Experiences

Welcome to our small, rural, New Zealand town - Fairlie located on the eastern gateway to the Mackenzie region.

Seasonal scenic discovery

Fairlie is unique in that we have four distinct seasons each carrying with it, an opportunity to adventure and explore – enjoy the long, hot, sunny days during Summer with plenty of daylight. When Autumn comes around, Fairlie transforms into a picturesque town, with hues of gold and orange. Winter in Fairlie offers beautiful days, with colder nights, and the town is often dusted in snow. We then transform into Spring, with colourful displays of a range of flowers, and rich green hills and pastures in the nearby farmland.

Activities & adventures

Fairlie has plenty on offer – with a stunning golf course on the outskirts of town, and everywhere you look, there are mountain views. Spend your day boating or fishing on one of the local rivers or Lake Opuha; go hiking in the hills; or in winter, enjoy Mount Dobson and all it has to offer for skiing and snowboarding.

Museum & art galleries

Within our small town, surround yourself in history at the Fairlie Heritage Museum and Mabel Binney Cottage; visit one of our many local art galleries and then enjoy an evening meal at one of our local restaurants.

Landscape photography

We are a 45-minute drive from Lake Tekapo, and the beginning of the International Dark Sky Reserve. Lake Tekapo has a huge offering – with the Church of the Good Shepherd, star-gazing at the Mt John Observatory or relaxing at the Tekapo Springs.

Aoraki/Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier

Mount Cook is an incredibly beautiful, scenic two-hour drive away – home of the highest mountain and longest glacier in New Zealand. Mount Cook has so much to offer with 4WD safaris, boating on the glacier lakes, fishing, scenic flights (with snow landing available!) and a number of walks and hikes suited to all ages and abilities.

Travel time by car

The following are approximate travel times from Allandale Lodge Bed & Breakfast. We recommend hiring or using your own vehicle during your stay, to experience the highlights of the Mackenzie Region.


2.5 hours to Christchurch Airport

3.5 hours to Queenstown Airport

45 minutes to Timaru Airport

45 minutes to Lake Tekapo

2 hours to Mount Cook

1.5 hours to Twizel


Enjoy Fairlie and the Mackenzie Region at your own pace