Trade Hub Category: Trade – Activities

Trade ready activity operators

Mt Hay Farm Experience

The Mt Hay Farm Experience offers a genuine insight into New Zealand’s high-country farming. Set in the Lake Tekapo region, visitors can see Merino sheep being sheared and learn about their wool. The experience also includes a demonstration of sheepdogs herding sheep around the farm, showcasing their skill and training. Suitable for all ages, the farm visit provides a practical and engaging look at rural life in New Zealand. Whether you’re interested in farming or just looking for something different, the Mt Hay Farm Experience is an opportunity to connect with this important part...

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Twizel Stargazing

Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Twizel offers some of the clearest and darkest skies in the world. Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with the exclusive Twizel Stargazing Experience. The team is part of Silver River Stargazing located in Lake Tekapo and has over six years of experience running various stargazing tours. This convenient Twizel location means you can relax and fully enjoy the stargazing experience without the extra travel time to Lake Tekapo.

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Cheeky Kea Travel

Cheeky Kea Travel specializes in providing customers with unforgettable experiences. Whether it is a day tour, private charter, or a multiday tour you will get top-quality service at competitive rates. Cheeky Kea Travel is passionate about New Zealand and her natural beauty. Sustainability is a core component to business operations and that is why Cheeky Kea is proud to be certified carbon-neutral.

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Alpine Alpacas

Alpine Alpacas Fairlie offers guided farm tours in the picturesque Mackenzie Region town of Fairlie. The farm features alpacas, llamas, sheep, and horses. Visitors enjoy hand-feeding these friendly animals amidst the stunning backdrops, perfect for capturing lasting memories and photos. The experience includes opportunities for family portraits or fun snapshots with alpacas and llamas. After the tour, explore their charming Gift Shop, offering a variety of souvenirs and gifts such as alpaca wool products and locally-made crafts. It’s a chance to take home a piece of the farm and support...

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New Zealand Safaris

As professional hunting outfitters, New Zealand Safaris are known internationally as the ‘free-range’ hunting specialists, with exclusive access to some of the most iconic privately owned high country wilderness mountain properties and extensive estates in New Zealand. They offer premier big game hunting, including red stag and tahr, as well as amazing fishing and wing shooting. As a small, family-run business their goal is simple – provide excellent hunting, convenient and high-quality accommodation and a high level of service during your stay with one of the country’s top professional hunting...

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Pūkaki Wine Cellar & Observatory

Pūkaki Observatory and Wine Cellar is located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat at Lake Pūkaki. Located in the heart of the gold status Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the observatory is set in a rural location with absolutely no light pollution. You are invited to take a tour of the universe using the latest technology for star gazing and astrophotography. Designed as a personalized small group viewing experience, the dark sky becomes yours to explore. Starting in the wine cellar you will be treated to a tot of whisky from the carefully curated collection or a glass of wine from...

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Lake Tekapo Farm Tours

Raise your hand if you’re ready for an off-road farm experience like no other! Established by a long-standing local family, Lake Tekapo Farm Tours focuses on providing an authentic Kiwi experience in the heart of the Mackenzie Region. Enjoy a maximum of 11 guests on their high country guided farm tour that takes you on an exciting adventure, across two amazing high country farms; the historic Mt John & Balmoral stations. Enjoy breathtaking views and epic landscapes (photographers delight!), with a variety of farmyard animals and the chance to explore remote areas on this vast 25,000-acre...

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Big Sky Stargazing

The darkness of the night sky around Aoraki/Mount Cook is unbeatable – it’s official! Let the team at Big Sky Stargazing introduce you to the wonders above. The 4367sq km Gold Status Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest in the world and for this tour, you will be the centre of it all. Their experienced guides will introduce you to the beautiful southern night sky with a full hour tour using the naked eye, astro-binoculars and state of the art 14″ and 11″ astronomy telescopes. Unleash your imagination as you discover our neighbourhood in the universe including the Southern...

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Silver River Stargazing & Astrophotography Tours

Silver River™ Stargazing is Tekapo’s leading small group 360° stargazing tour. Are you ready to have your mind blown? Don’t say they didn’t warn you! Come and discover the wonders of the night sky on their 1.5-hour experience; including 60 mins under the stars with one of their epic guides. They use telescopes and special astro-lasers for easy naked-eye viewing. After they take you on a journey through the night sky, pose for a photo. You get a digital copy of that image so you can share with your family and friends, and of course on social media. Astrophotography Tours Are you looking for Tekapo’s...

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Tekapo Star Gazing

Wonder at the dazzling beauty of millions of stars in some of the clearest, darkest night skies in the world! The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. Let them take you on a journey of exploration to discover the unique features of the southern skies! The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing offers the only guided hot pools and stargazing experience in New Zealand. The tour operates from the Tekapo Springs. This unique tour combines the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with their soul-warming...

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Tekapo Adventures

Scenic 4WD tours offering guests the opportunity to experience the outstanding natural landscapes of the Mackenzie Region, accessed through private high country stations near Lake Tekapo. Journey with them and their professional drivers in comfortable Land Rover Defenders, offering you access to private and remote high country wilderness you wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience. Discover Lake Tekapo’s backcountry beyond the lakefront for impressive natural beauty, unique photo opportunities, an escape from the crowds and an experience of the real Mackenzie high country. Their scenic 4WD...

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Mackenzie Helicopters

Sip, savour, feast. From whisky huts to wild beaches, New Zealand’s highest mountains, longest glacier, iconic lakes… Extraordinary experiences, outstanding locations, and passionate, hospitable locals are the heart of Mackenzie Helicopters’ tourism operations. Depart from their Lake Tekapo base on an exclusive helicopter experience or a spectacular scenic flight in an awe-inspiring landscape: Lake Tekapo, the Mackenzie Region, Aoraki/Mount Cook and the West Coast. Experiences range from a 25-minute scenic flight over the Mackenzie to bespoke private charters with alpine and beach landings,...

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Hunt Tekapo

Join a hunting safari on 50,000 acres of private land in Lake Tekapo. You will learn about gun safety, land management & pest control on a working high-country farm. There are free-range animals including red and fallow deer, Himalayan tahr, chamois, wallabies, rabbits and hares.

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Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo

Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo, located in the heart of Lake Tekapo township, the farmyard petting zoo offers hands-on animal encounters. Come and say hello to the Merino sheep, kune-kune pigs, lambs, alpacas, cattle and rabbits. Feed some of these animals and have a close-up session with them! The farm animals are very friendly so you can get great pictures with each of them. Please book online as a limited number of people are allowed per day.

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Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

Nature at its most awesome! Mt Cook Glacier Guiding welcomes you to New Zealand’s big mountain country. Enjoy spectacular views from the air, feel the ice crunch underfoot as you walk on the glacier, hear the groan and grind of this massive, frozen river. Heli-hiking, snowshoeing or ice climbing, it’s their pleasure to guide you on your alpine adventure. The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealand’s largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You fly in to your drop-off...

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4WD Tekapo

Embark on a thrilling 4WD adventure with local guides in Lake Tekapo. Explore Mt Hay Station, a century-old 25,000-acre family farm, while navigating challenging 4WD tracks, and witnessing stunning high country views. This guided small group 4WD experience includes driving to the summit of Mt Hay, through several water crossings to Phantom Lagoon, and along the base of the Two Thumbs range to Boundary Creek Hut, providing incredible views and an exhilarating journey! Listen as the tour guide describes life on a working Merino Sheep Station, and spot the farm residents and a variety of bird life...

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Fish Tekapo

Some of the best fishing in the world is in Lake Tekapo with both trout and salmon in abundance. The Tekapo Hydro Canal provides the opportunity to catch world record-size fish. The surrounding lakes and rivers provide the opportunity to catch trout and salmon in a place of amazing scenery.

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Hike Tekapo

Here in Lake Tekapo, Hike Tekapo are offering fully guided hikes in three unique locations on private property. These three different locations range from 3 hr to 8 hr, all including a 4WD experience! Refreshments and snacks are supplied. The land has plenty of native plants and animals and the guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area with guests. They provide an experience that will leave a lasting impression on you. Their guides are highly trained and skilled in providing an exceptional hiking experience. Since the property is private, they can arrange tours at short notice.

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Ski the Tasman [Alpine Guides]

Explore New Zealand’s largest glacier, its blue ice caves, and incredible ice formations while you link turns down our longest ski runs. Skiing the Tasman Glacier is the classic Kiwi snow adventure guided by Alpine Guides. They use aircraft to access NZ’s two longest ski runs, each with over a thousand metres of vertical descent. The runs are easy to moderate (green to blue grade), perfect for intermediate skiers. The pace is relaxed, with time to soak up the incredible grandeur of New Zealand’s highest mountains.

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Tasman Glacier Heli-Hiking [Southern Alps Guiding]

Southern Alps Guiding pioneered Heli-hiking at Aoraki/Mount Cook. Chief guide Charlie Hobbs with over 35 years of guiding experience, has explored every inch of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier and knows the best areas to visit on this incredible journey. Their trips involve small groups and personalised service. Their guides are the “legends” of Tasman Glacier guiding and have vast amounts of experience and knowledge of the area.

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Tasman Glacier Heli-Skiing [Southern Alps Guiding]

Southern Alps Guiding offers exclusive and sole landing rights on the ridge tops of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier (just below 3000m). Heli-ski in the majestic playground of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and beyond. Exhilarating and fun skiing or boarding – a bucket list trip that must be done! Small groups Spectacular helicopter flights through the Southern Alps Outstanding scenery. Four big glacier runs Professional guides Family ski days available Fat skis available for hire

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BeSpoke Bike Tours

BeSpoke Bike Tours can create an itinerary for you to experience and enjoy the stark beauty of the Mackenzie Region by bicycle. Absorb the stunning views of the Southern Alps and the breathtaking aqua-blue glacial lakes at your own leisurely pace. Take advantage of the quiet Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail canal and lakeside trails; cycle the famous Mackenzie Pass to Burkes Pass. Contact them to help tailor a trip for you to explore this wonderful countryside. They offer: Bike Repairs Bike and gear rental Tailored tours from half-day to multi-day Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) support Luggage Transfers Shuttle...

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Mount Cook Heli-Ski [Alpine Guides]

The single largest heli-ski area in New Zealand lies at the heart of the Southern Alps in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Mount Cook Heli-Ski is professionally guided by Alpine Guides, and flown by the Helicopter Line. The heli-ski area is a wilderness of ancient glaciers, azure lakes, and endless runs across 6 mountain ranges. Mount Cook Heli-Ski has runs to suit all levels of heli-ski ability.

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Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike [Alpine Guides]

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike is a 2-hour guided adventurous walk on New Zealand’s longest glacier, showcasing some of Aoraki/Mount Cook’s most beautiful views. This guided interpretative trek is on an amazing landscape of fluted ice, runnels, moulins, and a sinuous winding stream. You will explore the gently undulating terrain, as your crampons bite into ancient ice. The highest peaks of the Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, tower above you.

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Alpha CruX Stargazing & Astrophotography

Based out of Lake Tekapo, Alpha CruX Stargazing & Astrophotography is a fully mobile service providing private astronomy tours and astrophotography lessons throughout the Mackenzie Region. They strive to offer something a little special by helping you to avoid the crowds and enjoy an intimate, personalized experience under the stars from the comfort and convenience of your home or holiday accommodation.

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Chameleon Stargazing

A budget and family-friendly stargazing tour in an almost zero light pollution location in Lake Tekapo. They customise each tour to meet the individual interests of participants. Experienced local astronomy guides operate at their stargazing site. Their 9.25 inch telescope will help you to wander through the night sky. Chameleon Stargazing offers comfortable outdoor furniture, hot chocolate, a fire bowl with roasted marshmallows and individual or group photos under the stars, only $75 per child (under 16, free under five years) & $99 per adult. Book a private tour for up to 14 people for...

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Southern Lakes Helicopters

Join Southern Lakes Helicopters on the trip of a lifetime – be inspired by an exciting range of Fiordland and Aoraki/Mount Cook flight options. From Milford Sound to the Aoraki Glacier, the experiences read like the ‘Greatest Hits’ of the Southern Lakes area and make for an unforgettable experience! All Southern Lakes Helicopters flights are designed to provide the best experience for the customer. We take pride in delivering a high-quality product, safe, professional procedures and personalised services, tailored to specific requirements and exceeding expectations.

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Alpine Recreation

Alpine Recreation are a family-owned and operated mountain guiding company and offer unique year-round alpine adventures with exclusive access to the most stunning backcountry locations in the Southern Alps. Explore far from the beaten track to remote mountain locations, avoid the crowds and rest assured that you’re in good hands, as Alpine Recreation is safety audit certified by AdventureMark. Small group sizes ensure you’ll be well looked after and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime! Alpine Recreation are alpine specialists and their friendly and professional IFMGA and NZMGA qualified mountain...

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Cycle Journeys

Cycle Journeys is the major trail outfitter on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. They also have similar operations on the West Coast Wilderness Trail and Nelson Great Taste Trails. Each trail has great one-day and half-day rides and riders are supported by extensive shuttle networks, full bike hire service and daily luggage movement. The reservations team will handle all enquiries and provide trip information.

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Helicopter Line

Scenic Flights Take a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight with the Helicopter Line and experience magnificent views of the pristine alpine environment of Aoraki/Mount Cook World Heritage Park. Fly past vast snowfields, glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Enjoy close up views that would otherwise be restricted to the most adventurous mountain climber. Land high above the glaciers and step out onto a carpet of snow to snap that special photograph. This is an experience not to be missed! The Helicopter Line operates from its Glentanner base close to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village...

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Air Safaris

Explore New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery, from snowy mountain ranges and turquoise lakes, to epic glaciers and amazing ice fields flowing through West Coast rainforests to the Tasman Sea! The Grand Traverse is New Zealand’s premier scenic flight, so you can go further and see more. Highlights include Aoraki/Mount Cook; Lake Tekapo; the Southern Alps mountain range; Tasman, Franz and Fox glaciers; unique braided rivers; golden tussocklands and beautiful glacial lakes. Why fly with Air Safaris? Flights from Lake Tekapo, Glentanner Park, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Franz Josef. Fixed-wing...

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Back Country Trout

If you are looking for a fly fishing vacation of a lifetime, you will love the Central South Island of New Zealand. Allow Kevin Payne, a registered New Zealand professional fishing guide to take you on a guided experience specializing in sighted fly fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. You will love the combination of large trout, un-crowded rivers and striking scenery.

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Glacier Explorers

Introducing New Zealand’s only glacial boat tour – Glacier Explorers. Explore the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier Lake in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and soak up the ever-changing glacial landscape. The impressive Haupapa/Tasman Glacier is the longest in New Zealand at more than 23km in length and 600m deep – it’s a pretty phenomenal sight to witness! Boats will journey across the Tasman Lake where you can view the glacier’s ice face from a safe distance, whilst weaving in and out of icebergs of all sizes. Have you ever touched an iceberg? Now’s the time. Please note Glacier Explorers operate from...

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Skydive Mt Cook

Enjoy New Zealand’s most spectacular skydiving experience! Located near Twizel at the Pūkaki Airport and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and, of course, the mighty Aoraki/Mount Cook. Freefall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic Kiwi experience that will give you your fair share of adrenaline along with sightseeing some spectacular New Zealand landmarks.

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Lakeland Explorer

Conveniently based in Twizel township, Lakeland Explorer is your one-stop shop for scenic tours, cycle trips and bike hire. Relax, explore and discover this beautiful region with a small team of passionate locals. Bike Choose to hire a bike and explore on your own, or join a range of supported cycle trips for yourself or your group. Explore the local trails or use their shuttle service (commentary included) to go further afield. They’ll drop you off to explore a section of the famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, or enjoy a relaxing spin along one of the picturesque Mackenzie Region hydro canals. If...

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Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters

Aoraki/Mount Cook is without a doubt an iconic New Zealand destination. Explore the spectacular landscape from the air and feel the snow-covered glacier beneath your feet. This unique experience is on offer in a helicopter, fixed-wing ski plane or both. With a world-exclusive helicopter/ski plane combo flight now flying daily there is no better way to see the beautiful Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters are a New Zealand icon and industry leader in alpine scenic flights, including glacier snow landings. They operate a modern fleet of fixed-wing ski planes...

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Glentanner High Country Heli-Hike

The tour begins with an exhilarating helicopter flight to a high point on Glentanner Station. Take in dramatic views of Lake Pukaki, the Tasman River Valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook towering over the landscape in the distance. After leaving the helicopter the tour continues on foot with an easy walk down a picturesque farm track. The track descends gradually along alpine tarns and beneath towering peaks. Your guide will share stories of the station’s history, geological features, flora, fauna and present-day operations. The walk also includes a break at a historic private hut with morning or afternoon...

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Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world’s greatest explorers, the centre showcases the Aoraki/Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre’s 126-seat custom-designed theatre is the world’s only theatre with 2D, 3D and a Digital Dome Planetarium, contained within the same space. Cutting edge technology allows the 2D screen to raise up for storage while the 3D screen is in use and the Digital Dome Planetarium to lower into place when required. Mount Cook Magic is an inspiring 3D cinematic experience unlike...

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Tekapo Springs

Experience Tekapo Springs for the perfect mix of relaxation and recreation in beautiful Lake Tekapo in the heart of the South Island! Enjoy the stunning views from the three hot pools or chill out in the cooler pools with Aqua Play Area. The amazingly soft alpine water is sourced from an underground spring near Tekapo. While it is not geothermal, it is exceptionally pure and provides an alpine bathing experience that leaves one refreshed and revitalised. Temperatures range from 28℃ to 38.5℃. In summer, try the Jumpernaut, a giant inflatable obstacle course and the Aqua Drop, a 150-metre downhill...

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Dark Sky Project

 Dark Sky Project, formerly Earth & Sky, are world leaders in astro-tourism experiences. Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo is one of the quietest spots on the planet yet it has one of the busiest night skies in the universe. Dark Sky Project offer a range of stargazing and observatory experiences, designed to connect manuhiri (visitors) to the night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above. Explore the pristine night skies in an evening tour at tehīwai – University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory...

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We can’t wait to welcome you to the Legendary Mackenzie! Step into the great wide open and discover NZ’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and clearest starry skies. Take a scenic flight into the mountains and land on glaciers; enjoy the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; explore the amazingly beautiful landscape by cycling, walking, kayaking, swimming, skiing and more.


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