Activities
Centrally located to many outdoor activities, the cottage is only 30 minutes
to Mt Dobson and 55 minutes to Round Hill and Fox Peak ski fields. It’s
an easy drive to the stunning turquoise-blue waters of Lake Tekapo and
the majestic peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook. The cottage provides an ideal
base for hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, fishing, hunting, astronomy,
heliskiing the Tasman Glacier and many other activities. Fairlie
www.fairlie.co.nz
Is a typical country town with all its basic necessities.
Restaurants and Shops
There is a selection of restaurants and shopping in Fairlie as well as a 4 square Supermarket, Chemist & Post Office all in the main area. The petrol stations also sell basic requirements for your stay. It is worth stopping in Geraldine (on the way to Fairlie) to pick up some great preserves, cheeses and other locally produced products. Further along the road towards Fairlie you will see “Fat Albert Smokehouse” specializing in anything smoked, well worth a visit.
Art Gallery
The gallery in Kimbell is owned and run by Lloyd Harwood, specializing
in local water colour landscapes and pencil portraits. Lloyd also exhibits
other well known New Zealand artists works.
Fairlie Golf Course
A lovely public 18 hole golf course. The Club house is located in town.
An “Honour” policy is run, where by you drop $20.00 NZD
in the “Green Fee Box” before heading out for your round.
Golf clubs can be rented from Pinewood Motel.
To book a game call the president, his name is Andrew Anderson Tel: +64
3 685 8133.
Fishing
As we all know, the Mackenzie Country offers some of the best trout and
salmon fishing in the world. Although there are many guides throughout
the Mackenzie Country, Fairlie’s Kevin and Jodi Payne know the
rivers as well as anybody.
Tel: +64 27 2202872
Mt Dobson
www.dobson.co.nz
Located 11kms from Fairlie (and on the south side of Kimbell), Mt Dobson
offers some great intermediate to advanced skiing. It's the best value
ski field around the southern lakes. Mt Dobson has been owned and operated
by the Foote family of Fairlie for the last 25 years, and they have made
it their mission to make this ski area the friendliest around. From the
top of the ski area you can gaze out across Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo to
the magnificant peaks of New Zealand's highest mountains, Mt Cook and
Mt Tasman. In the summer, the road up and back also offers a great challenge
for the advanced mountain biker.
Annual Fairlie Events
www.fairlie.co.nz
January : New Years Day Parade
January : Kimbell Day
February : Lions Club 4WD Safari
February : Mackenzie High Country Muster
February : Howe’s Cycles Sherwood Endurance
March : Pass to Pub Mt Biking Race/Ride
March : Mt Dobson Mt Biking Race
Easter : Mackenzie Highland Show
June : Irishman’s Creek Vintage Car Rally
Nov : Lake Opuha Fishing Competition
Lake Tekapo
www.laketekapo.com
Lake Tekapo is only 20 minutes from Kimbell and is a beautiful spot to
visit.
The Church of the Good Shepherd
www.tekapotourism.co.nz
Set on the shores of turquoise Lake Tekapo, this church is arguably one
of the most photographed
in New Zealand and offers stunning views.
Alpine Springs & Spa
www.alpinesprings.co.nz
For those who like to be pampered this spa is fabulous! The views from
the treatment rooms are breathtaking. The Hot Stone Massage is a truely
spiritual experience with Polynesian techniques.
There are 3 hot pools which are set at varied temperatures, a jacuzzi
and steam room
Winter Park Ice Skating (winter only)
www.alpinesprings.co.nz
Part of the same complex as the Alpine Springs & Spa.
Mini Golf
Another thing we like to do as a family is play mini golf. All the holes
are local monuments and it’s a great way for kid’s to learn
about what is in the area.
Alpine Recreation
Enjoy some great “Snow Shoeing” (cross country) between the
Southern Alps and the Two Thumb Range. Tel: +64 3 680 6736.
Horse Trekking
From ½ hour beginner rides to overnight treks, something for all
levels. Based on Godley Peaks Road. Tel: +64 275 444 880.
Mount John Earth and Sky Observatory
www.earthandsky.co.nz
New Zealand’s astrological centre, located after passing through
Lake Tekapo to the south. Great views over the southern lakes, make it
a great place to pop up for a coffee or snack. Contact the office to
arrange daydreaming or stargazing tours. Tel: +63 3 680 6960
Run 79 in Tekapo
A retail shop in Lake Tekapo that stocks Ice Breaker - if you don’t
know this famous NZ label then take this as a good opportunity to see
some of it's collection. Wonderful soft merino clothing that is light
to wear, of an exquite high quality and stylish too. Highly recommended.
Bakery
All those kiwi favorites are available. Homemade Pies, Lamingtons, Sally
Lun, Milkshakes and Hokey Pokey ice cream…A MUST!
Kohan Japanese Restaurant
After a relaxing all day at Alpine Springs & Spa, you'll be hungry
and the best place to go to for a wonderful dining experience is the
Japanese restaurant in Lake Tekapo township. You will find the restaurant
behind the St Johns Office. Quite a simple menu, the freshest ingredients
- yummy!
Ski Tekapo
Roundhill Ski Field
Roundhill Ski Field is located just before you reach the Lake Tekapo
town centre, and is known for its great beginner slopes. Relax in the
café which overlooks the kids lessons slope. Roundhill has reliable
snow in season as they have snow machines to guarantee the slopes open
during winter.
Fox Peak Ski Field
Fox Peak Ski Field is a small club ski field located 16km to the west of Lake Tekapo. It has a variety of trails for all levels of ability and boasts stunning views.
Aoraki – Mount Cook
www.mtcooknz.com
You can set off for a lovely day trip to visit New Zealand’s highest
peak, Hillary’s training ground. Simply enjoy the stunning
views or tag on an over night stay at the Hermitage (late
booking rates check www.lastminute.co.nz). There are also a number
of great treks of varying distances to enjoy.
The Sir Edmond Hillary Planetarium is the most
southerly planetarium in the world. A great experience, one that teaches
us all the basics of the galaxy.
Other things to do are to drive to Twizel where you
can arrange a Helicopter flight with Mt Cook Helicopter Services. Twizel
has a little shopping centre with good cafés and a wine shop.
Twizel is the best place to purchase fishing or camping equipment.
Driving on further you can also visit Lake Ohau which
has some beautiful picnic and fishing spots. There is a lodge here that
you can stay overnight at. Bookings are advised.
Lake Pukaki
www.mtcooknz.com
Apart from being the lake you have to follow to reach Aoraki, it offers
canoe and bike hire during the summer months. We love this lake
and see it as the one to go to if you want to avoid the tour buses that
frequent Lake Tekapo.
Fresh Salmon Farms near Lake Pukaki
www.mtcooknz.com
There are two salmon farms located here. The fresh Salmon farms are a
great place to stop for a healthy snack. You can ask them to cut the
salmon into sushi, with soya sauce and pickled ginger (wasabi packets
are available). It’s a great idea to buy some salmon fillets
to take back and make a lovely meal. They will pack it on ice so you
don’t have to worry about it while you continue on your adventure.
When we go there the kids love feeding the salmon.
