As seen on a recent episode of Country Calendar, Island Hills Station is a unique and expansive North Canterbury high country property; a working sheep, cattle and honey farm with large areas of privately owned protected conservation reserve.
The farm also hosts visitors who come to walk a formed 30km tramping trail over two or three days, staying at unique lodgings along the way. Island Hills is located 20 minutes inland from the Historic Hurunui Hotel, en route to Hanmer Springs. Currently owned by Dan and Mandy Shand, the farm has been in the Shand family for four generations. It spans 7000ha of diverse landscape including alpine mountains, forests and pasture terraces.
For walking track guests there is a popular self-guided option where the hosts transport luggage, food and refreshments to the lodge-style accommodation each day (think hot showers, comfy beds, fully serviced kitchens and a few North Canterbury made treats!); all that has to be carried on the trail is a day pack. If walking is not your thing then take your horse: Island Hills has a lovely two-day BYO horse trekking route. There are also guided adventures on offer which include wild foods, bush entertainment, and on-farm guides Shaun Monk and Haley Lloyd – farm-raised, kiwi backcountry adventurers who love to share their bush wisdom with others.
Book via their website: https://islandhillsstation.com/
