Conference Incentives

Team Building Adventure for Everyone

The Mid Canterbury Region has excellent activity ideas from being pampered to soft adventure or the adrenalin pumping. For a large group, a number of activities may need to be offered. The group chould be divided and rotated, meeting at a central venue, otherwise a choice of activities could be offered to suit the age and interests.

We have team building ideas and exciting combinations for that incentive group. All these can be organised by specialists and Professional Conference Organisers or by the conference coordinator at the venue you have chosen to stay at. For initial ideas and advice view the product listings under activities.

Ashburton District Tourism can provide advice on activities and ideas for corporate groups and incentive entertainment, team activities and exclusive themed night functions.

Activities 

·          Adventure Argos - native bush locations
·          Discovery Jet - jet boat on the Rakaia River 
·          Fun Activities - Archery, Clay Target Shooting, paintball, horse trekking 
·          Hunting & Fishing - back country and river locations 
·         Team Building - mental agility programmes from half hour to full day  
·         Team Development - from 1 hour to full day

Incentive Adventure Combo

A combo idea ... helicopter flight with Mt Hutt Helicopters above the Canterbury Plains to the Rakaia Gorge, get met by Discovery Jet, jet boat up the Rakaia River to then be met by Adventure Argos and ride off into the bush! Complete the day at Ski Time Restaurant Lodge & Apartments, dine in their restaurant while taking in the impressive sights of the Southern Alps.

Golfing
 

Five challenging country golf courses and one premium international golf resort cater to all levels and offer discerning golfers a new challenge each time.  All golf courses are accessible within 30 minutes drive of each other.

Terrace Downs Resort Golf Course

This champion course was raten by New Zealand Golf Magazine as one of the top three courses in the country and features four different tee positions for the enjoyment of players of all abilities.  With 11 lakes and 70 bunkers, there is something to test the most experienced golfer.  18 holes, par 72.

Ashburton Golf Club

One of the top Canterbury courses, fully irrigated, well maintained, easy walking with great views.  Visitors always welcome.  Hosts many national tournaments.  Resident professional and golf shop for all requirements, club hire, etc.

Mayfield Golf Club

The course is situated by the north bank of the Hinds River and excellent drainage ensures good conditions for winter play.  Irrigated fairways ensure pleasant summer conditions.  Excellent club house.

Methven Golf Club

This easy walking course is planted with a beautiful selection of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs making this one of New Zealand’s finest country courses.  Spectacular views of Mt Hutt Ski Area and the Southern Alps.  Visitors welcome.  Golf club and cart hire available.

Rakaia Golf Club

The course has watered fairways and greens.  It is a very well maintained nine hole course with good gardens and trees enhancing its appeal.  Excellent club house available for hire.

Tinwald Golf Club

Course is on flat land with tree lined fairways with many drainage creeks crossing the course.  Recently installed fairway watering makes it a good course to play at any time of year.  A number of tiered greens with many gardens around the course and club house.

Freshwater Fun
 

A paradise for water enthusiasts cartering for a wide range of wate based activities from swimming to yachting. Surrounded by backcountry lakes and impressive braided rivers, the options are endless.  Activites range from the adrenaline highs of jet boating to a relaxing afternoon of fly fishing.

Lake Hood

Lake Hood caters for almost every water sport imaginable.  We have an 8 lane international specification rowing course, international water ski course, jet skiing area and plenty of room to either swim, leisure boat, windsurf, kayak, or whatever activity you can think of.

Kayaks for hire

If you want to head out for a kayak on the lake, there are a selection of single sit-on kayaks available for hire from The Lake House Restaurant.  Also available are paddles, and children’s and adults life jackets.

Salmon World

Within Salmon World, we have our Salmon World Aquarium base on the environment of the Rakaia Gorge.  This experience, containing a huge aquarium, pools and streams helps you understand and learn about the lifecycle of local salmon and hand feed a variety of local fish as certain times of the day.

Completely unique is the exciting Salmon World 4D film.  Explore the excitement of adventures in the Rakaia Gorge, Rakaia River and Mid Canterbury Alps without leaving your seat.

Discovery Jet

For an adrenalin pumping experience you will never forget jump onboard our Discovery Jet and blast along the ever changing Rakaia River.

Hold on with excitement as the driver spins the boat 360 degrees and the magnificent scenery blurs before your eyes.  You will need to hang on tight as the driver skillfully weaves the jet boat through the intricate network of braided river channels, skimming along stony banks and through gushing opalescent blue waters rich with salmon and trout.

Rangitata Rafts

If you wish to raft some of New Zealand's most exciting white water then you should join a trip with Rangitata Rafts. The river trip begins on flat water beautifully situated at the base of the Two Thumb Mountain Range. The mountain backdrop was also the sight for Edoras, in Lord of the Rings.

This quiet stretch of water allows everyone time to learn safety and paddle instructions.

The river then travels through the narrow gorge and the rapids build in a natural progression. The two grade 5 rapids (the most exciting commercially rafted) are closer to the end.

Skiing 

Mt Hutt Ski Area

Renowned for soem of the best snow in Australasia and long Skiing season (June-October). The ski field is managed by NZSki. Mt Hutt - drive time 1-1.5 hours from Christchurch.

Mt Hutt Ski Area – Heart of the Southern Alps

At 2086m Mt Hutt has one of the largest vertical drops in the South Island and the greatest variety of terrain ranging from long, super wide, groomed runs to double black diamond chutes. 3 lifts : 1 summit six chairlift, 1 exhibition quad chairlift, 1 towers triple chairlift, 1 learner magic carpet. Ski and snowboard hire, ski school, ski shop, ski workshop, 2 cafeterias, crèche, ski patrol.  
 

Paintball

The Ultimate Challenge – Ashburton Paintball

Stalk your opponents and get them plastered.  Eliminate opposing players and capture their flag.  Shoot to thrill.
 

Horse Treks

Staveley Horse Treks

Offering treks for all abilities and experience.  Views of native bush, mountain and the Mid Canterbury Plains.

Horse Safaris at Terrace Downs

Independently operated, Horse Safaris at Terrace Downs are fun, relaxing and offer a real adventure.
 

Helicopter Experience 

Mt Hutt Helicopters

Inspire your conference delegates with an awesome helicopter flight-seeing experience. Covering some of the most stunning scenery in Mid Canterbury, Mt Hutt Helicopters have designed a range of scenic flights to suit every budget and interest. They can accommodate larger group bookings through to specialised individual packages including customised charters.

Alpine Helicopters

Based at Double Hill Station, Alpine Helicopters offers a range of activities giving you a taste of the most spectacular mountain terrain with rugged peaks and glaciers you will see anywhere in New Zealand.  Glacier flights and hunting safaris can be arranged or wildlife can be viewed in its natural environment.  Flights to and from Mt Cook are available, or alternatively shorter flights which can include a heli picnic are some of the packages on offer.

Central Canterbury Helicopters

Based in Tinwald, Ashurton, incorporating a helicopter flight into your conference programme is stress free.  Central Canterbury Helicopters are able to tailor a flight to suit your needs.