One of the most lauded openings of 2022, this authentic working sheep station sits on 36,000 acres of pristine South Island wilderness. While the first guests arrived not too long ago, the homestead property actually dates back to 1857. Today, it can accommodate just one group of one to eight people at a time. It comes with a private chef (who will fully customize your menus), glass-wall views of the Southern Alps, and an action-packed itinerary of activities—including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, caving, and stargazing. You’ll probably want to board a helicopter, too. And when they say working farm, they mean it: There are 11,600 sheep and 450 head of cattle here. You can even play farmer for yourself, should you choose. “The clincher: It’s right next door to Castle Hill—Kura Tawhiti in Maori—also known as the birthplace of the gods to the pioneering voyagers from Easter Island, the Rapa Nui," says Sandy Cunningham. “It was described by the Dalai Lama as the spiritual center of the universe."
From $7,300 per night, with a two-night minimum
From the article by Mark Ellwood, Laura Dannen Redman
