These Boots were made for Walking – Lake Heron Station

by iflores on May 10, 2012

In New Zealandthe key to a planning a brilliant trip is making sure you include some great tour or experience that is unique toNew Zealandand will be one of those special moments that you remember. These types of arrangements are the ones where it is worth spending that extra bit of money and once you take the tour or stay at the lodge, you understand why it was worth it.

This week I want to focus on one of these places that would be the highlight of any trip, Lake Heron Lodge. This lodge is located 2 hours due west of Christchurch in the heart of theCanterburyhigh country. This is harsh conditions can exist at the wrong time of year, but the hospitality is as warm as their winters are cold. In the summers these area transforms into prime walking/hiking area with fresh air, fresh streams for fishing and never-ending panoramic views of this unspoiled country.

When visiting this type of station you do not just go for the hikes, or the fishing or food, but rather for the genuine experience with your 4th generation hosts. You will understand why New Zealand is such a treasure when you spending time with Anne and Philip on this working station.

Your simple but gourmet meals can consist of station-grown lamb shanks heated over a wood stove and eaten by candlelight. Your meals will be paired with a localNew Zealandwind like a nice Pinot Noir.

Some experiences can include a three-day fully catered and guided journey on the station’s 19,600hectares, or you can partake on shorter day walks to some lovely areas.New Zealandis also known as a great biking destination. For those who are fit and able this is a great destination for finding an off-the-beaten track experience. There are also multi-day trips available for this kind of experience. If you are looking for a winter-wonderland getaway with some hardcore skiing, you will find that one of your hosts, Anne, is a qualified mountain and ski guide, and it just so happens that her husband is a backcountry pilot. Together they can offer some of the most remote and beautiful backcountry heli-skiing experiences in all ofNew Zealand.

Come to Lake Heron and see what all the (lack of) hype is all about. Bring a good book and a good pair of walking shoes.

Best to you all,  Ian

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Fishing… in New Zealand

by iflores on April 12, 2012

A few people emailed me to mention that New Zealand is also know for its fishing and that we should let people know about it. Duly noted…

New Zealand has world class fishing in both the open seas as well as in lakes and rivers.

In the freshwater you are likely to find Rainbow and Brown trout and some salmon from mid-North Island to the bottom of the South Island. These are some beautiful fish some of which hold world record trophies.

For those looking for an authentic experience, your best bet is back-country fishing. These are the kind of areas that are mostly inaccessible by car, and your best bet is to arrive in a helicopter. For this type of fishing any time of year is good.  In fact, New Zealand is one of the premier destinations in the world for trout fishermen.

If the allure of the open seas is more of an allure for you, then you won’t be disappointed. A good rule of thumb for fishing is that the warmer water is best.  So if this is your preferred type of fishing, you want to focus on the North Island in the summer to late summer months (January to April). You will also find world records held here such as Striped marlin, Yellowtail kingfish, and world record Hapuka (local grouper).  Other fish you can find are marlin, makos, Yellowfin tuna and more.

There is also good fishing around White Island by Rotorua as those waters are heated by an active volcano. For some more extreme weather-wise fishing, you can find Bluefin tuna off the West Coast of the South Island.

If you prefer being in the water there are opportunities for snorkeling/diving for abaolne, lobster, scallops and more. For a more cultural experience you may with to do some eel trapping and smoking with the Maori.

Whatever your fancy we can make your trip DownUnder a true adventure in every sense of the word.

Happy days,

Ian

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