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Lake Ohau

Located in the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Ohau is a glacial lake fed by the Hopkins and Dobson rivers. Cradled between the Ohau Range to the west and the Ben Ohau Range to the east, Lake Ohau Alpine Village is a great holiday destination all year round. The Ohau Snow Field attracts many skiers and snowboarders in the winter months, and in the summer months, trampers and mountain bikers can enjoy the stunning wilderness areas.

Walking
There are numerous walks and hikes around the Lake Ohau area. From the village, you can walk down to the lake and wander either way through the beech forest.
Just a short drive further up the valley there are some great walks. Temple View walk is a one-hour return in a beautiful beech forest with some lovely streams. There is also a 5-hour return walk up the north branch of the Temple stream.

Mountain Biking
Lake Ohau Lodge sits right on the newly developed Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, which runs from Mt Cook Village to Oamaru. A great section to ride is from the nearby town of Twizel, back to Ohau Lodge. The trail meanders around the edge of the lake and once on the road, it is a steady ride to the Lodge for a coffee or well-deserved lunch.
Another option is to ride from the Lake Ohau Lodge over the hill to Omarama, enjoying the stunning expansive views. If you look back, you can see all the way up the Hopkins Valley to Aoraki Mt Cook, and looking east you can see much of the Mackenzie Basin and Lake Benmore.

New Zealand Touring Styles

A popular style of touring is to take a preplanned self drive road trip.  After a thorough consultation with you we expertly plan and create your self drive tour around New Zealand. These tours allow you the freedom to explore at leisure with the comfort and security of pre-booked activities and accommodations. Route suggestions, APP guidance plus local support mean your New Zealand vacation is in safe hands. See self drive ideas here

If you prefer to let someone else do the work then an escorted small group tour might be for you. Our sister company at New Zealanbd Coach has a range of hand picked small group itineraries are ideal if you prefer to travel in the company of like minded people. Tours are limited to a certain number of participants which means different accommodation options, exclusive activities and of course a knowledgeable guide ensures you get to see the best of New Zealand. See small group tours here. 

A private guided tour offers true flexibility and the security of a knowledgeable local guiding you all the way. Well planned itineraries ensure you see exactly what you want to see but with your own driver-guide you can adapt to suit the day or your preference. 100% tailor-made to suit you a private tour is a great option when travelling as a small group. All our self drive itineraries can be replanned and priced using a private driver and guide, so if it is what you fancy just contact us to discuss.

All North Island touring ideas - See here to explore the diverse North Island - itinerary suggestions.

All South Island touring ideas - Iconic scenery and landscapes await on this made for touring island. See itinerary suggestions

All Nationwide touring ideas - See the best of New Zealand on these all encompassing touring itinerary ideas

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