Small tarn near Lake Evelyn in the Coleridge basin. © Warren Jowett

 
Experience the nature of wilderness
 

Tussock & Beech Ecotours at Staveley was established in 2000 and specializes in nature tours, Lord of the Rings tours and guided walks in the Southern Alps of Canterbury, New Zealand.

Accommodation & all meals are provided.

The Hakatere Conservation Park, one of New Zealand’s newest and largest conservation parks, is on our doorstep.

We are the only accredited tour operator that runs both tours and guided hiking in the Park.

Our nature, LOTR & hiking tours:

Hiking on the Mt Somers Track 

Lake Heron – Hakatere Conservation Park – scenery, New Zealand birds, flora

Lake Coleridge Basin – scenery, lakes, NZ birds, history

Arthurs Pass National Park – mountains, waterfalls, NZ alpine flora

Mt Hutt – New Zealand alpine flora

Lord of the Rings Tour - In the Footsteps of the Hobbits to Edoras 

Go to the Nature Tours page for more information and prices.

Location

Close to Christchurch – 80 minutes from the Christchurch International Airport.

We are well located to be your first stop on a South Island holiday – or  your last stop  before leaving from Christchurch.

The Christchurch / Wanaka / Queenstown Newmans bus passes through daily.

Small groups

You will have a relaxed and enjoyable time with us – there will be few if any people where we go and our groups are small – minimum of 2, maximum of 6 people.

Length of your stay with Tussock & Beech Ecotours

This depends on the number tours you choose. Your time with us can be for one, two, three or more days.

 

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Historic Cottage Accommodation 

Our accommodation is distinctive - a beautifully restored cottage and a modern lodge. Both enhance the special qualities of our nature tours - gathering at the end of the day to enjoy delicious food in the Lodge, or reading a book in front of an open log fire in the peacefulness of Ross Cottage, a historic building registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Commitment to Conservation

Our nature tours have a strong eco theme and suit active travellers with an interest in wildlife and conservation in New Zealand. The mix of natural history in our area is unique - so much so that it is under consideration for World Heritage Area status.

Our Eco Credentials

• Department of Conservation of New Zealand guiding concession
• Qualmark endorsed activity
• Member of New Zealand Birding Network
• Founder New Zealand Association of Environmental Education
• University degrees and diplomas in botany, biogeography and home science
• Active members of Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society, Ornithological Society of New Zealand and Canterbury Botanical Society

Recreational Activities

Other recreational activities within a short distance include golf, hot air ballooning, tramping (hiking), horse treks and jet boat rides. In the summer add fishing for trout and salmon, in winter add skiing, ice skating and curling.