Lake Tekapo is an idyllic destination in New Zealand’s Mackenzie Country, known for its stunning natural beauty and wide-open spaces. One of the best ways to experience this region’s unique charm is through a farm tour, where you can expect to see everything from sheep and cattle grazing on green pastures to vast fields of crops growing under the bright blue sky. Braemar Station and Glenmore Station are among the most popular farm tours in the area, offering visitors an up-close and personal look at real New Zealand high country farms, steeped in history, and surrounded by breath-taking landscapes.
At Tekapo Adventures, we know that a great farm tour is about more than just seeing the sights. That’s why we strive to create an immersive experience that the whole family will love. Our tours operate on wide open spaces, allowing you to appreciate the freshness of the mountain water and the real essence of New Zealand’s high-country farms. Come and witness first-hand the wonders of the region, as our local guides lead you on a journey that showcases the very best it has to offer.
The best Lake Tekapo Farm Tours include:
What’s the best time of the year to do a Lake Tekapo Farm Tour?
The best time to do a Lake Tekapo farm tour depends on what you are interested in seeing and experiencing. If you want to see the vibrant colors of blooming lupins, the best time to visit would be from late November to early December. However, if you are interested in experiencing snow and winter activities, the best time to visit would be during the winter months of June to August. Keep in mind that the farm tours operate year-round, so you can visit any time of the year to see the amazing high country farms of the region.
What are the best farms to explore in Lake Tekapo?
1. Braemar Station
Braemar Station is a high-country farm located in the Mackenzie Country region of New Zealand’s South Island. The station covers an area of approximately 60,000 acres (24,281 hectares) and is situated near Lake Tekapo.
The station has a rich history, having been established in 1858 by Scottish immigrants who brought with them their farming knowledge and traditions. For many years, Braemar Station was primarily used for sheep farming, but in recent years it has diversified to include cattle farming and tourism.
Braemar Station is now a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the stunning scenery and take part in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. The station also offers accommodation options, including a lodge and self-contained cottages.
One of the most notable features of Braemar Station is its location in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, which is known for its unique and striking landscape. The area is characterized by vast, open plains, framed by dramatic mountain ranges, including the Southern Alps. The region is also renowned for its clear night skies, making it a popular destination for stargazing.
Overall, Braemar Station is a beautiful and historic property that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and rural charm of New Zealand’s South Island.
Book your Braemar Station Farm Tour Today!
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2. Glenmore Station
Glenmore Station is a large high country sheep and cattle station located in the Mackenzie Country of New Zealand’s South Island. It covers an area of approximately 31,000 hectares and is situated between the Southern Alps and the Two Thumb Range.
The station was first settled by the MacKenzie family in the mid-19th century, and it has remained in the family ever since. Today, it is owned and operated by the MacKenzie family’s descendants, who continue to run it as a working farm.
Glenmore Station is known for its stunning natural beauty, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. The station is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including tussock grasslands, beech forests, and a variety of native bird species.
In recent years, Glenmore Station has become a popular destination for tourists, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The station also offers accommodation options for visitors, including self-contained cottages and camping sites.
Overall, Glenmore Station is an iconic part of New Zealand’s high country landscape, and it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rural lifestyle of this stunning region.
Book your Cass Valley Farm Tour Today!
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3. Mt John Station
Mt John Station is a high-country sheep and beef farm located in the Mackenzie Country of New Zealand’s South Island. The station covers an area of approximately 4,500 hectares and sits at an altitude of 1,031 meters above sea level.
One of the unique features of Mt John Station is its location adjacent to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The station is home to the University of Canterbury’s Mt John Observatory, which houses a range of telescopes used for astronomical research and public stargazing events.
The observatory is situated on top of a hill called Mount John, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and glaciers. Visitors can access the summit via a winding road, which also leads to the Mt John Cafe and Astro-Cafe, popular spots for tourists to enjoy a meal or hot beverage while taking in the stunning views.
Aside from the observatory, Mt John Station is also known for its conservation efforts. The station is home to a number of endangered species, including the black stilt, and has implemented a number of initiatives to protect and preserve the natural environment.
In addition to its farming, astronomy, and conservation activities, Mt John Station is also a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horse trekking, and skiing in the winter months.
4. Ben Ohau Station
Ben Ohau Station is a high-country station located in the Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island of New Zealand. It covers an area of approximately 52,000 hectares (128,494 acres) and is situated at an altitude of 600 to 1500 meters above sea level. The station is located near the town of Twizel, which is approximately 280 kilometres (174 miles) south-west of Christchurch.
The station is known for its stunning alpine scenery, including the towering peaks of the Southern Alps and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. It is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including tussock grasslands, wildflowers, and native bird species such as kea, falcons, and paradise ducks.
Ben Ohau Station has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was first established as a sheep farm. Today, the station is still primarily used for sheep farming, although it also supports some cattle farming and tourism activities. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities on the station, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and scenic flights over the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Overall, Ben Ohau Station is a unique and beautiful part of New Zealand’s South Island, offering visitors the chance to experience the country’s stunning natural landscapes and rural way of life.
5. Balmoral Station
Balmoral Station is a large sheep and beef cattle farm located in the Mackenzie Basin region of New Zealand’s South Island. The station is situated approximately 15 kilometres east of the small town of Fairlie and covers an area of over 17,000 hectares.
The station was originally established in the late 1800s by the Rhodes family, who were prominent pastoralists in the area. Today, Balmoral Station is still owned and operated by the Rhodes family and is one of the largest privately-owned high-country stations in New Zealand.
The landscape of Balmoral Station is characterized by its vast, open plains, rolling hills, and rugged mountain ranges. The station is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including native tussock grasslands, beech forests, and a variety of bird species such as the kea and the New Zealand falcon.
In addition to farming, Balmoral Station is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting, as well as taking in the stunning scenery of the Mackenzie Basin.
Overall, Balmoral Station is an important part of New Zealand’s agricultural heritage and a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Book Your Lake Tekapo Farm Tour, Today!
At Tekapo Adventures, we’re proud to offer a wide range of tours that showcase the very best of New Zealand’s high-country farms.
Book your Lake Tekapo Farm Tour today with Tekapo Adventures and discover the magic of this incredible region for yourself.
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