Working Station
Some people assume because Glenthorne is a working station that they will be fending off sheep to get to their accommodation which is not the case at all, well thats unless the pet sheep get out!. The summer months, when most people travel is when the sheep are up high on the mountain tops grazing. They are bought down on lower land before the snow comes in the winter so they are able to be accessed with a tractor for feeding through out the winter. Unless you are taking a tramp that goes near them you may have to look hard to spot them from the lower land but not to worry there are some pet sheep that love any attention they can get……..especially for tasty treats!! If there happens to be any farm work that you can view during your stay we will be sure to let you know.
Sight Seeing
Why not take a picnic lunch and a good book and visit one of the many lakes on the property. There are plenty of day trips from the station to visit local areas such as Methven (Mt Hutt Village), the alpine village of Arthurs Pass and a historical power station on Lake Coleridge which was built in 1912 and is still operating.
Photography & Painting
Glenthorne Station is renowned for its spectacular scenery and abundance of native flora and birdlife. The different landscapes and changing light is photographer or artists play ground.
Water Sports
There are lots of little lakes for swimming, canoeing or sailing. We do not have any water sport equipment for hire. If you have your own boat, you can water ski on Lake Coleridge. The steady north-west wind that blows down the lake on some days makes Windsurfing also a very popular activity. Bring your own board, and wind surf at Ryton Bay.
Tranz Alpine Train Journey
The Tranz Alpine scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of the South Island to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 19 tunnels, and 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. We recommended you take this trip either before or after your stay at Glenthorne as you can board the train at Springfield not too far away. For people who may like to arrive on the train please contact us as we may be able to organize to pick you up and drop you back off.
Terrace Downs Golf Resort
Only 25min from Lower Glenthorne Terrace Downs offers a world class golf course along with a varity of other activities.
Golf – A par 72, 18-hole championship golf course, rated as one of the top courses and golfing destinations in New Zealand.
Restaurant – The Clubhouse at Terrace Downs offers the ultimate dining experience in a choice of three on-site restaurants. Please enquire regarding our operating hours.
The Day Spa – Your on holiday right? Well why not take the time to relax and rejuvenate mind, body and soul! A range of treatments available from massages, facials and body exfoliation. Open Thursday to Sundays but bookings made in advance out of this time for a minimum amount of people is possible.
Archery – The eye squints, the arm muscle tightens, the bow is drawn back and the arrow flies. Thwack! Off in the distance the target is pierced….Well, at least that’s the theory!
Jet Boating – For an adrenalin-pumping experience you’ll never forget jump aboard our Discovery Jet and blast along the ever-changing Rakaia River.
Clay Pigeon Shooting – Looking for the ultimate stress-release? Try your hand at clay bird shooting. With only minimal instruction you’ll be blasting clay birds out of the sky in no time.
Lake Coleridge Tourism
Also check out Lake Coleridge High Country website for more activities and accommodation within the area. https://www.lakecoleridge.co.nz/