A Day in the Homestead: Our Luxurious Escape into the New Zealand High Country
7am: Mornings in the Flockhill Homestead
As the first rays of dawn touched the peaks of the Southern Alps, I woke to a chorus of native bird calls and the gentle rustle of wind through the pines. The soft glow of morning light filled the Homestead, as I wandered to the sitting room.
I began my day with a ritual that would become a cherished part of my stay at Flockhill: a perfectly brewed coffee, savoured with my book while watching the mist rise from tussocked hills that roll toward the mountains. As I sipped my coffee, waiting for my family to rise, I felt a sense of peace and tranquillity. This was the start of a day unlike any other.
An aroma drew me towards the kitchen, our private chef had prepared breakfast. Today it’s a spread of fresh local fruit, yoghurt, muesli, toast, vine-roasted tomatoes and farm-raised eggs with greens. We chat as we eat, excited to explore Flock Hill Station today.
9am: Exploring Flock Hill Station
After breakfast, we joined a guided farm tour, an opportunity to explore the heart of Flock Hill sheep station. Donning sturdy gumboots and rain jackets to ensure we're well-equipped for the diverse terrain of the high-country farm, we climb into the waiting ute.
Our experienced guides - a seasoned shepherd and their sheep dogs – take us through the rugged farm, sharing stories of the land and its inhabitants. We witnessed the incredible skill of the working dogs as they rounded up a flock of sheep. For me, the highlight of the tour was learning the tricks of a dog whistle, and seeing how closely the dogs and shepherd worked together. Our tour ended with a visit to the woolshed, where I learned about the sheep shearing process and the importance of wool in New Zealand's heritage.
11am: Relaxation and Lunch
Our morning adventure flew by, and soon it was time to return to the Homestead for some well-deserved relaxation. I spent an hour lounging by the pool, basking in the warm sunshine while the others strolled through the forest.
We gather for a Homestead lunch of fresh produce and shared plates. You can make a special request for a cuisine of your choosing, but today we shared a colourful charcuterie spread of cured meats, incredible New Zealand cheeses, juicy stone fruits, honeycomb, homemade crusty bread, chutneys and spreads, and halloumi salad with greens and flowers from the Flockhill gardens.
1:30pm: Horse Riding
After lunch, we decided to spend the afternoon horseback riding. We met our guide Heather and the beautiful station-bred horses. Heather paired us with horses chosen to suit our personalities.
We ride across the picturesque wilderness, breathing in the smell of sun-warmed grass and clean mountain air. Heather led us across crystal-clear streams and up to breathtaking viewpoints, as she shared stories about the region's history and pointed out unique flora and fauna. I feel grounded, and the steady gait of my horse is calming.
Around 3:30pm we stop for afternoon tea. I savour the aroma of peppermint while snacking on juicy apricots & peaches, bliss balls and homemade friands.
4pm: Time to Unwind
After our snack, we returned to the Homestead to unwind after a day of adventure. I sink into the deep bath in my room for some me-time, looking out over the ever-present alpine views.
5:30pm: Canapes and a Chef’s Table Dinner at Sugarloaf
As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we strolled to Sugarloaf Restaurant for a pre-dinner drink and canapés around the outdoor fireplace. We chose our favourite spirits and the Homestead attendant worked their magic to deliver drinks tailored to our tastes, paired with incredible one-bite morsels.
On other nights, we had gathered around the Homestead dining table for a family style meal – a gorgeous multi-course dinner perfectly paired with a nice bottle of wine (and more stunning views). But tonight we had booked the Chef's Table, and it turned out to be a truly unforgettable meal.
Taking our exclusive front-row seats at the fire kitchen bench, we watched Taylor and his team prepare a personalised menu for us. Each course was expertly prepared and presented to showcase seasonal flavours from the Flockhill Gardens and served with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks to match. I highly recommend it, I was blown away by the creativity and passion of the Sugarloaf chefs and the skill that went into preparing each dish.
9pm: Stargazing and Soaking in the Hot Tub
Our appetites sated, we wrapped ourselves in warm blankets for a stargazing session by the fire pit. Sipping on my tea, I felt a sense of awe and wonder as I gazed through the Homestead telescope. The Milky Way stretched across the vast, inky sky, surrounded by the glow of neighbouring galaxies and the iconic Southern Cross. We finished our evening with a soak in the hot tub, the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
As I snuggled into bed that night, I knew that my time at Flockhill Homestead was special. Feeling so immersed in the wilderness, so connected to the land, and so taken care of, had created an experience that would stay with me forever.