High Country Hydro Tour

See New Zealand's past and future

Up to three people, three hours: NZ$240, including light snacks, driver, vehicle, fuel, insurance and taxes

During this off-the-beaten-track, three-hour tour of the Mackenzie Basin, you’ll see New Zealand as it once was. Visit favourite spots with a private guide to learn about the unique history and future of the region.

Highlights:

Take in views of the Mackenzie Basin as yet undiscovered by tourists (so far) but enjoyed by locals
Learn about the incredible Waitaki hydro project of the 60s and 70s (the biggest project of its kind in the world at the time)
Get special access to a historical visual display
View famous high-country stations, some of the locations of many movies
Visit a salmon farm, feed the fish and you can purchase sashimi fresh from the source
Hear from local legends including our world-renowned neighbour who invented the jet boat
Tour Twizel, a town built in two years that survived against the odds
Learn how Lakestone Lodge was permitted to build on Lake Pukaki’s stunning shores
Learn about invasive wilding pines and other pests and see their spread across the Mackenzie Basin

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High Country Hydro Tour Ohau A power station

What our other guests had to say

This small lodge has excellent and very helpful staff. the rooms are good and the food is excellent. However the crowning glory for my wife and I was the magnificent view along the lake with Aoraki Mount Cook central to the view surrounded by other snow covered mountains in the Southern Alps.

Peterm2014123, Auckland Central, New Zealand

Had a wonderful stay here, we were all well looked after from the moment we arrived. Hospitality is incredible, Izzy is lovely and warm natured. The private rooms look out onto Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki! Food is Devine. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Colleen

From the moment we arrived till the follow up visit to pick up our bikes that had graciously been looked after while we shot up to Christchurch, the service and hospitality was amazing. Mike met us and with his staff quietly looked after our every need. Food was delicious and very well...

Craig L

We stayed for two nights at Lakestone Lodge on the Cosy Couples package. The location is stunning, room very comfortable with incredible views, the food was outstanding and the massage was one of the best I've ever had. Even though our stay was only for two nights, we felt the stresses of...

Debbie - NZ

The minute the gate opened and we drove up the Lakestone driveway, we instantly felt the stresses of work disappear. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to start our holiday. Our room was breathtaking. The Lodge itself ticks all the boxes. But the thing that stands out here is the...

WelshRhiWanaka

A group of tired cyclists arrive wet and cold. We are met by a very charming host, Mike, and shown to our lovely rooms, with beautiful views over turquoise Lake Pukaki. A rabbit runs by, pursued by a cat. There is tea and coffee, cupcakes, biscotti and fruit. Cocktails in the lounge are followed...

AucklandTraveller, Christchurch, New Zealand

Came here for a week of relaxation. You don’t need to even leave your room to experience amazing views and all the activities/hikes nearby are great. I highly recommend the A2O trail on the east side of the lake. Staff was very kind and helped organize everything for me (I didn’t...

Aaron C

We had the most amazing experience at Lakestone Lodge. We can’t find fault with anything! We highly rate the food, service, hospitality, comfort and attention to detail! We are truly lucky to have had the chance to stay here!

Nalini G