Sheep station staycations
Remote, rugged locations offering breathtaking scenery and a back-to-nature reset for any budget. For an unforgettable getaway, the South Island’s sheep stations offer a spectacular stay.
Ever thought about taking a break on a sheep station? While still being fully working sheep farms, many South Island stations offer accommodation from the highest of high-end, hot-tub-and-champagne luxury to all-comers-welcome camping next to a trout-fishing lake. When you’re planning your next getaway, you don’t have to go far for the best scenery and experiences in the world.
TROUT FISHING
Many options for a sheep station staycation offer exceptional trout fishing. For starters, check out Cabot Lodge in Southland near Te Anau. As well as a spa pool and hiking trails across the property, the lodge’s private fishing jetty gives you access to the Waiau River, which is internationally renowned for its trout fishing.
Alternatively, Arrowsmith Station in mid Canterbury offers lakefront accommodation with a backdrop of stunning mountain ranges and views across Lake Heron, barely 20 metres away. Choose accommodation from backcountry huts; a wool shed for larger groups and marae-style sleeping. Or, pick the ever-popular Lake Heron Campground for those who like to pull out their tents and sleeping bags during the trout fishing season from October to April.
cabotlodge.co.nz and arrowsmithstation.co.nz
ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAILThe world-famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is New Zealand’s longest continuous cycle trail. It’s not just a scenic route for cycling enthusiasts; it’s a journey through time, culture, and history. Starting from the Southern Alps near Mt Cook Village, it weaves past and through many sheep stations, which offer accommodation to weary cyclists in need of a respite part way through their ride.
Braemar Station near Tekapo is an official partner of Alps 2 Ocean, with special package deals for cyclists doing the trail. A working station, farming sheep, beef cattle and deer, Braemar offers vast and spectacular views of Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki. The lake offers great trout fishing, boating and numerous picnic spots off the beaten track. Discover great farm tracks for mountain biking and walking. Just an hour from several ski fields, this is also an ideal base for a winter skiing holiday.
Near the cycle trail are the incredible Temple Cabins in South Canterbury. Located on the working, high-country Huxley Gorge station in the Hopkins Valley, up the top of Lake Ōhau, the Temple Cabins are a stylish haven for the adventure-seeking traveller who is looking to experience the Southern Alps in an authentic, personal way. The two cabins, Steeple Peak and North Point, are for those not afraid to get off-grid and enjoy the raw beauty of the surrounding natural wilderness. Finish the day off with the warmth of a log fire and a bath with sweeping views. braemarstation.co.nz and thetemplecabins.co.nz
REGENERATIVE FARMING
Farming can help heal the planet and the South Island is home to some of the most visionary and progressive sustainable farms in the world. Lake Hāwea Station is the world’s first B Corp Certified sheep farm and Australasia’s first climate-positive farm and regenerative at scale. For visitors, they offer high-end luxury accommodation just 15 minutes from the affluent town of Wānaka. Choose from the three-bed Lake House overlooking the lake; a historic two-bed shepherd’s cottage, or an off-grid tiny home. All residences have outdoor fire pits, outdoor dining and hot tubs. For double the adventure, backcountry 4WD experiences, e-bikes or mountain biking trips all options. Watch the working dogs muster and visit the regenerative pastures.
lakehaweastation.com
