Fairlie Activities

The Fairlie Heritage Museum is home to a vast array of vintage tractors, machinery, horse-drawn vehicles and equipment from a bygone era. Mabel Binney's Cottage is preserved as it was and features household furnishings and memorabilia from the early 1900s.

Lake Opuha is a 15-minute drive away and perfect for fishing, boating and water-skiing.

Fairlie Golf Club has an 18-hole course and visitors are welcome – clubs are available for hire.

Four Peaks High Country Track is a magical 4 day/ night walking adventure staying in original musterer's huts in the high country – bookings are essential.

If you don't have time to walk, enjoy the spectacular views from the air with The Helicopter Line. Located at Mount Cook they offer a range of flights to suit all budgets.

Take a leisurely drive to the Farm Barn Cafe just out of Fairlie and enjoy great coffee and a range of homemade cakes, snacks and meals while you enjoy the fantastic view over the Mackenzie Basin. Then browse their range of gift and homeware and take home a memento of your trip!

Fairlie is a haven for local artists who are drawn by the spectacular scenery in the Mackenzie District. There are a number of local galleries and a list is available from reception.

Farm Barn Café – Visit website
Four Peaks Walk – Visit website
The Helicopter Line – Visit website

Take a walk up Mt John for outstanding views over the lake, township and the Tekapo Basin. Grab lunch at the Astro Café that has glass walls on three sides so you can enjoy the stunning panoramas.

If the kids need to burn off some energy, Tekapo Springs have an ice-rink and tubing on a 150m snow-filled slope in winter, and the world's largest inflatable water slide is fun for the whole family in the summer months. Then take a soak, relax and enjoy the views from the hot pools, or spoil yourself with a treatment in the day spa.

There's no better way to end the day than with a visit to Dark Sky Project. They offer informative and awe-inspiring observatory tours – a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe.

Astro Café – Visit website
Tekapo Springs – Visit website
Dark Sky Project – Visit website

Mt Dobson ski area is just a short drive away – 30 minutes from the motel to the car park! Dobson offers great skiing and snowboarding for the whole family, from first-timers to the experienced skier and snowboarder. Ski school, ski and snowboard rental and café.

Roundhill ski area is just under an hour's drive away and is ideal for beginners and families.

Mt Dobson – Visit website
Roundhill – Visit website