Taieri Riverside Walk: The Taieri River is a short walk from the lodge and in summer is an ideal, cool picnic spot. However it also provides a short walking option. Take a walk along the river bank and back to the lodge in time for your pre-dinner glass of wine. (20-30 minutes)
Kokonga Town Walk: This takes you through the very small but historical hamlet of Kokonga and back to the lodge via the old Kokonga section of the rail trail. (30-40 minutes).
Biking: The lodge has a number of mountain bikes for lodge guests. These can be used on the rail trail or for exploring the area.
Fishing: The Taieri River is a notable trout fishing river and the lodge has fishing gear for guest use and fishing licences can be purchased. There are a number of professional fishing guides in the area. Bookings for guides are required well in advance. Talk to us about the best times for fishing this river.
Kokonga Lodge Gardens: Kokonga Lodge is surrounded by 5 acres of newly developed gardens. Malcolm specialises in paeonies, both tree and herbaceous, roses and lilies many of which he has grown from seed and cuttings. A small area of native trees and shrubs is being developed. Many exotic tree and shrub plantings have been established both for shelter and amenity. He is very happy to give guests a guided tour of the gardens.
Night Sky: We have replaced our telescope with a more user-friendly 8 inch Meade light switch telescope with autostar technology. Of special note is the Transit of Venus which will take place between10.00am and 4.30pm on the 6th June 2012 - the last sighting for another 105 years.
Other Activity Options:
• Interpretation of the magnificent landscape with local farmer and experienced 4WD tour operator John Mulholland, www.maniototo4wdsafaris.co.nz
• Visit exquisite gardens flourishing in the harsh landscape of Central Otago including Jane Falconer's New Zealand listed garden at Clachanburn. www.clachanburn.co.nz
• Try the age-old game of curling on the only international indoor curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere situated in Naseby, 20 minutes drive from the lodge. This is great fun for all ages and the rink is open year round. Tuition is provided. www.curling.co.nz
• Be inspired by the wonderful landscape and capture in a painting or photograph.
• Gold mining is part of the region's heritage and there are many historic sites in the area. There is a modern goldmine, Oceana Gold at Macraes which provides two hour tours. These tours include a tour of the working mine, a visit to heritage sites and a chance to view rainbow trout breeding ponds. www.oceanagoldtours.co.nz
• Any of these activities are achievable on a stay-over day at Kokonga Lodge. Transfers to and from the lodge can be arranged.
