Stunning farmstay accommodation only a two-hour drive from Christchurch!

As New Zealand specialists, we’re always looking out for the unusual and memorable to wow our travellers – be that experiences or accommodation.

And boy, have we found both in Lake Heron Station!  This stunning accommodation lies on a spectacular 20,000-hectare, family-owned merino sheep property in the heart of the South Island, only a two-hour drive from Christchurch.

Exterior view of Lake Heron Station main homestead with blue sky, trees and mountains in background Glowing Reviews

Bill and Vicki Salin from Texas and Anne and Malcolm Daniel from York visited the Station last year and came back with glowing reports.

This is Anne’s feedback:

“We thought Doubtful Sound was the highlight of our holiday until we travelled to Lake Heron Station.  We travelled for 25km on unsealed roads, with the scenery changing along the way.  You travel around the lake to the station, where Anne welcomed us and took us to Fisherman’s Hut.  Waiting for us was first class accommodation and views.  The fridge was stocked with fresh milk, beer and ginger beer, and the cupboard with crisps, cashews, chocolate and coffee, tea etc.

“We had access to walk/drive along the stations’ tracks and to the boat/kayaks on the lake.  We went rowing together with Hetty, the Jack Russell.  Anne delivered a sumptuous dinner together with a choice of wine both nights.  Breakfast was served at the homestead, where Anne and Philip joined us for coffee.

“After taking a party, by plane, across to Fox Glacier, Philip took us on our tour sharing how merino sheep and Angus cattle work, on the different landscape.  We saw red deer and hares along our journey.

“Nothing was too much trouble for Philip and Anne, we felt very privileged to be invited into their home. New Zealand’s best kept secret.  Highly recommend.”

As with any place to stay, it’s all about the people isn’t it? And at Lake Heron, you’ll be staying at a property that’s been in the Todhunter family since 1998, with Anne and Philip as your attentive hosts.

Owners of Lake Heron Station, Anne and Philip Todhunter, with their dog, sitting in front of some purple flowers And so, to the accommodation…

The Fisherman’s Hut: Accommodation and meals

The Fisherman’s Hut is a stylish self-contained one-bedroom cottage available for couples only.

This is a beautifully appointed cottage, with a generous living area, one king bed and an ensuite. There is also a fully equipped laundry and kitchen. The outlook is across a broad valley and to the mountains.

Wine and a 2-course dinner, sourced from local produce and the station garden, are provided at the guest accommodation. Breakfast is served in the large station homestead and features homemade muesli, fresh fruit, yoghurt and locally sourced eggs and bacon.

Guests are provided with a picnic lunch hamper, with fresh baking, sandwiches and fruit.

Exterior view of the Fisherman's Hut at Lake Heron Station Lake Heron Cottage: Accommodation and meals

Lake Heron Cottage is a restored station cottage dating from circa 1900, which sleeps 2 – 4 guests.

This self-contained cottage has an open fire, full kitchen and laundry, quality furnishings and linens and a lovely ambiance. Sleeping accommodation consists of one king room, one queen room and a small 2-bed bunkroom (children only.)

As with the Fisherman’s Hut, guests can enjoy wine and a 2-course dinner, sourced from local produce and the station garden, at the guest accommodation. Breakfast is served in the large station homestead and features homemade muesli, fresh fruit, yoghurt and locally sourced eggs and bacon.

Again, guests will also receive a picnic hamper, packed with fresh baking, sandwiches and fruit.

Interior view of lounge area in Lake Heron Cottage Activities At or Near Lake Heron Station

Scenic Flights to a Range of Destinations on South Island

The host, Philip, is a highly experienced fixed-wing and helicopter pilot. He has been mountain flying for over three decades. He takes pride in ensuring a very personal service for flying guests – so you can be sure of an exclusive experience. Our main photo was taken on one of the flights – overlooking Lake Heron Station

Visitors enjoying the views on a full-day tour of Lake Heron Station Lake Heron Station Private Full-Day Tour

A private full-day tour of the station, including viewing the woolshed and gaining an insight into the production of high-quality merino fibre, meeting pet sheep, a station 4WD tour, visiting a historic mustering hut, picnic lunch and a guided walk. Of course, tours may vary according to guests’ interests, current farm activities and the weather.

Lake Heron Station Private Half-Day Tour

A private 3.5-hour tour, including viewing the woolshed and gaining an insight into the production of high-quality merino fibre, meeting the pet sheep, a station 4WD tour, visiting a historic station hut and picnic lunch.

Guests can also have access to lovely walks and a rowboat on scenic Lake Heron.

View across Lake Heron toward mountains Farmstays and Homestays New Zealand

It’s salutary to recall days gone by, when the Silver Fern team were able to suggest a wide range of farms and bed and breakfast accommodations, each unique in their own way, to our travellers on their journey through New Zealand.

Unfortunately, over the past twenty years or so, many have closed for business (much the same as in the UK) – a combination of factors including more stringent fire regulations, energy costs and of course, the pandemic, has meant it’s not economically viable any more for some of them to continue to operate. So, we are delighted to be able to recommend a place such as Lake Heron to give our travellers an insight into another aspect of Kiwi life which they wouldn’t encounter on a standard tour.

If you are interested in a stay at Lake Heron, do, let us know early in your planning because it does get booked up fast. And if you’ve already had time in Christchurch during your trip, you could end on a “high” in the high country before making your way to the airport for your international flight.

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