While you’re enjoying the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, there’s plenty to explore off the proverbial beaten track. Check out the range of things to do during your cycle adventure.
Explore this relatively undeveloped conservation park in the Eyre Mountains (Taka Ra Haka) is comprised of over 65,000 hectares of open tops, tarns, river valleys and a rugged mountain range that climbs up to 2000 meters - the highest peaks in Southland outside of Fiordland.
Get a taste of what life is like on a working farm with a walking tour of the farmyard, including time to explore the beautiful, sprawling gardens and plenty of opportunities to get up close with the animals. With sheep herding and shearing demonstrations this is a slice of New Zealand farming like no other.
Southern Discoveries operates Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Departing Queenstown several times daily, it journeys to Mt Nicholas High Country Farm. With a purpose-built bike rack, comfortable viewing lounge and café and bar on board, Spirit of Queenstown is the perfect way to transfer to the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.
At Real Journeys we offer a variety of experiences in some of the most beautiful places on earth. Our Queenstown experiences, the iconic TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak High Country Station, play a much-loved part of the town’s history. On your journey along the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail you’ll have the opportunity to discover what makes them so special. To enhance your journey, you have the option of upgrading your cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to include a range of experiences available at Walter Peak High Country Station:
Bracken Hall is a cafe and gift shop situated on the main street of Mossburn. It is a popular stop over for travellers between Queenstown and Te Anau and also cyclists on the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. We are open seven days from 8.30am to 5.30pm during the summer months of October to April, and from 9am to 5pm during winter. Our menu includes breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon tea. We also have a gluten-free or vegetarian option available. Takeaway lunches or snacks are available by arrangment. We provide home-made tasty food including our famous venison pies, all served by our friendly staff.
Five minutes from Garston, you’re straight into private High Country living. At the base of Welcome Rock is the ‘Red Shed’ accommodation, our original woolshed lovingly restored with touches of home. Enjoy a deep slumberous sleep in our spacious studio with two outdoor hot baths, barbecue patio area and spectacular farm views and perhaps a visit from our local chook, Ronnie.
Gallery treasures and honey – two hidden gems you will find in the remote village of Garston. Granted it’s not your usual combination for a business venture, but Tony and Bene are passionate about both endeavours. The Stables gallery has a plethora of pieces, personally sourced from around the globe, including Rajasthan, Europe and North Africa.
The Athol Gallery represents both established and new artists who have a deep connection to the local landscape and rural life. From majestic portrayals of stunning scenery to capturing the everyday beauty of rural activities, we offer a diverse selection of quality artwork including sculptural pieces, oil paintings, watercolours and printmaking. Our purpose built gallery space is warm and light and we welcome you to pop in when riding by, be it for a quick look or a chat.
