. They are enthusiastic and experienced in planning and booking itineraries that will stay in your memory for ever. For more information please contact Gunyah Country Estate.

Golf

Four courses near Gunyah make this a golfing ‘must do’.

The International Course at Terrace Downs (10 min. away) is quite spectacular with views from the white/blue snow water of the Rakaia River to the majestic Southern Alps. A challenging course.

Methven (20min) and Hororata (10min) golf courses offer picturesque rounds in their own inimitable country style. Greendale Golf Course is also nearby. The locals will point you in the right direction.

Skiing

25 minutes away, across the Rakaia Gorge (near Methven), is Mt Hutt, New Zealand’s premier ski field. Four other ski fields are within 60-90 minutes of Gunyah, where a ski-drying room and roaring fires ensure a warm welcome for those returning from the slopes.

For more information visit Mount Hutt, or catch up on the latest snow reports and New Zealand skiing news.

Fishing

Rivers and high country lakes near Gunyah support some of New Zealand’s finest trout and salmon fisheries. The large braided rivers – the Rakaia, Waimakariri and Rangitata – flow across the Canterbury Plains from headwaters in the Southern Alps, offering excellent fishing in season (15- 60 minutes drive). The most common catch in Lake Coleridge is landlocked quinnat salmon, along with rainbow and brown trout (30 minutes drive). Guides are available to share their local knowledge.

The Tranz Alpine Express

This world-renowned scenic train crosses the main divide, through Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast. Day excursions depart from nearby Darfield 20 minutes away, leaving at 9:30am.

Hunting

Experience the grandeur of the Southern Alps while hunting from Gunyah.

The main animals of interest include Thar, Chamois, Red Stag, Sika Stag, Fallow, Whitetail & Wapiti (Elk). Hunts for big game (Thar, Chamois etc.) are from late March until September. The best time for the Red Stag, Wapiti and Sika Stag is April, however they can be taken all season.

Hot Air Ballooning

A breathtaking flight across the Canterbury Plains in a hot air balloon culminates, on landing, in a champagne breakfast.

Jet Boating and White Water Rafting

A jetboat trip through the magnificent Rakaia Gorge, (10 min. from Gunyah) or rafting on the rapids of the Rangitata River offer a certain challenge and exhilaration.

Walking and Horse Trekking

There are several walks and tramps in the area, in the foothills, by the lakes or along the riverbanks. A day-long trek on the Rakaia Gorge walkway can be combined with a jetboat trip on the return journey.

Croquet, Petanque, Archery

Some very pleasant hours can be whiled away with a game of croquet on the lawn at Gunyah. A petanque course and an archery range are also being developed.