Bannockburn a historic town established in 1858. There are fantastic walks and mountain biking that explores the historical gold mining relics, scenic picnic spots and also a cafe and wine tasting at the local vineyards. Location: Bannockburn is 6km from Cromwell.
Bendigo's historic and scenic reserves and associated conservation areas are well worth visiting for their historic and natural features. Location: Bendigo is accessed off SH 8 at Crippletown, at the north end of Lake Dunstan.
Experience the natural coastal habitat of yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho, and watch penguins from the viewing hide as they cross the beach. Location: Near Oamaru, a coastal town located 427 km south of Christchurch, and 117 km north of Dunedin.
Near Lake Wanaka's western shores, both Diamond Lake and Hospital Flat conservation areas are major recreation attractions, especially for rock or sport climbers and walkers. Location: 12 kilometres from Wanaka township on Lake Wanaka's western shores.
Walk or mountain bike around Flat Top Hill Conservation area, where native species grow in the driest of conditions. The area includes historical evidence of European and Chinese settlement. Location: Flat Top Hill Conservation Area is located 6 kilomentres south of Alexandra on SH 8. Turn left into the access to Butchers Dam.
Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, is the gateway to some of New Zealand's best-known, multi-day tracks. There are also good one-day tracks, with many shorter walks nearby. Location: Glenorchy is 47 kilometres from Queenstown.
Haast Pass/Tioripatea is a spectacular and scenic road linking Wanaka and Haast. The scenery includes mountains, rainforest, rivers, wetlands and sea. Location: 140 km section of State Highway linking Wanaka and Haast.
Hāwea Conservation Park offers both impressive landscapes and a wide range of recreational activities such as walking, hunting, fishing, skiing, climbing and mountain biking. Location: Hāwea Conservation Park spans both the Otago and Canterbury regions - lying between Mount Aspiring National Park and Ahuriri Conservation Park.
Katiki Point is the southern point of Moeraki Peninsula. Visit to view the historic Katiki Point Lighthouse, Te Raka a Hineatea Pa site, yellow-eyed penguins, and fur seals amongst other marine wildlife. Location: Moeraki is on the East Coast of the South Island, 35 km south of Oamaru.
The Kopuwai Conservation Area protects alpine vegetation, birdlife, lizards and invertebrates and is rich in Maori and European history. It offers a range of recreational activities. Location: The Kopuwai Conservation Area is located between Cromwell and Alexandra. It covers the uplands and some of the flanks of the Old Man/Kopuwai and Old Woman Ranges that form an imposing backdrop to the Clutha/Mata-Au Valley.
The Makarora region of Mount Aspiring National Park offers a number of tramping opportunities. Many of the tracks follow the river valleys that branch off the Makarora River and range from one-day walks to challenging four- to five-day tramps. Location: Located in Mount Aspiring National Park, from the head of Lake Wanaka to Haast Pass/Tioripatea.
The East and West Matukituki Valleys offer enjoyable riverside day walks through beech forest flats, across farmland, as well as access to a number of demanding tramping and climbing routes in Mount Aspiring National Park. Location: The Matukituki Valley is an hour's drive west from Wanaka. The Mount Aspring National Park's boundary runs just beyond Aspiring Hut in the West Matukituki Valley and along the bush edge on the true left. In the East Matukituki Valley the boundary is along the bush edge, on the true right, up to Junction Flat.
Mitchells Cottage is historic stone building set amongst rock tors with fantastic views over the Fruitlands Valley. Location: Mitchells Cottage is located on Symes Road between Alexandra and Roxburgh on State Highway 8.
Marvel at these ancient geological phenomena strewn along Moeraki Beach. Location: Moeraki is on the East Coast of the South Island, 35 km south of Oamaru, and 80 km north of Dunedin.
Oteake Conservation Park covers large tracts of the St Bathans, Ewe, Hawkdun, Ida and St Marys ranges, and parts of the upper Manuherikia Basin. It protects outstanding landscapes including mountainous high country, tussock plateaux, scree, wetlands and indigenous shrubland. Location: Oteake Conservation Park straddles the ranges dividing Otago and Canterbury, and is accessible from the Maniototo or the Waitaki Valley. The closest townships are Naseby, St Bathans and Omarama.
This estuary is rich in birdlilfe and is also popular for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming. Location: Catlins, Otago.
The Queenstown area has some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery and natural features. The region also has a rich history of both gold mining and settlement. Several walks follow goldfield trails that enable you to explore and enjoy the outstanding scenery at the same time. Location: Queenstown is a large town and tourist area on the edge of Lake Wakatipu.
Discover the remarkable wildlife and dramatic coastal scenery at Sandfly Bay on the Otago Peninsula. Location: From Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula stretches along the southern edge of the Otago harbour.
Explore the nooks and crannies of this biologically and geologically fascinating headland. Discover its long cultural history of Maori settlement and historic coalmining. Location: Matakaea/Shag Point is located in North Otago, on the East Coast of the South Island.
Skippers is part of Mount Aurum Recreation Reserve and saw much of Wakatipu's 1860s gold fever. It offers dramatic views and opportunities to walk, tramp, camp, paint, kayak, mountain bike, picnic and raft. Location: Skippers is 25 minutes from Queenstown. Access is by the narrow and winding 13-kilometre Skippers Road, that only experienced drivers should attempt to drive.
St Bathans township is situated at the foot of the Hawkdun and Dunstan ranges. The town allows you to step back in time to the gold mining days. Take a walk around the scenic Blue Lake that was created by goldmining or admire the historic buildings. Location: St Bathans is located 60km north east of Alexandra off State Highway 85 (Alexandra to Ranfurly).
Sutton Salt Lake is New Zealand's only inland salt lake. Location: Sutton Salt Lake is approximately one hour's drive inland from Dunedin, Otago, on the east coast of the South Island.
Te Papanui Conservation Park protects a large tussock grassland area where the public can walk, mountain bike, 4-wheel drive, horse trek, cross-country ski and hunt. Location: Te Papanui is situated on the Lammerlaw and Lammermoor ranges, west of Dunedin.
Thanks to significant community effort, this 2000 ha wetland complex has become an important wildlife haven with 80 species recorded - 21 of these dependent on the habitat for their survival. Location: Located south of Dunedin.
The Wakatipu Basin has some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, with 75-kilometre Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake, at its centre. At 290sq km, it's also our third largest lake, after Taupo and Te Anau. Location: The Wakatipu Basin is located near Queenstown and includes Lake Wakatipu.
Beside and beyond Lake Wanaka there are five significant conservation areas, covering over 12,250 hectares of public conservation land. They provide track access into the fringes of Lake Wanaka and the peaks of Mt Alta. Location: Access is from Homestead Bay at the end of West Wanaka Road.
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