Nature-wise Off Rail Trail Tours
These tours and activities are available all through the season, October to April by arrangement.
Big Sky Maniototo Interpretation includes lots of local history, gold mining, an explanation of the origin of this unique landscape while climbing by 4WD through the foothills of the Rock & Pillar Range. Great views of Maniototo Plain. Departures: To suit visitor schedule. Those selecting this option can arrive at the Lodge late afternoon and complete the Big Sky tour before pre-diner drinks. Duration: 2-2.5hrs (our shortest trip) Rates: $79/person Minimum 2 persons or $158. Points of Interest: Several points of local interest are linked up on this loop track that runs from Kokonga via summer access Gorge Rd up the lower flanks of the Rock & Pillar Range to Capt. Hamilton’s gold diggings where thousands of ounces of gold were extracted by sluicing back in the 1880’s. From the top, looking out over the Maniototo Plain – we stop to take in the grand views of vast open golden expanse that makes up Central Otago. Onwards past here is the old Waipiata Sanatorium where TB sufferers went for treatment in the dry, high mountain air. And, then there\'s the local carefully tended and restored cemetary. On our return we pass the Kokonga basalt quarry which supplied the rock for some very well known Dunedin Buildings. For those who haven\'t had enough cycling, we can take you and your bike to the top and let you go – a 5km free ride downhill and back along the Rail Trail for about 9km to the Lodge. Allow 3 hrs for this option. |
Mountain Top Picnic Series In Brief: This series of tours takes visitors into some of the most inspiring and awesome landscapes this country has to offer! These locations all surround and overlook the Maniototo Plain and the Otago Central Rail Trail. For bikers on the trail, you will see where you have been and where you are going next. Depending on timing and weather etc. these trips include either a flash morning/afternoon tea (we serve good coffee on our tours) at a spot with a magnificent view or a picnic lunch. All tours include a relaxed, informal, but highly informative interpretation of local history, geology, ecology, local issues (of which there are plenty!) farming activities and alpine botany. NZ native falcon is sometimes seen. Keen photographers find plenty to inspire. Mountain access for all Mountain Top Tours is by comfortable 4WD vehicle. Departures: On demand but pre-booking is essential. Duration: 1/2 day tours, 4-6 hours Rates: $135 per seat. Includes morning/afternoon drinks/snacks. Lunch if required additional. Min ½ day rate is $270 or 2 persons.
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4WD Escapes These tour go further or higher than the ½ day options. Alternatively, there is time for relaxing and pursuing the range of local interests, like fishing. We are not fishing guides, but we do know the good places to go, where you are pretty much assured of having a mountain stream all to yourself. Exploring gold diggings and panning for some colour is another option. Those with interests in botany, geology, ecology, history or photography will all find plenty to get inspired by. Departures: To suit the needs of the group. Booking ahead is strongly advisable. Duration: Full day 8+ hours Rates: Per seat rate $199. Min departure 3 pax or $597. Includes lunch, drinks/snacks. Destinations Old Dunstan Trail - the original gold miners route from Dunedin to Central. In one day from Kokonga Lodge we travel from Middlemarch to Manuherikia Valley via Poolburn Reservoir, with time for walks and exploring along the way. On the Rock & Pillar there is one spot where it is possible to see in one view, from Saddle Hill (Dunedin) to the Remarkables Range (Queenstown) – 200kms apart! Mt Ida - Includes Soldiers Syndicate Hut, upper reaches of Otematata River and return via Mt Buster gold diggings. Mt Kyeburn - Includes Little Kyeburn Stream, ascent Mt Buster, Mt Buster gold Diggings, descent to Dansey's Pass Hotel for drinks at end of day. Rock & Pillar Range - As for the 1/2 day Rock & Pillar option, but we go further and linger longer. This allows time to explore this fabulous landscape. |
OFF RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURES - DAY WALKS
Mt Alexander 1357m (Kakanui Range) 4-5 hrs return, track start is accessible by car half way up which reduces vertical climb to 450m, one of the best examples of open alpine tussock landscape, magnificent vistas in all directions, home to NZ native Falcon, good track, awe inspiring mountain bike country, return via historic Dansey's Pass hotel for refreshments and/or drop off at Naseby for Curling – to wrap up an exciting day. Walk Grade 3. Note – if you are a ‘local’ it’s time you did this wonderful walk. If you are an international visitor, it is the only time you’ll get to do this wonderful walk! Meeting Place OCRT @ Kokonga 9am with local pick-ups (638 Kyeburn-Hyde Rd. Highway 87) Transport to the walk Use ours (+ $22) or yours. Guided Walk Cost $85 includes snacks, BYO lunch, or request a lunch. |
MOUNTAIN HUT RETREAT TWO NIGHT MOUNTAIN HUT RETREAT Pick up from Otago Central Rail Trail between Wedderburn and Kokonga 4 to 4:30pm. This is a rare opportunity to get away from it all to a remote but inspiring landscape. For your full day ‘off trail’, you may have a ‘do nothing’ day at the hut or join in for a full day 4WD explore of the local area. Fly fishermen, bring your rod, relax in the evening over a drink with superb vistas, shared cooking. Return to the trail by late next morning to pedal off on your way. Once you’ve experienced this vast empty inner space of Otago, you might just want to return! Dates by direct prior arrangement only. These trips are very popular! Cost $299 per seat, min 3, max numbers catered to is 10, includes all food, open bunk room, BYO sleeping bag, 4WD full day explore and mountain transfers. |
OFF RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE - OLD DUNSTAN TRAIL THE OLD DUNSTAN TRAIL - FULL DAY EXPEDITION Experience one of NZ’s most significant heritage trails – the original gold miners route between Clyde and Dunedin. We explore the route between Clyde and Clarke’s Junction. Learn about the gold and pastoral history that continues to shape this region. Check out points of interest en route with your experienced guide. Depending on local stock situation on the day, we may travel a rarely used section of the trail on private land. Lunch stop with views of this magnificent vast empty interior, now the subject of Grahame Sydney’s film, Dreaming of El Dorado. Dates By arrangement. Cost $199 includes picnic lunch Tag along - 4WD vehicle guide fee $115 plus $30 pp |
AROUND CENTRAL OTAGO - 4WD TAG ALONGS THE GRAND TOUR OF 'CENTRAL' 4WD SELF DRIVE These multi-day self-drive expeditions are for those with 4WD vehicles who want to get out and explore our inspiring backcountry with the added benefit of a guide who knows the country and has arranged the access with farmers. Nature-wise in its early incarnation, Venture South NZ, has been operating these trips for 4WD owners since the early 1990’s. Self-drive tagalongs will appeal to couples and family groups who want to go off road and access rarely visited valleys and alpine areas of Otago. Fishermen, botanists, photographers, keen campers young and oldish, gold prospectors have all joined for our past trips. Maybe you just want to get away from it all for a few days. If so, register you interest early. We don’t want a large group, the logistics spoil the fun! Exact route will be determined closer to the time but itinerary options at this stage include Rock & Pillar, Lammermoor, Rough Ridge, Old Man Range, Dunstan Range, Mt. St Bathans, Hawkdun Range, Mt. Ida - return to Maniototo. This is a 4 day, 3 night expedition. There are two accommodation options: (A) Country Pubs/Lodge Accommodation – for those who want all the usual comforts at the end of the day. 7 couples max. Cost Pricing TBC, Book Direct. (B) Camping and Mountain Hut Accommodation for those who comfortable with tenting and the mountain hut experience and look forward to drinks and a pooled resources BBQ dinner at the end of the day – which is a highlight. Numbers strictly limited. Date By arrangement. Easter 2011 would be a good time. Cost Guide Fee/vehicle $600 for 2 travelling, Book Direct. Cost Passenger without vehicle, $600 (4 only) Book Direct. |