Conferences Meetings & Events
If you are seeking a fresh location for your next conference, meeting, corporate event or special project, High Peak Station offers characterful, purpose-built facilities set in a stunning environment just one hour’s scenic drive from Christchurch.
Conferences & Meetings
Events & Training
Film & Photography
Host your team on a working high country station.
Looking for a conference venue in a truly unique location? High Peak is proud to offer a brand-new, purpose-built conference centre known as The Stables. Set in the heart of the High Peak yard on the site and in the style of the original 1860’s stables, the Stables offers 200sqm of meeting space over two levels.
The lower level contains a reception space, large 8-10 seat multipurpose table, kitchenette, quiet room and breakout spaces with a wheelchair accessible bathroom. The upper level is home to the Boardroom, an 80sqm open space that provides an exceptional meeting environment.
The Boardroom
The Boardroom is set up with four modular Rimu tables recycled from original timbers used on the station, designed with a range of layout options based on customer preferences. The space also includes a bar area, comfortable relaxing space, a 75″ TV with in-built PC, surround sound and full video-conferencing capability.
Capacity is up to 50 guests in a theatre-style arrangement, 32 guests in a classroom-style layout or a comfortable 20 in a classic long-table boardroom setup. The pitched roof and natural wool carpet provide excellent acoustics for presentations and screenings.
The Stables is often made available with the adjacent Cookshop, offering full catering facilities, additional bathroom and breakout spaces, plus the option of four ensuite rooms for overnight events.
Facilities on offer
– 75″ TV with inbuilt PC
– Full video-conferencing equipment
– Broadband WiFi
– Office printer & scanner
– Whiteboard, flipchart & pens
– Coffee & tea facilities
– Catering facilities
– High Peak branded merchandise
*Please note – there is no mobile coverage available, however, WiFi calling works well.
Conference Facilitation
High Peak can supply more than just a venue. We work with specialist event & conference facilitators who can help you get the very best from your experience at High Peak.
Our recommended facilitators are:
Braided River Facilitating www.braidedriver.co
Halo Training NZ www.halotraining.co.nz
We encourage you to contact them directly or reach out to us and we can assist.
Availability
The High Peak Stables and Cookshop are available to be booked year-round. There may be times where certain activities may not be available due to weather or seasonal limitations, however we will do our best to provide the best experience possible.
Pricing
The Stables starts at $500 for a half day or $750 for a full day for up to 10 people. Additional people are $25pp, up to 50 seated or 70 standing. Rates include room setup, coffee & tea and use of all facilities above. Catering can be arranged on request.
The Cookshop can be hired in conjunction with the Stables as a day venue for an additional $250, or as an overnight venue for $400 for 4 people; extra guests are $75 per night. Rates include linen and cleaning.
please enquire for menus, pricing and activity options.
Give them something to remember.
For businesses and brands seeking to create something special, we are excited to be able to offer High Peak Station as a unique location for your event.
Back in 1992, High Peak hosted over 800 international delegates at the first World Deer Congress. We’ve hosted a range of organisations and events including overseas delegations and ambassadors, government ministers and their officials, numerous agribusiness events and field days, automotive product launches, specialist guide training, film crews and the odd party.
High Peak offers ten thousand acres of space encompassing over 100km of roads and farm tracks accessing a multitude of locations. We have a growing list of country pursuits to enhance your day including clay pigeon and long range rifle shooting, archery, electric motorbike rides and watersports on our 30-acre private lake.
Whether you want to demonstrate your new product in action, celebrate great results for your business, build a stronger team or reward key people or customers, High Peak is the ideal place to hold your event.
Our Clients
Over the past few years we’ve been honoured to host some exceptional commercial clients including:
– Audi NZ – Q5 launch 2017
– Ford NZ – New Ranger launch 2018
– Jaguar Land Rover NZ- Above & Beyond Tour 2019
– Isuzu Utes NZ – New D-Max launch 2020
– Filming of ‘Sons a Bitch’ 2020
– By The Horns photoshoot 2021
– Food Over Fire launch photoshoot 2021
– New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association
– Downforce Auto Events & Training
– Deer Industry New Zealand
At High Peak, nothing is a problem. If we can make it happen, we will.
Availability
High Peak Station is available for events and training on a year-round basis. There may be times where certain activities may not be available due to weather or seasonal limitations, however we will do our best to provide the best experience possible.
Pricing
Due to the unique nature of each event, pricing is based on clients’ specific requirements. Rates factor in the scope, size and duration of an event.
Ten thousand acres of possibilities.
We’ve been told High Peak Station is a film and photographic paradise – offering a vast range of landscapes, backdrops and locations including snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, lake and riverbed, native beech forest, high country tussocklands, historic buildings, farm paraphernalia and an array of animals – including deer, sheep, cattle, waterfowl, game animals, native birds and the obligatory black Labradors!
With superb access across the property and our own in-house location scouts, film and photographic activity can be undertaken with high efficiency, utilising the conditions in a timely manner to achieve the best results. Combined with some truly spectacular locations within a few minutes’ drive from High Peak, the diversity of landscapes is hard to replicate anywhere else.
Film and photographic crews visiting High Peak will have all our facilities at their disposal, including ensuite accommodation, full catering facilities and our secure Stables Conference Centre as a production base.
Availability
High Peak Stables is available year-round for film and photographic purposes. There may be times where certain activities may not be available due to weather or seasonal limitations, however we will do our best to provide the best experience possible.
Pricing
Rates for film and photography are customised to each project based on specific requirements.
Guided Adventures
High Peak has hosted visitors on bespoke guided adventures for over 30 years. From the simplicity of hiking through the station with a backpack and hill stick through to a scenic adventure by 4WD – including those where you can bring your own vehicle – we have the means and experience to give you a great day out.
Station 4WD Tour
Self-Drive 4WD
Walking & Hiking
Private Station 4WD Tour
Are you interested a day of scenery, history, good food and good company combined with a bit of adventure?
Our guided private station 4WD tour is the ideal way to experience the New Zealand high country.
– Guests meet in the morning at the Stables Conference Centre for greeting, tea/coffee, scones and a safety briefing.
– Climb aboard the High Peak 4WD vehicles and head north up the eastern side of the High Peak valley. Your guide will stop at points of interest on the way to stretch the legs, take some photos and explain some of the local history. Tours involving multiple vehicles are linked via digital radio for safety and live commentary on the move.
We turn to the west toward the mountains to arrive at the High Peak Hut for lunch around 12.30pm. Enjoy our hospitality in the tranquility of the native bush before heading home via the high tops, reaching an elevation of 850m before heading back to the valley floor.
– Arriving back at the Stables at around 4.00pm for drinks and a debrief.
Availability
High Peak Station 4WD Tours are available to be booked year-round. There may be times where particular routes are not available due to seasonal, weather or vehicle limitations. We will always endeavour to create the most enjoyable experience possible in any case.
Pricing
Tours are priced from $250pp, including morning tea and coffee, BBQ lunch at the Hut, afternoon tea and drinks. We recommend 2 or 3 guests per vehicle, but can fit 4 in most cases. Minimum spend is $500 per group.
For a truly unique experience, we recommend our friends at Food Over Fire for a full live fire gourmet BBQ. Pricing depends on numbers, so please enquire for a quote.
Our private station tours can be included as part of any other experience and accommodation offering at High Peak.
Self-Drive 4WD Adventure
Do you have a ‘shiny truck’ that you’re keen to take off the tarmac and into the wide open spaces of the Canterbury High Country?
If yes, then we invite you to book one of our special self-drive 4WD adventures. Following the same timings and combination of routes as our hosted tours, we invite you to put your vehicle through its paces over High Peak’s extensive 100+ kilometre track network, negotiating a range of terrain and surfaces with regular stops for refreshments, photos and commentary by your guide. All vehicles are linked by digital radio for safety and live commentary on the move.
High Peak self-drive adventures are suitable for most off-road capable 4WD vehicles with decent ground clearance and low range gearing. All-terrain or mud tyres are recommended, especially in wet conditions or during cooler months (April to October), while normal road tyres are ok in drier, warmer conditions.
A live-fire BBQ lunch by our friends at Food Over Fire can be served at the hut, along with drinks for passengers (with zero and low-alcohol options for the drivers). Otherwise, you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch.
Availability
High Peak Station self-drive 4WD Tours are available to be booked year-round. There may be times where particular routes are not available due to seasonal, weather or vehicle limitations. We will always endeavour to create the most enjoyable experience possible in any case.
Pricing
Full-day self-drive adventures start at $275 per vehicle for up to four passengers with complimentary tea and coffee on arrival and departure. Morning and afternoon tea and a BBQ lunch with drinks can be provided for $65 per person. Minimum spend is $500 per group.
For a truly unique experience, we recommend our friends at Food Over Fire for a full live fire gourmet BBQ. Pricing depends on numbers, so please enquire for a quote.
Please get in touch for a custom quote.
Walking and hiking through a working farm.
The purest way to experience New Zealand’s landscapes and environment is via humanity’s most basic form of transport. High Peak Station invites guests to pick up a genuine Manuka hill stick, pull on some good boots and venture into the hills in the manner that our shepherds have done for over 150 years – on foot.
Utilising our track network along with the animal’s own game trails, visitors to High Peak have the choice of short walks near the station’s base, all the way to overnight trips to the Hut. We aim to make these hikes as enjoyable as possible by transporting your sleeping bag, hut clothes and preparing the ingredients for dinner for you to finish on arrival at your accommodation.
Hikers will experience a range of landscapes and sights, from open pastures with large herds of deer, sheep and cattle through to protected river valleys, native beech forest bush reserves and sub-alpine tussock grasslands abundant with game animals and native birdlife.
Two-Night Station Hike
This hike involves two nights accommodation on High Peak, with the first night in the Hut and the second night in the Cookshop. Meeting in the morning at the High Peak yard, hikers will spend the day walking down the High Peak valley, following the Selwyn Waikirikiri River, out to the Hut where your sleeping bags, food, refreshments and hut clothes will be waiting. The following morning, hike out over the tops back to the valley floor and home to the Cookshop for a well earned shower, dinner and refreshments. Depart the following morning after a relaxed breakfast and good coffee!
Hikers have the option of being guided, or unguided. Guides are there to show you the way, provide commentary and assist with food and facilities, as well as showing hikers how to check the station’s invasive species traps for predators.
For unguided hikes, we provide comprehensive maps of the station, with interesting information and facts, instructions on how to use the Hut and Cookshop facilities, along with binoculars for wildlife spotting, two-way radios and a Garmin InReach for safety.
Three-Night Station Hike
The three-night hike follows the format of the two-night hike, but includes an extra night in the Cookshop at the start, along with an evening hike around the High Peak lake.
Guided and chef catering services at the Cookshop are optional extras for both 2 and 3 night experiences.
Availability
High Peak Station hiking trips are available to be booked year-round. There may be times where the weather might limit the enjoyment or safety of the hike – in which case we will always endeavour to provide an enjoyable alternative.
Pricing
Two-Night Station Hike – including food and gear shuttle $550pp.
Two-Night Station Hike – with fully-catered night in Cookshop with linen $900pp.
Three-Night Station Hike – including food and gear shuttle $750pp.
Three-Night Station Hike – with 2 fully-catered nights in Cookshop with linen $1150pp.
Hiking guide / Hut chef $500 per day
Hunting, Fishing & Skiing
At High Peak, we consider ourselves incredibly lucky to be able to share our favourite adventure activities with our guests. We pride ourselves on offering first-class guided hunting, fishing and skiing experiences to those who share these passions with us.
Guided Hunting
Guided Fishing
Guided Skiing
Experience exceptional hunting in a safe, abundant environment with a professional guide.
At High Peak, we specialise in guided hunting on our 4500-acre game estate; the largest certified game estate in New Zealand.
Whether you are an experienced hunter looking for an opportunity to stalk a stag in full antler, a novice looking to get their first deer for the table, or a parent looking to take your son or daughter on their first hunting experience, High Peak’s team of professional guides have the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver an exceptional outcome.
Game species on offer include red deer, fallow deer, Arapawa sheep, wild pigs, wild goats and small game such as possums, hares and rabbits. Tahr and chamois can be hunted in nearby alpine terrain on both public and private land. All hunts are guided and include the services of a professional guide, vehicle, optics, firearms and ammunition. Hunters are also welcome to bring their own firearms and ammunition. Your professional guide will be on hand to manage and assist in all aspects of the hunt, from the all-important safety brief and target identification to animal recovery and meat preparation.
High Peak offers day hunts, overnights, and multi-day trips for up to 6 hunters staying in the Hut. Larger groups of up to 8 can be accommodated in the comfort of the in the Cookshop. Our number one priority is always your safety, so if you have any concerns about hunting on public land, you should consider a guided hunt at High Peak.
For the post-hunt care of the meat, capes and heads of your animals, we work with some of the best taxidermists and butchers in the business. We will take care of arrangements in the case that you are unable to. These guys will ensure your efforts are well rewarded when it’s time to share the spoils of the hunt.
Big game hunts for Red Stag, Bull Tahr and others.
For the serious hunter interested in pursuing and harvesting a magnificent trophy, High Peak is where the search ends.
During the months of March-June inclusive, High Peak hosts hunters from around the world in the pursuit of majestic red stags, fallow bucks, bull tahr, buck chamois, bull elk (Wapiti), Arapawa rams and Pacific billy goats. These animals are New Zealand’s most iconic game species – all are introduced, abundant and with sound management, constitute an eminently sustainable hunting resource.
Most hunts take place over a 5 to 7 day time frame and are all-inclusive top quality experiences that include field transport, professional guiding, full lodging, rifle hire & ammunition, trophy fees, field preparation of trophy and meat and delivery to our taxidermist.
For more information, please visit our dedicated big game hunting site below.
Availability
Hunting on High Peak Station is available all year, with some limitations on hunting grounds due to special events on the farm, for example, lambing in Springtime. The months of March-June are dedicated to our fully-hosted multi-day big game hunts for local and international hunters.
Pricing
Guided day hunts for the purpose of meat harvest are priced from $850 for one hunter, including guiding, equipment, ammunition, field transport and basic meat preparation. For a full breakdown of our hunting packages and bespoke trips, please get in touch.
Sport fishing for all ages and abilities.
Guided fishing can be arranged as part of your hunting trip, or as a standalone adventure. High Peak has excellent fly-fishing and spin-fishing options for brown and rainbow trout on the property, while our location and network gives us superb access to some iconic waters throughout the region.
Whether you’re a novice to New Zealand freshwater sport fishing or an accomplished master angler, we have something for you. Right here on High Peak, the lake is ideal for casting practice during the morning rise or giving a kid the thrill of fighting their first brown or rainbow.
The Selwyn Waikirikiri runs through the middle of the valley and presents a superb Spring sight fishery for large, if invariably wily brown trout. Outside the property, a short day trip from High Peak opens up a vast array of choices, whether looking for maximum hookups or that trophy fish of a lifetime.
For the truly intrepid, we have the option of utilising a jet boat or helicopter to access waters rarely touched by human activity. The angling experiences that these rivers and lakes can deliver is truly stuff of dreams.
Availability
Fishing on High Peak Station is available all year, with winter being our quiet time. The months of November-April are when you’re likely to get the best results.
Pricing
High Peak hunting & fishing experiences are priced from $995 per day for up to 3 people. For our full range of hunting & fishing possibilities, drop us a line.
Guided Skiing
High Peak Station is located in the foothills of the Canterbury High Country, meaning we have excellent access to some of the best skiing in the southern hemisphere.
Driving from the station each day, skiers and snowboarders have the option of two commercial ski areas offering multiple kilometres of groomed piste and a full suite of on-mountain facilities. Unique to the Canterbury region, we also have four club ski fields boasting some incredible off-piste terrain, topped off by New Zealand’s best heliskiing. All options are within an hour’s incredibly scenic drive of the station.
The Cookshop, with its four ensuite bedrooms, serves as our onsite ski lodge complete with private chef, if required. Skiers have the option of self-driving to the snow or enlisting our services to transport and guide them around the local ski areas when required including airport transfers. We work closely with Methven Heliski to arrange day trips and can even park the helicopter here at the station for those skiing consecutive heliski days, or opting for private charter heliskiing.
Located just one hour’s drive from Christchurch International Airport makes getting to High Peak incredibly easy from anywhere in New Zealand, Australia and a number of international destinations.
Availability
Our ski season in Canterbury runs from July – September, with some scope to ski outside these months if conditions are right. Mt Hutt consistently boasts the longest season in New Zealand, while the club fields usually start to hit their straps from mid-July. Methven Heliski operates every fine day between 1 July and 30 Sep and outside that by arrangement.
mthutt.co.nz skitheclubbies.nz methvenheli.co.nz
Pricing
Self-catered lodging from $400 per night for up to 4 people; extra guests $75 per person per night.
Fully-catered lodging from $400 per person per night, all-inclusive of drinks, dinner bed and breakfast.
Local guide and 4WD vehicle available from $500 per day for up to 6 people.
Airport transfers $200 one way for up to 6 people.
Heliskiing from $1240 per person for 5 runs, extra runs $125 each.
Lift pass rates depend on the mountain in question and will be added to the final account.
We can provide any combination of the above for a properly tailored ski experience to suit your budget and abilities.
For a custom ski package, please get in touch.
Accommodation & Hospitality
Staying at High Peak is all about authenticity. Our lodgings are quality, no-fuss establishments that reflect the character of the station. Every guest experiences the sort of hospitality you might expect from a place with a 170-year history of quality produce.
The Cookshop
The Hut
Food & Catering
The Cookshop
One of High Peak’s oldest remaining buildings, The Cookshop served as the station shearers’ quarters for over 150 years. In 2018 we undertook an extensive rebuild to repurpose The Cookshop as modern, purpose-built guest accommodation, whilst maintaining the character and aesthetics of the original building.
The Cookshop can sleep up to 12, offering 4 ensuite rooms with split-king beds, 2 cabins with king beds and shared bathroom and an open plan living, dining and kitchen area complete with a cast-iron log burner. The walls are decorated with an eclectic mix of artwork and photography depicting the station’s heritage, while functioning as a gallery for our resident artists’ works, some of which are for sale – please enquire.
Outside, we have a Food over Fire fire pit for relaxing around to recount the events of the day.
Guests staying at The Cookshop will experience quality, country hospitality where we utilise produce from High Peak and local growers. All your meals are thoughtfully prepared by our very own resident chef. High Peak can cater for any taste, budget or dietary requirements guests may have.
Availability
The Cookshop is available for hire year-round. The months of March-June inclusive are usually reserved for our international and local hunting clients, however we may have pockets of availability throughout this period.
Pricing
The Cookshop can be hired on a self-catered basis for $600 per night for up to 4 people. Extra persons are $100 per night up to a total of 12 people. The rate includes firewood, linen and cleaning.
Fully catered lodge experiences are available from $400 per person per night, including drinks, dinner, bed and breakfast. Minimum numbers apply.
The Hut
The High Peak Hut is a back country retreat that delivers a genuine New Zealand bush experience. Nestled in the native beech forest of the north quarter of the station and accessible via hiking, helicopter or four-wheel-drive, the Hut is a rustic 3-bedroom hideaway equipped with solar lighting, fridge, cooking facilities, barbecue, stone fireplace, hot shower, wood-fired outdoor bath and hot tub.
Sleeping up to 8 adults in two double bedrooms and the 4-bunk ‘guides’ hut’, the Hut provides a genuine sense of isolation and escapism that serves as a key element of any High Peak experience.
For those requiring the ultimate in privacy on a larger scale, we have the option to set up a private luxury tented camp at The Hut. Combined with local food and hospitality, The Hut & Camp is a uniquely rustic experience whether you’re there for lunch or part of an extended overnight stay.
Availability
The Hut is available for hire year-round, usually in combination with one of our High Peak experiences. The months of March-June inclusive are usually reserved for our international and local hunting clients, however we may have pockets of availability throughout this period.
Pricing
Given the ‘out the back’ nature of the Hut, staying there is usually part of one of our Guided Adventures – either a 4WD adventure, hike or guided hunting trip.
The Hut can be hired for $300 per night for up to 4 people, with extra persons $75 per night. Catering is usually provided for an additional fee – for more information, please enquire.
Food is as central to the High Peak experience as any of the views or activities on offer. As producers of premium beef, lamb, venison and honey, we take great pride in combining these ingredients with produce from the local region and across New Zealand for a truly authentic dining experience.
For larger groups utilising the conference centre or partaking in our day activities, we engage the services of local professional caterers. For overnight guests or those on multi-day training or adventures, we have our own live-in chef. We can cater to all dietary requirements and preferences provided we know these in advance.
Food over Fire
For those seeking a truly authentic dining experience with some amazing flavours, we suggest you consider our ‘Food over Fire’ option.
Partnering with Food over Fire NZ, we combine High Peak’s own produce with professionally executed live-fire cooking. Nothing quite matches the aroma, taste and theatre of true live-fire cooking and when paired with good company, it can be the ideal way to celebrate your meeting, event, hunt or day out.
Pricing
Catering is based around the specific needs of your group and we can work to a budget if required.
Please get in touch to let us know your requirements.
Station Produce
Quality produce from the land has been central to High Peak Station ever since it was established over 150 years ago. We are immensely proud to be able to continue this legacy of taking New Zealand’s natural elements of earth, air, water and sun and turning them into products celebrated for their quality and sustainability throughout the world.
Honey
Deer
Sheep
Cattle
Honey is one of nature’s greatest gifts and one we embrace wholeheartedly at High Peak. Our beekeeping operation, headed by apiarist Tom Dunbar encompasses approximately 500 hives producing Clover, Native Florescence, Black Beech and Mānuka honeys. The emphasis is on raw honey – as unadulterated as nature intended – and a significant percentage of our production is raw honeycomb straight from the hive.
With unfettered access to thousands of hectares of native black beech forest, unique to the north-eastern quarter of the South Island, High Peak’s honeydew honey is our signature line. Famed for its distinctive, mild flavour, smooth texture, stability and suitability for people with digestive issues, we think honeydew is the unsung hero of the New Zealand honey world.
Currently, the majority of our honey is exported to Balqees Honey in the Middle East and Kiitos in Japan. However, we have recently launched our domestic brand aimed at the ‘foodie’ market, Finders & Keepers and are delighted to now offer the option of having honey delivered directly to your door.
Deer farming has been central to the High Peak story ever since James Guild jumped out of a helicopter and captured our first stag, nicknamed Horace, from the upper Rakaia in 1977. The advent of deer farming in New Zealand is a remarkable story in it’s own right, and as one of the early movers of the then-new industry, James Guild has been central to its development throughout its history.
Under the stewardship of Station Manager Hamish Guild, High Peak currently farms some 4,000 red deer (Cervus elaphus), producing venison, 4 tonnes of velvet and around 1,000 weaner deer annually for the finishing market. In addition, deer are the cornerstone of our game operation, with around 500 red and fallow (Dama dama) deer roaming the station’s 1,800 hectare (4,500 acre) game estate.
As long term players in the deer industry, High Peak has been instrumental in setting up and supporting producer initiatives such as the premium venison Cervena program and the Provelco deer velvet producers’ co-operative, designed to achieve long term profitability and sustainability for the industry through producer excellence.
Sheep are the livestock that properties like High Peak Station are built upon. When the Guild family took over High Peak Station in 1973, the property was home to some 11,000 sheep and their annual wool clip accounted for 85% of the station’s income.
Fast forward to the present and High Peak’s Perendale breeding flock numbers around 5,500 animals, producing around 4,000 lambs after replacements, 700 annual draft ewes and 150 store hoggets for sale annually. As a breeding property, some High Peak lambs are sold as prime stock direct to the processor, whilst the majority are sold to finishing operations to put on further condition prior to processing for export.
High Peak’s annual pre-lamb shearing produces 22-24 tonnes of strong wool for local and export markets. The best of our clip is exported to the USA to be hand-woven into premium Eye Heart Hand rugs by prominent designer Kate Spain. While wool no longer underpins the station’s financials, we are excited about the potential of High Peak wool as global demand for natural, organic, sustainably-sourced textiles continues to grow.
High Peak’s herd of Hereford cattle play an important role in balancing our farming operations. As a key part of our stock rotation system, cattle play the crucial role of cleaning up pastures for sheep and deer grazing. Bred for their excellent hill living ability, the Hereford base herd is ideally suited to the environment at High Peak.
We currently run approximately 450 head, resulting in around 260 calves and 75 mixed-age cows for sale annually.
Conservation & Sustainability
Conservation – something we live and breathe.
As custodians of an intergenerational land-based enterprise, it is vital that conservation and sustainability is at the core of everything we do at High Peak.
James Guild (Papa to his mokopuna) has spent a significant part of his career dedicated to conservation. Always interested in preserving New Zealand’s biodiversity and landscapes, James chaired the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board in the early 2000s before being asked to chair the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust (QEII Trust) by the Minister of Conservation in 2011. James spent 9 years at the helm, enabling the preservation of over 200,000 hectares of private land via a partnership between the landowner and the trust, protected in perpetuity under covenants.
James currently chairs the Molesworth Steering Committee, the group charged with balancing the interests of conservation, pastoral farming and recreation on New Zealand’s largest farm, the 183,000 hectare Molesworth Station.
On High Peak itself, we have 160 hectares under QEII covenants, with a further 130 hectares in the pipeline, covering upland riverbed, native scrubby faces, wetlands and a red tussock lake reserve. In addition, we have fenced off over 20km of waterways from livestock and planted the riparian water margins to protect river health and grow biodiversity. We have implemented a trapping program across the station, targeting predators and pest species destructive to native flora and fauna such as possums, rats, stoats and hedgehogs.
In 2010, to safeguard against a poor growth year perpetuated by droughts, High Peak implemented a 100 hectare irrigation scheme – unique in the fact that we harvest surface water run-off rather than extraction from the ground. The gravity fed-nature of the scheme means it is incredibly efficient in terms of water and energy use.
Sustainability – for now and for the future.
New Zealand’s grass-fed pastoral farming systems are, by their very nature, sustainable.
At High Peak, we aim to take this concept further by embracing new technologies, alternative land use and proven land management principles to continuously improve the production, the land and the environment. Our 1,800-hectare game estate is an example of sustainable land use where more intensive grazing is foregone in place of tourism and game animals at a much lower intensity. We embrace new technologies where practical and available, such as actively monitoring soil moisture for optimum growing conditions. We have invested in a low input, water-harvesting based irrigation system to mitigate climatic uncertainty and ensure stock health.
Sustainability is not just a buzz-word here. We are simply custodians at the present time and our job is to keep the land and livelihoods it supports viable for future generations.
National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing 2024 – Gordon Stephenson Trophy
High Peak Station’s dedication to conservation and sustainability was recognised at the 2024 Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Awards are held by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) which champions sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
During 2024, High Peak entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, becoming the regional supreme winner for the Canterbury region in the 7 March awards evening in Christchurch. We then went on to represent the Canterbury region at the National Sustainability Showcase in Hamilton on June 20 where High Peak was selected as the winner of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy, with Hamish and Simon named as National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing.
The award is one of the most prestigious on the New Zealand rural calendar and represents over 50 years of dedication to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship on High Peak Station.
Conservation – something we live and breathe.
As custodians of an intergenerational land-based enterprise, it is vital that conservation and sustainability is at the core of everything we do at High Peak.
James Guild (Papa to his mokopuna) has spent a significant part of his career dedicated to conservation. Always interested in preserving New Zealand’s biodiversity and landscapes, James chaired the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board in the early 2000s before being asked to chair the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust (QEII Trust) by the Minister of Conservation in 2011. James spent nine years at the helm, enabling the preservation of over 200,000 hectares of private land via a partnership between the landowner and the trust, protected in perpetuity under covenants.
James currently chairs the Molesworth Steering Committee, the group charged with balancing the interests of conservation, pastoral farming and recreation on New Zealand’s largest farm, the 183,000 hectare Molesworth Station.
On High Peak itself, we have 160 hectares under QEII covenants, with a further 130 hectares in the pipeline, covering upland riverbed, native scrubby faces, wetlands and a red tussock lake reserve. In addition, we have fenced off over 20km of waterways from livestock and riparian planted the margins to protect river health and grow biodiversity. We have implemented a trapping program across the station, targeting predators and pest species destructive to native flora and fauna such as possums, rats, stoats and hedgehogs.
In 2010, to safeguard against a poor growth year perpetuated by droughts, High Peak implemented a 100 hectare irrigation scheme – unique in the fact that we harvest surface water run-off rather than extraction from the ground. The gravity fed-nature of the scheme means it is incredibly efficient in terms of water and energy use.
Sustainability – for now and for the future.
New Zealand’s grass-fed pastoral farming systems are, by their very nature, sustainable. At High Peak, we aim to take this concept further by embracing new technologies, alternative land use and proven land management principles to continuously improve the production, the land and the environment. Our 1,800-hectare game estate is an example of sustainable land use where more intensive grazing is foregone in place of tourism and game animals at a much lower intensity. We embrace new technologies where practical and available, such as actively monitoring soil moisture for optimum growing conditions. We have invested in a low input, water-harvesting based irrigation system to mitigate climatic uncertainty and ensure stock health.
Sustainability is not just a buzz-word here. We are simply custodians at the present time and our job is to keep the land and livelihoods it supports viable for future generations.
National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing 2024 – Gordon Stephenson Trophy
High Peak Station’s dedication to conservation and sustainability was recognised at the 2024 Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Awards are held by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) which champions sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
During 2024, High Peak entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, becoming the regional supreme winner for the Canterbury region in the 7 March awards evening in Christchurch. We then went on to represent the Canterbury region at the National Sustainability Showcase in Hamilton on June 20 where High Peak was selected as the winner of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy, with Hamish and Simon named as National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing.
The award is one of the most prestigious on the New Zealand rural calendar and represents over 50 years of dedication to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship on High Peak Station.
Our Story
One station, three generations.
Located in a private valley at the head of the Selwyn River, near the centre of the South Island, High Peak Station is a 4,000 hectare (10,000 acre) property that is home to a multi-faceted family business involving pastoral farming, beekeeping, visitor experiences and export. High Peak is a wholly private destination with no through roads or public access, however very easy to get to – just 80km or one hour’s drive from Christchurch city and its international airport.
High Peak Station has been in the Guild family since 1973 and is currently home to three generations. Our ancestors were early pioneers, arriving in Canterbury from Scotland in 1850 and farming throughout the region prior to purchasing High Peak in 1973. Over the past 50 years, we have transformed High Peak from a simple sheep run into a group of intergenerational businesses supporting four families and a number of key staff.
A genuine family business.
Four families make up the current management of High Peak Station, operating as a four-way partnership each looking after specific areas of the enterprise while working together as a whole.
James and Anna Guild have lived on High Peak since the mid-1970’s. Under their stewardship over the past 50 years, High Peak has grown from a largely undeveloped pastoral holding to the multi-faceted business it is today. These days, work for James means farm projects (often involving his digger) and governance of the business, while Anna pursues her love of watercolour painting. They balance this with enjoyment of the Homestead’s extensive garden, their seven grandchildren and spending time in the Marlborough Sounds.
www.instagram.com/annasarahguild
Simon Guild looks after High Peak’s tourism operations. Simon is James and Anna’s eldest son and father to two children, raising Patrick (aka Paddy, born in 2011) and Polly (born in 2013) with their mother Kate. When not working on the tourism business and hosting guests, they enjoy spending time exploring the awe-inspiring outdoors both on High Peak and around New Zealand.
Hamish and Gemma Guild manage the station’s pastoral farming business. Hamish always knew he wanted to farm from a young age and today manages more than 18,000 stock units across three different animal species. Gemma was raised on a farm near Mt Somers, not far from High Peak and provides support on the farm. Hamish and Gemma have three children, Henry (born 2011), Jonty (born 2013) and Rosa (born 2014), all of whom love growing up in the High Peak environment.
Tom and Amelia Dunbar manage the High Peak beekeeping operation. With more than 500 hives to look after, Tom spends long days in the field tending his bees while working with Amelia and the other partners on new products, export initiatives and hosting tourists with his broad suite of skills. Amelia (Simon and Hamish’s younger sister) is an accomplished artist and actress, with her own stage show and a movie in the pipeline. Tom and Amelia have two children, Willa (born 2014) and Rollo (born 2018).
www.ameliaguild.com www.bitchesbox.co.nz
It is the Guild and Dunbar families, along with their team of valued managers, shepherds, guides, chefs and hosts that make High Peak what it is. The High Peak team has an absolute passion for the land, region and lifestyle and take immense pride in sharing this with our guests and visitors.
Regardless of whether you are here for a meeting, scenic adventure or trying your hand at one of our outdoor pursuits, rest assured we will do everything we can to give you the best possible experience.
One station, three generations.
Located in a private valley at the head of the Selwyn River, near the centre of the South Island, High Peak Station is a 4,000 hectare (10,000 acre) property that is home to a multi-faceted family business involving pastoral farming, beekeeping, visitor experiences and export. High Peak is a wholly private destination with no through roads or public access, however very easy to get to – just 80km or one hour’s drive from Christchurch city and its international airport.
High Peak Station has been in the Guild family since 1973 and is currently home to three generations. Our ancestors were early pioneers, arriving in Canterbury from Scotland in 1850 and farming throughout the region prior to purchasing High Peak in 1973. Over the past 50 years, we have transformed High Peak from a simple sheep run into a group of intergenerational businesses supporting four families and a number of key staff.
A genuine family business.
Four families make up the current management of High Peak Station, operating as a four-way partnership each looking after specific areas of the enterprise while working together as a whole.
James and Anna Guild have lived on High Peak since the mid-1970’s. Under their stewardship over the past 50 years, High Peak has grown from a largely undeveloped pastoral holding to the multi-faceted business it is today. These days, work for James means farm projects (often involving his digger) and governance of the business, while Anna pursues her love of watercolour painting. They balance this with enjoyment of the Homestead’s extensive garden, their seven grandchildren and spending time in the Marlborough Sounds.
www.instagram.com/annasarahguild
Simon and Kate Guild look after High Peak’s tourism operations. Simon is James and Anna’s eldest son while Kate hails from New South Wales in Australia. Simon and Kate met in London in 2009 and together they have two children, Patrick (aka Paddy, born in 2011) and Polly (born in 2013). When not working on the tourism business and hosting guests, they enjoy spending time exploring the awe-inspiring outdoors near High Peak with the kids and travelling to Australia to see Kate’s family.
Hamish and Gemma Guild manage the station’s pastoral farming business. Hamish always knew he wanted to farm from a young age and today manages more than 18,000 stock units across three different animal species. Gemma was raised on a farm near Mt Somers, not far from High Peak and provides support on the farm. Hamish and Gemma have three children, Henry (born 2011), Jonty (born 2013) and Rosa (born 2014), all of whom love growing up in the High Peak environment.
Tom and Amelia Dunbar manage the High Peak beekeeping operation. With more than 500 hives to look after, Tom spends long days in the field tending his bees while working with Amelia and the other partners on new products, export initiatives and hosting tourists with his broad suite of skills. Amelia (Simon and Hamish’s younger sister) is an accomplished artist and actress, with her own stage show and a movie in the pipeline. Tom and Amelia have two children, Willa (born 2014) and Rollo (born 2018).
www.ameliaguild.com www.bitchesbox.co.nz
It is the Guild and Dunbar families, along with their team of valued managers, shepherds, guides and hosts that make High Peak what it is. The High Peak team has an absolute passion for the land, region and lifestyle and take immense pride in sharing this with our guests and visitors.
Regardless of whether you are here for a meeting, scenic adventure or trying your hand at one of our outdoor pursuits, rest assured we will do everything we can to give you the best possible experience.
What our guests say...
Location
High Peak Station is located in the district of Windwhistle, near the Rakaia Gorge approximately 100km or 1 hour drive west of Christchurch International Airport across the open expanse of the Canterbury Plains.
The region is an area of outstanding natural beauty, highly accessible with an abundance of attractions yet relatively low tourist numbers compared to some New Zealand destinations. It’s the best of both worlds – and this is exactly how we like it.
Canterbury is a year-round outdoor destination. During the Summer months, it offers world-class hiking, boating and fishing for trout and salmon. During the autumn, hunting is the focus of locals and visitors alike. Winter offers skiing opportunities unmatched in New Zealand, with 6 ski areas within an hour’s drive from High Peak and some of New Zealand’s best heliskiing. Spring is best known for fly-fishing for big brown and rainbow trout across the dozens of pristine lakes and streams.
Well serviced with a number of vibrant towns, Canterbury has Christchurch as its cultural heart, an accessible, cosmopolitan city on the doorstep of one of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes.
