Greenstone Hut

Exclusive off-the-grid day and overnight experiences

Fish, hike or soak in the scenery, the choice is yours.

Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters have exclusive landing rights in the Greenstone Valley, granted by Ngai Tahu.

A 35 minute scenic helicopter flight is all it takes to escape the crowds of Queenstown and discover a whole new world in the remote wilderness of the region's back country. 

Experience the Greenstone Valley and Greenstone River by Day or Overnight

Fly over Lake Wakatipu and land deep in the heart of a high country station. As the only helicopter company permitted to land in this area, guests can be assured they will have this untamed wilderness to themselves.

Nestled in the heart of the tussock-covered valley is the Greenstone River; pristine and crystal clear as it meanders down the valley to Lake Wakatipu. Known in local fly fishing circles as one of the region's best kept secrets, this river is abundant with rainbow trout, especially in the spring, and with exclusive helicopter access your chances of landing the big one are vastly increased (seasonal fishing applies). 

History 

The Greenstone Valley has great cultural significance to Maori as this was one of their main access routes between the West Coast and Central Otago.  Maori tribes travelled through the valley in search of pounamu (Greenstone) which was highly regarded as a material for tools, weapons and ornaments.  The Otago pounamu in particular was valued for its pearly grey-green variety. Tools and weapons made out of this came with great mana (status).

Let us take you into the Greenstone Valley, where you can travel along the old Pounamu trails.

Personalised Fly Fishing Guide 

We can arrange an experienced local fishing guide to accompany you on your day trip so you can go straight to the best spots, and can provide you with a gourmet picnic lunch and refreshments to keep you going throughout the day. You will also have exclusive access to our authentic, yet comfortable, back country hut, the Greenstone Hut to use as your base during the day. 

Guided Walks 

For those who are keen to explore the valley on foot, we have highly skilled guides on hand to take you through this beautiful natural environment. Our guides have exceptional local knowledge and are passionate about this region. As you walk you'll learn all about the flora and fauna you encounter as well as the natural and cultural history of this valley.

The Greenstone Valley was an essential access route for local iwi (Māori) between the West Coast and Central Otago, and was a later home to early European settlers. 

Customised Experience

Whatever your interests our team is happy to customise a Greenstone Experience just for you, creating the ideal way for you to discover the true New Zealand whether it be for a day or overnight.  

Booking Details

A guided excursion into the Greenstone Valley allowing guests the opportunity to heli-fish or heli-hike in the pristine wilderness of the Greenstone Valley.

Scenic helicopter transfer, guide and picnic lunch included. (Fishing license and equipment – if chosen activity – is additional. Also if a second guide is required, this is also additional).

Each trip is customized to guest needs but is aimed at allowing for approximately a 6 hour day including the flights. 

This experience is available year round.

Enquire with our customers services team now. 

Enquire now