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Area Attractions At the first tee mountain views stretch to the horizon, a shimmering lake mesmerizes and lush fairways beckon. Terrace Downs offers a par 72, 18-hole championship golf course, rated as one of the top courses and golfing destinations in New Zealand. Based at the foothills of the Southern Alps, there are very few scenic alpine courses like it. The course was designed by Sid Pudicombe and Associates in 1993 and officially opened in December 2001. It offers a unique mixture of Parklands and Links style with the underlying philosophy of the course development assuring its integration into the natural environment and the respect and enjoyment of all who play on it. The views of the Rakaia Gorge and mountain vistas remain a constant challenge for players to keep their eye on the ball! At par 72, the course is challenging. However, a choice of four tees on each hole ensures the course caters for a range of golfing abilities. The 6,440-metre long course incorporates 11 lakes and 70 bunkers, providing plenty of obstacles for even the most experienced player. The signature hole for Terrace Downs is the 16th. The short par three plays 100 metres off the regular tees and can often be quite treacherous. The fairway clings to the side of the Rakaia Gorge and includes spectacular views of the Rakaia River and the towering Mt Hutt. Crystal clear waters and stunning scenery offer some of the finest fishing available in the area. The Rakaia River is renowned for New Zealands best salmon fishing. The spring and glacier fed waters run from the foot of the Southern Alps past Lake Coleridge and into the Pacific Ocean, right alongside the lower boundary of Terrace Downs. Single or multi-day excursions are available with members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association (NZPFGA). Clients will receive fishing tuition, guiding and equipment of the highest standard within the industry. A wide range of guided trips include fly fishing for trout and salmon in spring creeks, mountain streams, lakes and snow-fed rivers; fly casting lessons and raft based trips. Heli-fishing is an absolute must for those wanting to access the most remote waters and the thrill of a lifetime! Trout Fishing Fishing for trout in the Canterbury region provides anglers the opportunity to do some world class fishing. Fish crystal clear spring creeks, high country lakes, freestone streams and the glacier fed mountain rivers for some of New Zealand's largest trout. Whether spin casting or fly casting using nymphs and streamers, clients will experience breathtaking high country scenery unspoilt by man. Experience the thrill of sighting fish and stalking the wily brown trout or the lively rainbow, accessible by jet boat, 4X4 or helicopter. These well conditioned fish are around 3-4lb, however it is not uncommon to catch trophy fish weighing in at 10lb+. Fishing is available year round in the Rakaia River Gorge with the prime season being from 1 October to 30 April. Salmon Fishing The King Salmon feed out into the Pacific Ocean and return to the east coast rivers of the South Island for their upstream journey to spawn. The salmon leave the salt water and move up through the glacier fed waters. This occurs from November to April, with the best fishing occurring from late December to April. The sea-run salmon are present in many South Island rivers with the largest runs of salmon moving up the Rakaia River. They spend 1 to 3 years of their life in the ocean and their weight varies from season to season with the average coming in at 10lb. Many are known to grow up to 35lb. Jet boat access for fishing on the famous Rakaia River is the most productive way of fishing for salmon. Enjoy an enthralling jet boat ride over braided streams and through scenic gorges in lure of the Chinook Salmon. The Rakaia River has the largest runs of King Salmon in New Zealand with its tributaries holding some great trout fishing as well. Salmon are also present in Lake Coleridge which is just a 30 minute drive from Terrace Downs. Lake fish are much smaller than the ocean feeding salmon and have an average weight of 2-3lb. Heli-Fishing Experience the ultimate in wilderness fishing, view trophy trout from the air and enjoy the majestic scenery that unfolds around you. Heli-fish throughout the South Island to spectacular remote wilderness areas where the only footprints are yours and the wildlife's! Treat yourself to the time of your life fishing untouched waters and enjoy the fresh mountain scenery that surrounds you. The helicopter remains with you for the entire day enabling you to fish the many different areas that await you. During the day, fly to a glacier at the height of the Southern Alps for a gourmet lunch before flying to a secluded west coast stream for more quality fishing in freestone creeks. The helicopter flight is an experience in itself, not to mention the size of those big brown trout.