Attractions & Activities
If you’ve never spent time in New Zealand’s high country, Arrowsmith Lodge offers you the perfect experience.
Lake Heron is renowned for its secluded fishing spots. As the largest of the four lakes that make up the Ashburton Lakes, it’s also a remote and spectacular wildlife area. You may be lucky enough to spot a rare Southern Crested Grebe, one of New Zealand’s endangered birds, or some of the other native birdlife that flock to this area. If birdwatching isn’t a passion, kayaking the lake or walking through the spectacular tussock land will give you that wilderness experience.
There are row boats, kayaks and mountain bikes available for your use while staying at Arrowsmith Lodge.
From the lodge it’s only a short drive (15 minutes) to the two small lakes that nestle together further inland, Clearwater and Camp, a popular holiday destination in summer for water sport enthusiasts.
Drive a little bit further (30 minutes) and you reach Mt Potts, the high country station where the city of Edoras was created on Mt Sunday for the Lord of the Rings “The Two Towers” film. Tours of the area can be arranged.
Another attraction in the area is the new Hakatere Conservation Park. Mt Arrowsmith Station is surrounded by the park which covers 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussockland, beech forest, rivers and lakes between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers. Hakatere Conservation Park looks set to become New Zealand’s largest conservation area over time.
We are located close to some of the finest high country areas for hunting. Local species include Red deer, thar and chamois. You can be dropped into these areas by helicopter or 4WD and we can arrange for guides if required.
The local helicopter company is located only a few minutes away and will provide helicopter taxis as well as scenic flights over the glaciers and Southern Alps.