Dogs and Horses are not allowed on the property as it is a working farm and a nationally protected area.

The Red Shed is open all year round, located at the Homestead. The huts are not accessible in the snow so are weather dependant. The trail is not open for biking or hiking during winter. Snowshoeing or ski touring are options – get in touch to talk more about these.

Yes we do! Gift vouchers can be purchased under our booking button and redeemed online.

You can park at the Historic Ski Hut Located on the Nevis Road. We cannot guarantee the safety of your vehicle and please make sure all personal possessions are hidden from view if left in the vehicle.

There is only cellular phone coverage along the trail and on the western side of the Slate Range. Outside these areas there is limited or no telecommunication service. Therefore, we recommend you turn your phone off to preserve battery power until such time as you need to use your phone.

We recommend visitors to use the smartphone app ‘Get Home Safe’ as a way of leaving intentions with your friends or family, or hire a personal locator beacon from us.

There are currently three toilet facilities. There is a basic toilet at the Department of Conservation Historic Southland Ski hut at the start of the trail on the Nevis Road. The remaining basic toilet is located near the huts along the trail. We recommend using the upgraded public toilets located in Garston.

We don’t have bikes for hire. You can bring your own bike or hire a bike from Queenstown from one of the many bike hire outlets.

There is creek fed water along the trail at the Mud Hut. Along the way there are several creeks that run throughout summer these are located on the trail map. All running creek water is safe and exceptionally good drinking.

Camping is not available, but you may stay in one of the huts along the trail. Check out our accommodation options for more info.

Yes. Payment must be made prior to using the trail. Payment can be made through our website using a credit card or through online banking direct credit. Our website includes all the information needed to book the trail, Bike Hire, Guides/Tours and our accommodation.

Yes. The trails are patrolled and monitored on a daily basis.

Yes. The trails are patrolled and monitored on a daily basis.

Our opening hours are 7am – 6pm. All riders and walkers must leave the property by 6pm unless overnighting.

This depends on a range of factors such as visitor fitness, weather and arrival time. The entire loop including the six kilometres Nevis Road section is 27 kilometres. Most people who hike the loop without staying at a hut take eight hours from the trail head. If you are riding most people take five hours for the loop and if riding back down the Nevis Road allow an additional 30 minutes. We especially recommend hikers and bikers to stay overnight in one of our huts or accommodation at the farm.

For safety reasons the Roaring Lion Trail is one way for mountain bikers. Starting at the Historic Ski Hut located on the Nevis Road. The Trail is to be ridden in an anti-clockwise direction only. Hikers can walk either way but must start at the Ski Hut.

The trail for biking is considered an Intermediate Grade 3 trails, which means that it is between two or up to five degrees gradient, avoidable obstacles and rough under your tyres – it is a mountain bike track. While the trail is relatively flat, there are durations on the uphill section to Welcome Rock or the Nevis Road that will require using low gears, rest spots for most people to have a drink, take a photo and enjoy the high country. For day walkers the trail is relatively long and will require a full day of walking. We recommend staying overnight in one of our huts.

This is a possible option, please contact us for more information.

No, shared use trails are becoming more common and we have designed the loop trail with this in mind. The design of the loop trail is very open, however there are corners at times that have less visibility. It is important that riders either use a bell or call out to hikers if approaching others. We suggest that hikers move safely to the side to allow the rider/s to pass.

The trail starts and finishes at the Historic Ski Hut located on the Nevis Road 8kms and sign posted off State Highway 6.

The Nevis Road climbs 700 metres on a gravel road up and over the Slate Range. While it is a Council maintained road the steepness, drop-offs and danger posed by cold conditions can be difficult for two-wheel drive vehicles at certain times of the year.

At Welcome Rock the loop track is between 800 – 1,100 metres above sea level. As a result, we can get some very hot days in summer and cooler days at any time of the year. We recommend visitors bring clothing for all weather conditions, including raincoats (for rain and wind) as an outer layer as well as a change of clothing even on day visits. We also suggest bringing a warm hat, sun protection and swimming gear. If hiking a good pair of shoes or hiking boots is required. We recommend taking a cellular phone, however there is limited coverage – see FAQ on cellular phone coverage. Please provide substantial food for lunch, dinner and breakfast. If you choose to have an overnight stay you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. If biking please bring a spare tube, repair kit and bike pump – it is a long way to walk your bike if you get a puncture along the trail and cannot repair it.

A maximum of 50 people per day. Book early!