Makarora Tourist Centre

Tucked in under Mt Shrimpton, Makarora Tourist Centre with it's 'A' frame accommodation borders the Mt Aspiring World Heritage National Park. Across Sate Highway 6 and the licenced airstrip the Makarora River meanders it's way 10 kilometres to the head of Lake Wanaka. The little hanging valley, the Teal, looks down over the river towards the complex while the Wilkin and Young Valleys, with their towering mountains and native beech covered slopes, stand majestically to each side of the Teal.

Southern Alps Air, The Wilkin River Jets, and BackCountry Helicopters can show you this amazing area by jet-boating the Makarora and Wilkin Rivers or give you a birds eye view from the air whether you choose fix-winged or helicopter. Or perhaps you can take the opportunity to do the Siberia Experience, a combination of a flight, a bush walk and jet boat trip back to base from Kerin Forks. Our valley location offers countless opportunities for exploring our stunning and remote surroundings.

Adjacent to the complex there's a twenty minute nature walk through a small stand of podocarp forest teeming with bird life where sometimes glow worms can be seen at night. The Department of Conservation have developed this walk and labelled many species of native flora and historical relics from the time milling was the Valley's main industry. There are many other short or long walks nearby as well. Several lead off the State Highway 6 such as the Blue Pools where you can commonly see trout beneath the bridge. For trampers there are several 2-3 day journeys using the Department of Conservation huts provided.

Alternatively, you can just relax by the pool, read a book at your unit, have a meal from the café or drink at the bar enjoying the sunset from the deck, or take your fishing rod and get a brown or rainbow trout for your tea.