Activities

Relax. Explore. Enjoy

Activities

Whether you want to put your feet up with a good book and have a rest day or explore the many attractions and activities across Central Otago, there’s plenty for you to see and do and it’s all right here on our doorstep.

We will set you up for the day with a hearty gourmet breakfast, and with prior notice can organise a picnic lunch for you to eat in-house or on the road.

You may like to explore some of the many quaint towns or villages nearby – Wanaka, Cardrona, Lake Hawea, Tarras, historic Cromwell, Clyde, or towns further afield. Take off on an exhilarating adventure by helicopter; ski, mountain bike, tramp, cycle, hunt or fish; go horse riding, try gold mining, play golf, or spend a more leisurely day exploring the spectacular countryside visiting artists. You may like to taste some of the sublime wines grown across this world renowned wine region and lunch at one of the many fantastic restaurants or cafés.

Complete your day with a platter or dinner at Matagouri Lodge. Please note, this must be booked at time of booking, or at least 48 hours in advance.

Check out the Lake Wanaka, Central Otago and 100% Pure New Zealand websites to help plan your trip or tell us what interests you and we will provide some suggestions. There are so many activities on offer you may decide to extend your stay.

Activities

Here’s a small selection of activities on offer to whet your appetite.

Cellar Door Wine Tastings

Central Otago produces some of the best Pinot Noir globally, along with some outstanding aromatics. Surrounded by mountains and stunning views, the cellar door experience is one you’ll not forget.

Private wine tasting at the lodge

We love to support local family-owned organic vineyards. Outside of their busy periods we can arrange a private wine tasting at the lodge, along with a wine matched dinner menu. Contact us to arrange.

Walks

Experience the beauty of Central Otago at your own pace. Venture on stunning walks across the region, each trail offers its own unique charm. You’ll find tracks suitable for adventurers of all fitness levels.

Cycling

Experienced cyclists will love the grade 3 Lake Dunstan trail linking the heritage towns of Cromwell and Clyde. The four to five hour one way ride has dramatic scenery. There are plenty of easier trails for less experienced riders.

Explore historic towns

Arrowtown, Cardrona, Clyde, Ophir, St Bathans are just a few of the many historic towns to visit in the region.

Cardrona Distillery

If you like your single malt whisky, gin, vodka, and liqueurs, The Cardrona Distillery is a great place to visit. Their tour, tastings, and restaurant are top quality, not to mention the view.

Skiing

Cardrona, Treble Cone and the Snow Farm have stunning views and cater for all levels of experience.

Off the beaten track

Experience the raw natural beauty of local historic high country stations with Ridgeline Wanaka.

Dine at Matagouri Lodge

Complete your day with a platter and or dinner at Matagouri Lodge. Contact us at least 48 hours in advance.

What Guests Say

“WOW! We had an unforgettable time at this beautiful piece of paradise! What a magnificent place you have created. You made us so welcome. Valerie really improved her English and you learned some Dutch and how to play Skip-Bo. Thank you so much for your hospitality, kindness, and the wonderful meals.”
Lucas, Susanne and Valerie - The NetherlandsApril 2026

“We loved our stay at your beautiful Matagouri Lodge. The views are absolutely magnificent - every minute it is different. We also enjoyed your meals and your company. You have a fantastic concept here, the personal touch is heart warming.”
Rob and Muriel - The NetherlandsApril 2026

“We had such a lovely time in our home-away-from-home where so many surprises awaited us. A bedroom full of glass windows where you wake to witness a glorious sunrise. We ordered plain muesli and yoghurt for breakfast and received a piece of art in a glass. Amazing! Thanks to the chickens - and your talent for cooking - we ate delicious souffle and fresh pasta. And we shared a love of music.
We are spoiled forever!”
Fred and Carina - The NetherlandsApril 2026

“Matagouri Lodge has been a high point of our New Zealand vacation. From your incredible hospitality and culinary expertise to your beautiful home and surroundings, day views and star gazing, your company and local knowledge of this spectacular part of New Zealand. Thanks so much!”
Richard and Sherry Benedon - Austin Texas, USAMarch 2026

“What a beautiful place! The rooms with a spectacular view, your hospitality and cooking, the nice conversations we had, and our shared love for Ottolenghi.
Many thanks for these four fantastic and unique days.”
Luc, Ann, Ludo and Tina - BelgiumMarch 2026

“Wow! What an amazing experience!! We loved staying with you for four nights. I don’t think we will enjoy a place like this during the rest of our trip. This is so beautiful, we are spoiled now.
Thank you so much for the best hospitality ever, the delicious meals and the interesting conversations. Plenty of good reasons to come back one day!”
Erwin and Tessa - The NetherlandsMarch 2026

“Four nights and days – full moon!
Four morning views – awesome!
Four breakfasts – pieces of art!
Four drives to Wanaka – shopping, hiking, swimming
Four afternoon teas – with extras
We will miss your caring, cooking, good laughs, suggestions, the wonderful room with a view and the good bed, hot shower, the cats and chickens.
We take all the good memories with us and tell our friends about your hotspot in NZ!
Thank you so much for sharing this special place on earth.”
Marga and Martijn - The NetherlandsMarch 2026

“We’ve had a wonderful time here at Matagouri Lodge. Especially you hosting the three dinners and the nice talks. We are very grateful for the recommendations for the day trips which made our stay in the Wanaka region an outstanding experience.”
Kristiane, Gunther, Ilka and Thomas - GermanyMarch 2026

“Straight from the beginning we felt at home in your amazing house. During the days it almost appeared we know you already for a long time.
The view is spectacular during day and night. Your hospitality is great, in combination with great cooking. Celebrating your birthday was a bonus.”
Annette and Chris - HollandFebruary 2026

“We wanted to say one more time what a wonderful host you were. You were so warm and helpful. We appreciated the great recommendations for places to visit.
Celebrating Chinese New Year with you was a highlight - your pasta was absolutely the best we’ve ever had!”
Wei, Joyce, Chris and Flora - ChinaFebruary 2026

“Thank you for such a special time at Matagouri Lodge with you, the cats and the chickens. You have created a very special gem of a place. We loved being on the hill watching and listening to the elements. Your cooking is delicious and all done with such ease and grace. Thank you for all the recommendations – Roy’s Peak, the 42km bike ride, and the Wanaka restaurant scene. Shout out to Fedeli’s coffee! We will remember our stay very fondly.”
Will and Alex - LondonFebruary 2026

“What an amazing pad you have here. We’ve had a fabulous time enjoying your hospitality and delicious food. The views are stunning at any time of day – Wow!
Thanks for showing me how to make pasta, that was great fun.”
Sharon and Howard - EnglandFebruary 2026

“From the warm welcome and delicious dinner to the final goodbye we loved every minute of our stay.
We especially enjoyed relaxing with amazing valley views (Veronika) and taking photos of various plants and birds on the property (Frank).
You are an amazing host.”
Veronika and Frank - GermanyJanuary 2026

“There are hardly any words that can express how absolutely amazing our stay was.
It sort of all comes together in your very lovely and homely home. The view is gorgeous and no matter what the weather does it never ceases to amaze. Your hospitality is of the same level. We felt so welcome, so at home and really loved your breakfasts, your wonderful cooking and your lovely personality. And then you gave us a Christmas experience. Wow, and so very thoughtful! We will cherish our very special Christmas in New Zealand which we celebrated with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Simon, Eva, Iris and Nina - The NetherlandsChristmas 2025

“A wonderful breakfast, a beautiful stay, and exquisite dinners paired with excellent wines! The welcome is warm and personal, and you put your whole heart and passion into everything you do! In short, a fantastic place to stay. We enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you.”
Annick, Phillippe, Marc and Katrien - BelgiumNovember 2025

“Thank you so much for your amazing hospitality. Every dinner (and breakfast) was incredible. Your home was a lovely place to hang out while Paul was at the airshow. We’re really happy we found your website.”
Karyn and Paul - Port Levy, New ZealandApril 2026

Contact Us

We look forward to welcoming you to our special place and sharing the beauty that is Central Otago.

Book Now

Address

142 Edward Lane

Queensberry

Central Otago 9383

New Zealand

Connect

T: +64 21 809 805

E: hello@matagourilodge.nz