Lake Hāwea Station

At the juncture of farming and the climate and biodiversity crisis. LHS is regeneratively farming for a sustainable future.

Merino Wool

At the juncture of farming and the climate and biodiversity crisis. LHS is regeneratively farming for a sustainable future.

Luxury Accommodation

Escape to the unparalleled serenity of Lake Hāwea Station, a Conde Nast Traveler Gold List 2023 awardee, nestled in the majestic Southern Alps. This haven offers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability, where every stay is a step towards a greener future.

LHS Shop

Lake Hāwea Station is proud to be the first B-Corp, Carbon Zero-certified farm in New Zealand. As a historic sheep and beef station, our commitment lies in showing how farming can play a role in healing the planet. We primarily focus on producing high-quality merino wool and work closely with brands like Another Tomorrow, Sheep Inc, Maggie Marilyn and Allbirds.

Our belief is that being climate-positive is the most effective way to support the planet. We’ve planted 25,000 native trees, protected areas of regenerating forest and adopted numerous regenerative and sustainable farming practices.  Our mission centre’s around combating climate change and building bio diversity. .

We invite you to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the South. Experience LHS Life with our luxurious accommodation recognised with a Gold Condé Nast award.  Situated along side Lake Hāwea, just 15 minutes from the stylish town of Wanaka. Explore iconic New Zealand mountains and backcountry adventures. We would love to welcome you to our place – feel free to book a stay.

 

"The honest portrayal of the Ross's farming journey shares many similarities to passionate NZ farming families who are all searching for intergenerational identity, relevance, and prosperity in the face of rapid change"

Sarah Perriam

"An essential book about what successful and sustainable farming can look like'

Helen Clark

"A fascinating and rollicking read"

Al Brown

An inspirational memoir from the authors of Every Bastard Says No about the peaks and troughs of a life in the high country – From your hosts at Lake Hāwea Station. 

In 2017, the Ross family left behind their inner-city lives in Auckland and their successful vodka business, 42 Below, to follow their dreams of a life on the land.

Risk-takers and innovators, when they bought the run-down 6500-hectare high-country sheep station at Lake Háwea, they embarked on a journey of discovery to rewrite long-held farming principles and ask whether sustainability could also be profitable. If we look after the land, will it look after us? 

Life in the mountainous landscape of the Main Divide isn’t for the faint hearted. But despite the freezing winters and scorching summer heat, the demands of fitting in with the locals and managing 10,000 merino sheep, the Ross family has never looked back.

Testimonials

“I can't say enough about the location, people and purpose of this amazing place. To say my expectations (in terms of comfort, education and awe) were exceeded feels like the understatement of the century! I *highly* encourage everyone to take advantage of time with Richie and learn while you relax and are rejuvenated! Can't wait to return on my next visit to the South Island!”

March 2024

“OMG! I'm almost afraid to write this review for fear that publicity may spoil the best kept secret in New Zealand. This place was by far, hands down, my favorite place that we stayed at on our trip (and we stayed at the Huka Lodge as well). Totally in awe of all they do. The cottage was equipped with everything you need for an understated luxury stay, the views were amazing and the team embodied the best of kiwi hospitality. They even made us hotdogs and got us to watch the super bowl in their facility. I'm telling all my friends and family that this is definitely a MUST when they visit the south island”

February 2024

“We have just spent three nights at Homespur Cottage; it's an idyllic retreat where you can absorb the beauty around you and find peace. Listening to the melodic song of the bell birds in the morning and evenings was magical. I would highly recommend Lake Hawea Station”

January 2024