Activites – around Peel Forest, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Christchurch and Queenstown

We can arrange activities to suit the stamina and style of your non-hunting party. From local sightseeing or horse trekking, to helicoptor flights over the spectacular Southern Alps. From shopping for locally made woollen garments to shopping at designer stores in Christchurch or Queenstown. The following is just a selection of activities on offer.

Horse Trekking

Bert and Pennie own and operate Peel Forest Horse Trekking. Trek through some of the most gorgeous countryside in South Canterbury. Horses suitable for all age groups and all levels of experience. Our treks are tailor-made for each individual; we do not need a certain number before heading out. Peel Forest is one of the best kept secrets of South Canterbury. The small, sparsely inhabited settlement is an oasis of beauty and tranquillity set amid the dense virgin bush of Peel Forest Park, on the south bank of the Rangitata River. Your Peel Forest Horse Trek is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.

Rafting

There are some great rafting trips to be enjoyed in the area. Rangitata Rafts run rafting expeditions down the nearby Rangitata River.

Further afield, but just a short hop by aircraft, there are operators on the West Coast offering white water and black water rafting trips, through some of the world's most spectacular scenery.

Hiking

The whole of the back country of the South Island offers specatular hiking. Within only a couple of hours drive of the lodge are hiking trails in the Southern Alps.

From the demanding Copeland Track (starting at Mount Cook Hermitage, and ascending the Southern Alps to reach the West Coast side); to day walks up the spectacular Hooker Valley beside Mount Cook, or in the native bush valleys beside Lake Ohau; or simply hiking through the native bush around local Mount Peel. All abilities can be catered for.

Skiing

There are great skifields within 1.0 hr – 1.5 hrs drive from Peel Forest Lodge. Mt Hutt Skifield, Round Hill Ski Area, Lake Ohau, Porters Heights – to name but a few.

All skiiing abilities are catered for, from beginner to expert. Heliskiing the virgin runs of the back country are also available.

Ice Skating

Alpine Springs/Spa and Winter Park at Lake Tekapo offers a unique mix of relaxation and recreation all in one stunning location. This exciting new facility brings together year round Hot Pools and Health Spa services, as well as ice sports for the winter season.

Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo in the Mt. Cook, MacKenzie region of the South Island, New Zealand, Alpine Springs/Spa and Winter Park is half way between Christchurch and Queenstown on state highway 8.

Hot Pools

The resort town of Lake Tekapo, on the shores of picturesque lake, and on the way to Mt Cook, offers ice skating, hot pools and day spas at the Alpine Springs/Spa and Winter Park.

Imagine soaking in Hot Pools surrounded by snow and under the magnificent, clear night sky of the Southern Alps, breathing in fresh alpine air and escaping into dreamtime. Then perhaps a long massage or mud wrap to soothe away the aches and pains.

Star Gazing

The resort town of Lake Tekapo, on the shores of picturesque lake, and on the way to Mt Cook, offers ice skating, hot pools, spas, skiing, star gazing at the local Mt John observatory and spectacular mountain scenery.

Mount Cook

Day trips to Mt Cook are possible from Peel Forest Lodge. The Mount Cook area offers spectacular scenery and easy day walks along the well-formed tracks and boardwalks up the Hooker Valley, to view the Hooker Glacier Lake and the Hooker Glacier itself. Stunning views of scree covered slopes all around, up to snow topped mountains of the Southern Alps.

For the more energetic, the Mueller Hut trek is a grinding climb up steps cut into the hillside, to a prize view at the top of the ridgeline across to Mount Sefton, Mount Cook, with views to The Hermitage below.

Scenic Flights

We can arrange flights over the spectacular scenery that is the nearby Mount Cook National Park and the Southern Alps. We can arrange flights onto the Tasman Glacier, or flights over Mount Cook, or perhaps you would like to see the majestic Milford Sound.

We can arrange helicoptor flights up the Matukituki Valley near Lake Wanaka to view the beautiful valleys surrounding Mount Aspiring National Park.

Shopping

Pennie can arrange to take your non-hunting party shopping for local treasures or for designer clothes. Local handicrafts include hand-blown glass vases and ornaments, handmade pottery, merino woollen clothes or possum fur garments.

New Zealand has a reputation for leading fashion designers and the High Street of Christchurch is home to such designers. Stores like Victoria Black stock international labels; Karen Walker, Marilyn Sainty, Megan Park, Sophie Boxer, Issey Miyake and more.