Activities

A wide range of activities await you at Mt Nicholas Lodge. We have many special activities packages available and an overview of what is on offer is below.

Please contact us for more information about anything you would like to do while at Mt Nicholas!

Hunting

Mt. Nicholas Station offers world class hunting experiences and is one of the few locations in New Zealand where all the species offered can be hunted from the lodge base.

Our location and the environment at Mt. Nicholas Station means Red Stag, Fallow and Wapiti are only minutes away from the lodge. This ensures maximum hunting time with probably the best free ranging herds of Fallow Deer in New Zealand. Over the years Mt Nicholas has produced some outstanding world class trophies and it also has an excellent base herd of both Free Range Red Deer & Chamois.

 

Tramping (Hiking) & Exploring

With 100,000 acres to explore, the options are endless. Your hosts can provide you with whatever challenge you wish. From unaccompanied strolls along the lake shore to more strenuous guided day or overnight tramps, (stopping the night at one of the many of the station's "musterer's huts"), this is an amazing opportunity to fully experience the New Zealand Back Country.

 

 

 

Mountain Biking

For those with energy to burn, hop on a bike and explore the miles of roads and tracks. A guide will be available to join you if required.

 

 

 

 

 

Fishing – Recreational

The deep, clear waters of Lake Wakatipu are on your doorstep; you're free to wander down to the water's edge and spend as much time as you wish enjoying the surroundings and fishing for either Brown or Rainbow Trout.

If required a boat can be chartered for either a half or full day trolling on the lake.

 
Lake Fishing is open all year round.

Fishing – Dedicated Fly Fishing

For the true enthusiasts, Mt. Nicholas Station is a highly sought after, world famous, fly fishing location. Within walking distance of the Lodge is the Von River, renowned for its trout fishing, which begins and ends its journey on Mt. Nicholas Station. The equally famous Oreti River is only 30 minutes drive from the Lodge.

Also available is helicopter access to Fiordland's remote back country streams where you will not only have the opportunity of catching trophy size fish, but will also see some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Using Mt. Nicholas lodge as a base will provide you with some of the best Fly Fishing in New Zealand. A fully guided, one on one service is available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sight Seeing

To truly experience the spectacular, unspoilt beauty of World Heritage Status Fiordland National Park, embark on a helicopter journey with Richard “Hannibal" Hayes, one of New Zealand’s most renowned and experienced helicopter pilots.

A variety of options are available. Once again, your itinerary can be personalised to suit your needs.

 

 

 

Landscape & Wildlife Photography and Painting

From Mt. Nicholas Station the vistas both north, east and south are breath-taking and ever changing. Based at the lodge you not only have peace and seclusion, but also one of the most magnificent and inspiring landscapes in New Zealand together with an abundance of wildlife that will enthral you.

 

 

 

Farm Activities

Because Mt. Nicholas is a working high country station, you will have the opportunity to see various farm activities throughout the year. Two of the highlights are the annual sheep shearing in September, and the autumn muster in May.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kayaking

On a clear & sunny day, this is a great way to spot cruising trout while quietly paddling along the edge of the lake.

 

 

 

Relaxation

Relatively remote, there is no traffic or intrusion of the outside world at Mt. Nicholas Station and Lodge. The lake shore is innately relaxing, as are the gardens surrounding the lodge with an abundance of native birds. In summer stretch out under the shade or a tree, or on the verandah of the lodge; in winter curl up in front of the large stone fire place.

A short amble above the lodge is a beautiful lagoon, feeding the station's small hydro electric scheme. The hens are free range, the vegetable gardens extensive - all within easy walking of the lodge.
It's quite simply a beautiful place to be to pass the time.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, back in Queenstown...

If you still have a craving for shopping, mingling, playing golf, visiting wineries, bungee jumping or jet boating, transport and itineraries can be easily organised, and visits accompanied, if necessary.
Click here for more information on Queenstown activities...