Activities
For guests at our cottage or for those seeking a tailor-made event, Lake Heron Station offers a host of recreational activities and experiences.
Click images to enlarge.
The changing seasons bring opportunities for different activities. However, there are always options for exploring the backcountry, enjoying the flora and fauna and savouring the spectacular landscapes.
Once the winter snows have retreated, the Lake Stream opens for the fishing season. Here wily trout offer wonderful fishing for the experienced fisherman. Spring is always heralded by the return of oyster catchers and the nesting of banded dotterels in the shingle riverbeds.
By November the world’s largest buttercup, ranunculus lyallii, or Mt Cook Lily as it is commonly known, can be seen flowering in abundance at the northern end of the station. Our Highland Hike opens in November but for those looking for more leisurely pastimes, there are 4WD trips to station huts and picnicking excursions. As the water warms the lake becomes a great place to swim on a hot day. There is also the thrill of spotting the rare southern crested grebe during a quiet row on the lake.
Always there is the opportunity for a strenuous day hike up a nearby peak, an exploratory mountain bike ride, or a gentle stroll.
As the weather cools in April, mushrooming is a favourite Lake Heron pastime – if only as an excuse for later consumption in front of a roaring fire. Autumn is also the time that keen hunters and their guides arrive for foot hunts of red stags and the much sought-after bull tahr. Watching salmon spawn at the end of their life cycle is a fascinating if rather poignant sight at this time of year.
By June the garden pond is usually a venue for ice-skating. An assortment of skates ensures that everyone gets a turn. A glass of mulled wine is an obligatory après skate drink! Late June sees heavy snows covering the mountains and the arrival once again of the helicopter for the heliski season.
Amongst all this is the seasonal farm cycle, with its rhythm of lambing, shearing, haymaking, weaning and mustering.
We are always happy to assist with ideas and activities. For groups or individuals wanting a personalised experience or activity, we are able to organise professional guides by prior arrangement.