Tour Style:

• Small groups (max 20 passengers)
• Coach: Toyota Coaster or similar
• Experienced driver/guide
• Accommodation: Comfortable 3 star or better

Their fully-trained professional guides will match you with the best horse for your ability, and make sure your riding experience is nothing but fun. We will start with a free riding lesson to help you gain confidence with your chosen horse. Ride up to the back of the farm amongst the grazing sheep and green pastures. Ride through native New Zealand bush up towards some superb views over Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti. There is enough time to take photos and have a drink before heading back down towards the terraces. If you are an experienced rider you will be able to canter, otherwise relax and trek along flat paddocks under the cliffs and forest. Complete your trek by crossing the Paradise Valley Springs and head back to the stables.

This ride is recommended for confident beginners to fully experienced riders (minimum age 12)

This 2.5 hour horse trek takes you into the Punakaiki Valley and along the beach to the famous Pancake Rocks. We will ford the Punakaiki River and take a scenic route to view the Paparoa National Park. Ride through native bush to view large limestone bluffs capped with lush temperate rainforest.

If you are lucky, you can come across our native Kereru wood pigeon which can sometimes be seen swooping low through forest corridors. Other birds include our Paradise duck, the nosy Weka and gorgeous Pukeko which you will most likely come across as well as oyster catchers, spur-winged plovers and harrier hawks. After our stroll through the rainforest, we stop on the r iver flat at a bush hut for a stretch and some photographs, before we ride our way back to the coast. Riders will be able to take a stroll down Punakaiki beach, where you can experience the powerful sea rolling onto the famous Pancake Rocks.

Be transported to Middle-Earth astride your own steed! Following the beautiful scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, passing Ithilien and stopping en-route to admire The Misty Mountains, you eventually arrive in Paradise where your 1 and a half hour ride begins. Winding through the golden woods of Lothlorien, passing Amon Hen, the track opens up and the ‘Golden Mile’ begins. From here the views of the Wizard’s Vale and the mighty peak of Methedras are breathtaking. A gradual descent takes riders down into Nan Curunir, finally dismounting at the base of Isengard. This ride is a must for The Lord of the Rings fans, and is suitable for beginner riders.

This trip is available for a 3 hour option, following the trail of Saruman’s army with breathtaking views of The Misty Mountains, Wizards Vale and the Mighty Methedras. (for advanced riders only) Please contact us for more information on this ride.

Accommodation is provided in wooden cabins set in Paradise’s untouched beech forest. and all meals are included. This trip is available for a day option as requested.

Who is suitable for this trip?
You will need a reasonable level of fitness and riding experience for this trip.

Tour Style:

• Small groups (max 20 passengers)
• Coach: Toyota Coaster or similar
• Experienced driver/guide
• Accommodation: Comfortable 3 star or better.

Tour Style:

• Small groups (max 20 passengers)
• Coach: Toyota Coaster or similar
• Experienced driver/guide
• Accommodation: Comfortable 3 star or better.

Built in 1858, the vintage property has a perfect contentment to it, holding much of it’s history preserved within the property. Dining is a key part of the experience at Grasmere Lodge, meals are preferably produced locally and chefs keep an eye on the local markets for fresh fruit and vegetables. There is a wine cellar here, adjacent to the swimming pool leading underground and dug back in the sheltering hillside. There are 5000 bottles of fine New Zealand wine here, and is kept at a constant temperature to ensure it ages well.

There is a swimming pool on the complex, on the hill behind the Homestead which was built in 1998. This pool is heated to 26 degrees selcius and is 12-metres long (39 feet).

Fishing
The trout fishing here operate on a Catch & Release policy to ensure the sustainability of their valuable natural resources and protect the local fisheries. The best fishing is located an hour to two hours drive to get to your destination, here you can begin your stalk. Fly fishing in New Zealand is a challenge, the crystal clear waters and the natural positioning of trougt in the river are factors that compound the need for you to blend into the local surroundings. 

Accommodation
The accommodation at Grasmere Lodge has been purpose-built in several newer buildings providing extra space and privacy for Grasmere guests. Every guestroom has lush furniture and modern facilities such as iPod dock, minibar, wi-fi, CD player and a private patio or deck which holds two outdoor chairs to enjoy the fresh mountain air. There are a selection of teas, freshly ground coffee, home-baked cookies and port is also provided in each room. There are broth brown and rainbow trout averaging around three bounds, the region is unique in that there are Loch Leven, Mackinaw and Splake trout to be found here also, each in separate lakes. There is also the opportunity to fish for salmon during certain times of the year.

The Lodge: Lake View Deluxe Rooms
The six lavished deluxe rooms were added in 1998 and 2000, each measures 37 square metres (400 square feet), and has views over the lawn and deer farm beyond. You can also see to Lake Grasmere and the Puketeraki mountains in the distance. Inside there is a tiled ensuite featuring a jacuzzi bath, separate glass shower, king or two single beds, patio and more. The rich colours of the interior are inspired by the landscape outside.

The Lodge: Grasmere Junior Suite
These two lake view deluxe rooms are sumptuous, it features interconnecting rooms, 65 square metres (700 square feet), a “sink-into-me” sofa and armchairs in front of the schist fireplace. The bathroom features are the same as the Lake View Deluxe Rooms.

Mountain View Junior Suite
The Mountain View Junior Suite has a gas fireplace and butler’s pantry, as well as all the features of Grasmere’s other rooms. Inside is much lighter than the Lodge Rooms, consisting of whites, red, charcoal, creams and browns. Each suite can be booked individually and has separate outside access.  If you prefer more room you can add a central lounge, measuring 54 square metres (580 square feet) with one of both downstairs rooms to form the Chalet Suite.

Mountain View Chalet Suite
Just a short walk from the Homestead is this magnificent Chalet, set well amongst pine trees for shelter, and sharing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is built in a Colorado alpine style with cedar and copper spouting. This option is perfect for two or more couples traveling together, or even a family. The four mountain view junior suites each with their own gas fireplace and butler’s pantry, feature all of what’s included in the other rooms plus there is a central lounge or Great Room combines with one or both downstairs rooms to create this Chalet Suite. The lounge showcases an eight-metre (26 feet) high beamed ceiling, with leather sofas, arranged in front of the huge log fireplace.

All of these options and many more are at our doorstep. It is no wonder such publications and organisations like Conde Nast Traveller, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Virtuoso, Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report, The Robb Report and Small Luxury Hotels of the World consitantly rate Blanket Bay as one of the best luxury lodges in the world. Through our ‘Caring Luxury’ initiative, Blanket Bay has adopted responsible environmental, economic and social practices, which at the same time provide enriching and rewarding experiences for lodge guests.

Fishing
Everything at Blanket bay is designed to provide a world-class experience for the most demanding and experienced anglers. Take on the nearby local rivers and streams, or the lake edge at blanket Bay, or take a helicopter and experience heli-fishing! The fishing season on the rivers run from November through May. There is great nymph fishing during the early season and also dry fly and nymph fishing during the summer months. Brown and Rainbow trout average more than three pounds, with five to six pound trout not uncommon! Fishing here also requires techniques often unfamiliar to visitors, there is a stalking and sight fishing technique.

Accommodation
Five intimate Lodge Rooms are available with three generous Lodge Suites and four superb Chalet Suites all filled with the finest furnishings and rugs. Natural materials are showcased throughout, echoing the Lodge’s interrogation with the environment. All rooms take full advantage of the views over the lake and mountains.

Lodge Rooms
The Lodge Rooms each feature their own private verandah or terrace, king bed, ensuite bathroom and separate shower and bath. Fitted with polished wood and fine fabrics these impeccable rooms offer sweeping views over the lake.

Lodge Suites
Larger than the Lodge Rooms, these gracious 700 sq. ft Suites feature a private balcony, stone fireplace, walk-in closets and capacious bathrooms. These rooms are air-conditioned with super kingsize beds. The suites offer large windows looking out to the lake and mountains beyond.

Chalets
These private Chalets give you the utmost of space and comfort, lavished in luxury and amazing views. These Chalets reflect New Zealand’s colonial architecture with the use of schist stone and old steamer wharf timber beams. Featuring air-con, super king beds, international direct dial telephones and complimentary high speed internet.

Chalet Suites
Here you can escape into a new world, your own world. The exclusive two Blanket Bay Chalets offer the perfect luxury retreat and privacy. The Staterooms contain a Chalet Suite connecting with a living room, each with their own stone fireplace, lake deck and courtyard. For two couples traveling together, this is an ideal accommodation option, and furthermore you can reserve the Chalet Stateroom and the second adjoining Chalet Suite.