Lumsden forms part of the spectacular new rail trail called The Around The Mountains Cycle Trail which traverses across 172km of the scenic lower South Island. The trail starts from Queenstown with a ferry trip across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw - a vintage steamship. Cyclists then ride to Walter Peak and on to Mavora Lakes. A large glorious circuit between Mossburn, Lumsden and Kingston is now completed and mostly uses old railway easements offering flat grades and gentle curves. The trail passes snow capped mountains, aqua blue rivers and green farmland. Any sections of the trail can be done over one, two, three or four days.
Rod and Wheel House offers very comfortable accommodation to cyclists seeking to especially sample one leg of the trail - either Mossburn to Lumsden or Lumsden to Five Rivers. The house is accessible from where the trail officially enters Lumsden. It is possible to cycle two different one day trips from Lumsden. One travels north to Five Rivers. This picturesque 28km round trip passes along the banks of the Oreti River before stopping at Five Rivers for lunch. The return trip back to Lumsden will take about 3-4 hours.
Travelling in westerly direction it is also possible to do a day trip to Mossburn. Cycling out of Lumsden you will firstly cross the Oreti River then pass rich farmland with a majestic mountain backdrop, lunching at Mossburn before returning to Lumsden. This trip is a 40km return journey which should take some 4-5 hours to complete.
Our house can also be used as a 'Base Camp' to do all the open sections of the trail by using the services of the SHERPA SHUTTLE. This bus will transport cyclists, bikes and luggage from any place on the trail to our house in Lumsden. Bookings for the bus can be made by emailing info@aroundthemountains.co.nz
The trail is open to the public and can also be booked as part of a guided cycle holiday. Two bicycles are available for hire from our house. They can be booked online when making the accommodation booking or hired from the House Manager during your stay. Email us on bookings@lumsdenholidayhouses.co.nz for details about all cycle hire and shuttle bus service options.
The Around The Mountains Cycle Trail is also open to people who enjoy walking, hiking or tramping. Many sections of the Around the Mountains Trail follow old train easements along river banks offering gentle grades away from busy roads. The trail traverses farmland and rivers and a number of purpose built bridges have been constructed to allow cyclists and walkers to safely pass through these scenic areas. Various sections of the trail pass near to the sparkling Von, Oreti and Mataura Rivers.
A short section of the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks can be walked with a guide from Te Anau. Here you can soak up the magnificent scenery of Fiordland. On these day trips from Te Anau, you'll walk a short section of one of the Tracks. Your naturalist guide will lead you on a leisurely walk through ancient beech forest, grassy flats and across mossy glades. The walks are suitable for walkers of all ages and fitness levels and are perfect for those with limited time who want to get a taste one of the world famous Great Tracks of New Zealand.
Rod and Wheel House is located near to some of New Zealands most beautiful Conservation Areas. Walks in the Snowdon Forest, Eyre Mountains, Mavora Lakes Park and the Takitimu Mountains are nearby to Lumsden. Maps showing access points and trails are available in the house or can be viewed on the NZ Department of Conservation website http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/
The Oreti River passes nearby to Lumsden and is a very beautiful place to enjoy a peaceful walk. The river winds and braids through wide open areas of colorful pebbles- its crystal clear, aqua blue waters home to rising trout, ducks and geese. The Oreti River has been identified as an Important Bird Area because for much of its length it supports breeding colonies of endangered Black Billed Gulls. Small flocks of these small gulls are often seen flying over Lumsden. Pairs of beautiful paradise-duck are also common. The river frequently attracts flocks of migratory swallows who feast on the legendary mayfly hatches.
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