6 Great Farmstays In The Mackenzie

Sawdon Station is a unique high country sheep station, situated only a few minutes from the town of Lake Tekapo.  Featuring three farm holiday houses for large or small groups, with farm tours offered.  Make your holiday at Sawdon Station as active or as quiet as you like.

Sawdon Station’s accommodation makes a perfect base for walking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, or just relaxing in summer and is in an ideal location in winter for skiing at Roundhill or Mt Dobson.

Quail Rest is located at Totara Peak Station which is a working high-country Merino sheep station situated on the shores of Lake Benmore, 22km from Twizel. This luxury accommodation is off the grid and supported by solar and gas, and a log wood burner.

Quail Rest is a two-minute walk to the lake and there is a sheltered mooring if you have a boat. Views overlooking Lake Benmore and unobstructed views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. They can also arrange a fishing guide to get the catch of the day.

Highlands Farmstay is a unique farm stay experience located on a 75-acre farm just 5km from the Twizel township. Choose from the cottage, the huts or the executive farm barn.

Their farm animals have been hand-reared and love being hand-fed by guests. Animals include cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens. The fencing at the farm ensures that you can have as much or as little interaction with the animals as you choose. Complimentary animal feed is available. Enjoy incredible uninterrupted views of the unique Mackenzie landscape.

Braemar Station offers a range of authentic backcountry accommodation options for travellers, conveniently located along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Choose from four unique self-contained accommodation options that take advantage of the stunning vistas of the hilltop and its surrounds.

Braemar is a working station, farming Perendale sheep, beef cattle and deer. Dry air, hot summers and cold, crisp winters with vast and spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Pūkaki. The lake offers good trout fishing, boating and numerous picnic spots off the beaten track. There are great farm tracks for mountain biking and walking. Braemar Station is 30 mins from Lake Tekapo, 40 mins from Twizel and 1 hour from Aoraki/Mount Cook. Bring your food, friends and camera to enjoy this unique and peaceful part of New Zealand.

Marytrickle is a spacious, warm, two-bedroom apartment with all the amenities you would require for an enjoyable stay. Located on an award-winning Merino sheep farm between Takapō/Lake Tekapo and Twizel. Marytrickle is perfect for stargazing under the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve without town light pollution. Enjoy the tranquillity of rural farm life while experiencing what the Mackenzie Region has to offer.

Escape to the countryside near Fairlie & enjoy the peace & amazing views. Your stay includes your own private spa pool, a free one-hour guided farm tour, and a delicious continental breakfast.

The 850-acre farm has 2,500 sheep & 350 beef cattle. You’ll love hand-feeding their sheep, pig, dogs, hens, & alpaca.

By night, enjoy the Mackenzie Region’s famous night skies, with thousands of shining stars.

Lake Tekapo & Timaru are a 40-minute drive, Fairlie a 10-minute drive, & Christchurch is a 2-hour drive.