Why take our advice? Mike was a glacier guide on Franz Josef Glacier during 1970’s, 80’s, and 90’s (when he was not at sea) – way before the label of “adventure tourism.” Sue has been involved with tourism in New Zealand since arriving in 1992 – and she was brought up in Hawaii. We have helped many travelers enjoy the New Zealand landscape.
Use Silverpine as your launch pad to explore the neighbouring World Heritage parks. Let us know your interests and if we can help you with your plans.
DAY DRIVES
Follow the Makarora and Haast Rivers over the Haast mountain pass to Jackson Bay: 4 hours return.
Explore Arrowtown and Queenstown: 3 hours return.
Taste Central Otago Pinot Noirs in the Cromwell Basin, where the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers meet: 3 hours return.
MILFORD SOUND BY AIR
Flying in a helicopter or fixed wing plane from Wanaka airport does not cost that much more than flying from Queenstown. In fact, for those extra few dollars, you receive a flight around Mt. Aspiring National Park as well as Fiordland National Park. Tour operators also offer an extra option of a boat cruise at Milford Sound. Email us for more information.
HELI-FISHING
One of the most productive options at Silverpine lodge is heli-fishing. The lake is fed by three legendary freestone rivers - the Hunter, the Dingle, and Timaru Creek. These icons are best helifished with a professional guide. Fifteen minutes after finishing breakfast, a helicopter will land you in the splendid isolation of a backcountry valley - just you, your guide, trout, and the day ahead in the Southern Alps. Exult in sight casting to speckled monsters, catch, photograph, and release them. If you mess it up, listen to the waters chuckle, 'It doesn't matter'. Other equally famous rivers abound within a 10 minute helicopter flight , including the Wilkin, Makarora, Young, Lindis, and Ahuriri Rivers. At the end of the day, fly home to sit in front of the fire and relive it.
HUNTING USING A HELICOPTER FOR TRANSPORT
Hunting with a professional guide will give you the best chance of securing your trophy. Being lifted up into the high basins and peaks will allow you to make the best use of your valuable holiday time. We arrange hunts for all species. The prime season is the southern autumn: March through May. It is wise to book ahead and avoid disappointment.
BESPOKE soft adventures
We have the network of guides and knowledge of terrain to cover area including the Mt. Aspiring, South Westland, and Fiordland National Parks. We only use the best. They all love New Zealand and want to share the best with you. Our guides are passionate about their fields of expertise that when they are not guiding you, they are exploring new fishing rivers, hunting grounds, vintages, and mountain peaks around the world. Email us for more information.
SIBERIA VALLEY/JUMBOLAND ADVENTURES
Makarora Helicopter/hike/jetboat
One of the best soft adventures in New Zealand starts a 25 minute drive from here. You will take off in a helicopter and view hanging glaciers in the Mt. Aspiring National Park. You will then be landed next to the Wilkin River and walk down the valley through beech forests, moss and ferns. At the end of the 2 – 4 hour walk(whichever one you choose), a jetboat will be waiting for you and after a thrilling 20 minutes ride, you’re back at your vehicle. Bring a light rain jacket and some sturdy walking boots.
Besides the overnight trip in Doubtful Sound or a walk on the Franz Josef Glacier, we recommend this adventure to all It's a very cerebral experience and New Zealand at its best. www.wilkinriverjets.co.nz
SKYDIVE LAKE WANAKA
Wanaka airport Fly/ jump
Want a more satisfying, spirit challenging jump than just a quick bungy? We highly recommend Wanaka Skydive (a winner of a New Zealand Tourism Industry Award in 2008 and in operation for 14 years). Weather permitting – do it in Wanaka! Can’t get a better backdrop than the Southern Alps. The photos say it all…..
www.skydivewanaka.com
4WD FARM TOURS of GLEN DENE STATION
Lake Hawea
We are fortunate to have award-winning farmers for neighbours. The Burdon family are well travelled and their first passion is farming. More than likely, they have visited your country and even visited farms over there. Not only are they showing you the workings of a High Country Station, but a place that they have called home for 4 generations. Email us for more information.
WINE TOURS, Bannockburn
At Silverpine we feature the wines of Valli Vineyards. The owner and winemaker, Grant Taylor has helped many vineyards around the Bannockburn and Queenstown areas make award winning Pinot Noir wines. When Grant is not harvesting his own grapes or travelling to Nappa and Oregon tasting new vintages, he is more than happy to take our guests on a bespoke wine tour. He will show you vineyards according to your interests. The tour also includes some barrel tasting and lunch. Email us for more information: Email us for more information.
