Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kaki Visitor Hide
( 03-435 3124; adult/child $20/10; 9.30am & 4.30pm late Oct-Apr)
The rare kaki (black stilt) is
found only in NZ, and a breeding program is aiming to increase the population at the
Ahuriri Conservation Park. It's possible to get a close-up look at these elusive birds by
booking a one-hour guided tour through the information centre. Tours depart from the
centre, but you'll need your own transport.
WILDLIFE RESERVE
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
RUATANIWHA CONSERVATION PARK
Taking in a large chunk of the space between Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau, this 368 sq km protected area includes
the Ben Ohau Range and various valleys and beech forests. The numerous walks in this vast expanse are detailed
in DOC's
Ruataniwha Conservation Park
pamphlet (available online). There are also five good mountain-bike
tracks.
DOC huts and camping areas are scattered throughout the park, but for a more comfortable stay, try
Lake
Ohau Lodge
( 03-438 9885;
www.ohau.co.nz
; Lake Ohau Rd; s $101-180, d $107-205) , idyllically sited
on the western shore of the rower-friendly lake. Accommodation includes everything from budget rooms with
shared facilities, to upmarket rooms with decks and mountain views. The lodge is the wintertime service centre
for the Ohau Ski Field (
Click here
). In summer it's a quieter retreat. DB&B packages are available.
Tours
OneRing Tours
( 0800 213 868;
www.lordoftheringstour.com
)
How often do you get the opportunity to charge
around like a mad thing weilding replica
LOTR
gear? Not often enough! Tours head onto
the sheep station used for the location of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields and include lots
of information about the filming. Choose between a two-hour version (adult/child $84/
45), a truncated one-hour option (adult/child $64/35) and an adults-only twilight tour, en-
joying beer, wine and nibbles as the sun sets over Gondor ($115).
TOUR
Helicopter Line
( 03-435 0370;
www.helicopter.co.nz
;
Pukaki Airport, Harry Wigley Dr)
Flight options include the hour-
long Aoraki/Mt Cook Discovery ($640), the 45-minute Southern Alps Experience ($520),
the 35-minute Alpine Scenic Flight ($345) and the 25-minute Alpine Express ($265). All
but the shortest guarantee snow landings.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
