Incredible Red Stag Hunting.
Our goal is simple: Be New Zealand’s finest hunting estate. One of the original hunting estates established in the country, High Peak is 100% family owned and has been providing first-class hunting experiences for nearly 40 years for Red Stag and other iconic species. We invite you to discover more about hunting at High Peak Station.
Our Game.
The Estate.
Our Team.
Lodging & Hospitality.
At High Peak we believe in delivering the best hunting experience possible. When the rifles are put away in the evening, expect comfortable lodgings, great food and genuine country hospitality. We guarantee you a first-class experience when you stay with us.
The Lodge.
Food & Drink.
Non-Hunters.
Pricing & Information.
The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ rings especially true in the world of international guided hunting outfitters.
At High Peak, we consider ourselves to deliver excellent value to our hunters by providing an unmatched hunting environment, high-quality, abundant game herds and first-class guiding and hospitality – all for a competitive price.
Rates & Special Packages.
Important Information.
Frequently Asked Questions.
The Farm.
When you hunt with High Peak, you get more than a hunt. You also experience New Zealand farm life on a property known as a large scale producer of quality meat, fibre and honey for local and export markets. Experiencing the farm is part of any High Peak Experience and our customers are welcome to take some produce home with them as a reminder of their trip.
Honey
Deer
Sheep
Cattle
Honey is one of nature’s greatest gifts and one we embrace wholeheartedly at High Peak. Our beekeeping operation, headed by apiarist Tom Dunbar encompasses approximately 500 hives producing Clover, Native Florescence, Black Beech and Mānuka honeys. The emphasis is on raw honey – as unadulterated as nature intended – and a significant percentage of our production is raw honeycomb straight from the hive.
With unfettered access to thousands of hectares of native black beech forest, unique to the north-eastern quarter of the South Island, High Peak’s honeydew honey is our signature line. Famed for its distinctive, mild flavour, smooth texture, stability and suitability for people with digestive issues, we think honeydew is the unsung hero of the New Zealand honey world.
Currently, the majority of our honey is exported to Balqees Honey in the Middle East and Kiitos in Japan. However, we have recently launched our domestic brand aimed at the ‘foodie’ market, Finders & Keepers and are delighted to now offer the option of having honey delivered directly to your door.
Deer farming has been central to the High Peak story ever since James Guild jumped out of a helicopter and captured our first stag, nicknamed Horace, from the upper Rakaia in 1977. The advent of deer farming in New Zealand is a remarkable story in it’s own right, and as one of the early movers of the then-new industry, James Guild has been central to its development throughout its history.
Under the stewardship of Station Manager Hamish Guild, High Peak currently farms some 4,000 red deer (Cervus elaphus), producing venison, 4 tonnes of velvet and around 1,000 weaner deer annually for the finishing market. In addition, deer are the cornerstone of our game operation, with around 500 red and fallow (Dama dama) deer roaming the station’s 1,800 hectare (4,500 acre) game estate.
As long term players in the deer industry, High Peak has been instrumental in setting up and supporting producer initiatives such as the premium venison Cervena program and the Provelco deer velvet producers’ co-operative, designed to achieve long term profitability and sustainability for the industry through producer excellence.
Sheep are the livestock that properties like High Peak Station are built upon. When the Guild family took over High Peak Station in 1973, the property was home to some 11,000 sheep and their annual wool clip accounted for 85% of the station’s income.
Fast forward to the present and High Peak’s Perendale breeding flock numbers around 5,500 animals, producing around 4,000 lambs after replacements, 700 annual draft ewes and 150 store hoggets for sale annually. As a breeding property, some High Peak lambs are sold as prime stock direct to the processor, whilst the majority are sold to finishing operations to put on further condition prior to processing for export.
High Peak’s annual pre-lamb shearing produces 22-24 tonnes of strong wool for local and export markets. The best of our clip is exported to the USA to be hand-woven into premium Eye Heart Hand rugs by prominent designer Kate Spain. While wool no longer underpins the station’s financials, we are excited about the potential of High Peak wool as global demand for natural, organic, sustainably-sourced textiles continues to grow.
High Peak’s herd of Hereford cattle play an important role in balancing our farming operations. As a key part of our stock rotation system, cattle play the crucial role of cleaning up pastures for sheep and deer grazing. Bred for their excellent hill living ability, the Hereford base herd is ideally suited to the environment at High Peak.
We currently run approximately 450 head, resulting in around 260 calves and 75 mixed-age cows for sale annually.
Giving Back.
We take our social responsibility seriously.
At High Peak, we know we are lucky to be able to live where we do and share this with you. With this privilege comes an obligation to give back to the community in a meaningful manner by partnering with our clients and the types of organisations that make philanthrophy possible.
Hunting for Charity.
Through our partnership with Charity Safaris, since 2015 we have donated over 450 hunts to various conservation, education, church and community groups across the USA. By providing lodging, guiding, food & beverage, equipment and transport for no charge, these non-profit organisations are able to raise thousands of dollars per hunt via the generosity of community-minded people. We then have the honour of hosting these people on a hunt here in at High Peak as our clients.
Hunters 4 Hope.
At a local level, we work with the awesome people at Hunters 4 Hope. These guys are a group of hunters based here in Canterbury, New Zealand who feel that hunters should give back to their community thought the bounty we harvest. Each year, High Peak supples 3-4 tonnes of surplus venison from our clients’ harvest which goes directly into the food banks of the Hope Community Trust. In 2025, Hunters 4 Hope supplied some 100,000 meals to the local community – fresh, lean protein in from an essentially wild environment. High Peak is incredibly proud to be a significant contributor to this initiative, again via the generosity of our clients.
Conservation & Sustainability
Conservation – something we live and breathe.
As hunters, we all understand the importance of conservation and the role we play within it. As custodians of an intergenerational land-based enterprise, it is vital that conservation and sustainability is at the core of everything we do at High Peak.
James Guild (1949-2024), the man behind High Peak Station as it is today, spent a significant part of his career dedicated to conservation. Always interested in preserving New Zealand’s biodiversity and landscapes, James chaired the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board in the early 2000s before being asked to chair the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust (QEII Trust) by the Minister of Conservation in 2011. James spent 9 years at the helm, enabling the preservation of over 200,000 hectares of private land via a partnership between the landowner and the trust, protected in perpetuity under covenants.
James also chaired the Molesworth Steering Committee, the group charged with balancing the interests of conservation, pastoral farming and recreation on New Zealand’s largest farm, the 183,000 hectare Molesworth Station.
On High Peak itself, we have 160 hectares under QEII covenants, with a further 130 hectares in the pipeline, covering upland riverbed, native scrubby faces, wetlands and a red tussock lake reserve. In addition, we have fenced off over 20km of waterways from livestock and planted the riparian water margins to protect river health and grow biodiversity. We have implemented a trapping program across the station, targeting predators and pest species destructive to native flora and fauna such as possums, rats, stoats and hedgehogs.
In 2010, to safeguard against a poor growth year perpetuated by droughts, High Peak implemented a 100 hectare irrigation scheme – unique in the fact that we harvest surface water run-off rather than extraction from the ground. The gravity fed-nature of the scheme means it is incredibly efficient in terms of water and energy use.
Game Management.
Our game management ethos is simple – we’re constantly working on herd improvement, while balancing the numbers with what the land can sustain. Given that New Zealand’s game animals have no natural predators, we run an annual culling program that targets animals with undesirable genetic traits, along with a female reduction approach to safeguard against over-population.
The result is a healthy balance between land and animals, with a trophy herd that reflects what our hunters seek – in the case of the Red Stag, this means a strong-bodied animal with antlers that feature a long, heavy main beam, clean lower tynes, strong crowns and an appealing classic shape. We aim to provide stags between 400 and 600 inches SCI, which we believe is the perfect balance between size and form, and an unmatched range of trophies within that.
Sustainability – for now and for the future.
New Zealand’s grass-fed pastoral farming systems are, by their very nature, sustainable.
At High Peak, we aim to take this concept further by embracing new technologies, alternative land use and proven land management principles to continuously improve the production, the land and the environment. Our 1,800-hectare game estate is an example of sustainable land use where more intensive grazing is foregone in place of hunting tourism and game animals at a much lower intensity. We embrace new technologies where practical and available, such as actively monitoring soil moisture for optimum growing conditions. We have invested in a low input, water-harvesting based irrigation system to mitigate climatic uncertainty and ensure stock health.
Sustainability is not just a buzz-word here. We are simply custodians at the present time and our job is to keep the land and livelihoods it supports viable for future generations.
National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing 2024 – Gordon Stephenson Trophy
High Peak Station’s dedication to conservation and sustainability was recognised at the 2024 Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Awards are held by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) which champions sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
During 2024, High Peak entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, becoming the regional supreme winner for the Canterbury region in the 7 March awards evening in Christchurch. We then went on to represent the Canterbury region at the National Sustainability Showcase in Hamilton on June 20 where High Peak was selected as the winner of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy, with Hamish and Simon named as National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing.
The award is one of the most prestigious on the New Zealand rural calendar and represents over 50 years of dedication to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship on High Peak Station.
Conservation – something we live and breathe.
As custodians of an intergenerational land-based enterprise, it is vital that conservation and sustainability is at the core of everything we do at High Peak.
James Guild (Papa to his mokopuna) has spent a significant part of his career dedicated to conservation. Always interested in preserving New Zealand’s biodiversity and landscapes, James chaired the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board in the early 2000s before being asked to chair the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust (QEII Trust) by the Minister of Conservation in 2011. James spent nine years at the helm, enabling the preservation of over 200,000 hectares of private land via a partnership between the landowner and the trust, protected in perpetuity under covenants.
James currently chairs the Molesworth Steering Committee, the group charged with balancing the interests of conservation, pastoral farming and recreation on New Zealand’s largest farm, the 183,000 hectare Molesworth Station.
On High Peak itself, we have 160 hectares under QEII covenants, with a further 130 hectares in the pipeline, covering upland riverbed, native scrubby faces, wetlands and a red tussock lake reserve. In addition, we have fenced off over 20km of waterways from livestock and riparian planted the margins to protect river health and grow biodiversity. We have implemented a trapping program across the station, targeting predators and pest species destructive to native flora and fauna such as possums, rats, stoats and hedgehogs.
In 2010, to safeguard against a poor growth year perpetuated by droughts, High Peak implemented a 100 hectare irrigation scheme – unique in the fact that we harvest surface water run-off rather than extraction from the ground. The gravity fed-nature of the scheme means it is incredibly efficient in terms of water and energy use.
Sustainability – for now and for the future.
New Zealand’s grass-fed pastoral farming systems are, by their very nature, sustainable. At High Peak, we aim to take this concept further by embracing new technologies, alternative land use and proven land management principles to continuously improve the production, the land and the environment. Our 4500-acre game estate is an example of sustainable land use where more intensive grazing is foregone in place of tourism and game animals at a much lower intensity. We embrace new technologies where practical and available, such as actively monitoring soil moisture for optimum growing conditions. We have invested in a low input, water-harvesting based irrigation system to mitigate climatic uncertainty and ensure stock health.
Sustainability is not just a buzz-word here. We are simply custodians at the present time and our job is to keep the land and livelihoods it supports viable for future generations.
National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing 2024 – Gordon Stephenson Trophy
High Peak Station’s dedication to conservation and sustainability was recognised at the 2024 Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Awards are held by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) which champions sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
During 2024, High Peak entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, becoming the regional supreme winner for the Canterbury region in the 7 March awards evening in Christchurch. We then went on to represent the Canterbury region at the National Sustainability Showcase in Hamilton on June 20 where High Peak was selected as the winner of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy, with Hamish and Simon named as National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing.
The award is one of the most prestigious on the New Zealand rural calendar and represents over 50 years of dedication to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship on High Peak Station.
Our Story
One station, three generations.
Located in a private valley at the head of the Selwyn River, near the centre of the South Island, High Peak Station is a 10,000 acre property that is home to a multi-faceted family business involving hunting tourism, pastoral farming, beekeeping, visitor experiences and export. High Peak is a wholly private destination with no through roads or public access, however very easy to get to – just 80km or one hour’s drive from Christchurch city and its international airport.
High Peak Station has been in the Guild family since 1973 and is currently home to three generations. Our ancestors were early pioneers, arriving in Canterbury from Scotland in 1850 and farming throughout the region prior to purchasing High Peak in 1973. Over the past 50 years, we have transformed High Peak from a simple sheep run into a group of intergenerational businesses supporting four families and a number of key staff.
A genuine family business.
Four families make up the current management of High Peak Station, operating as a four-way partnership each looking after specific areas of the enterprise while working together as a whole.
Simon Guild is your hunting outfitter. Simon is James and Anna’s eldest son and father to two children, raising Patrick (aka Paddy, born in 2011) and Polly (born in 2013) with their mother Kate. When not working on the tourism business and hosting guests, Simon and his partner Lissy enjoy spending time exploring the awe-inspiring outdoors both on High Peak and around New Zealand.
Hamish and Gemma Guild manage the station’s pastoral farming business. Hamish always knew he wanted to farm from a young age and today manages more than 18,000 stock units across three different animal species. Gemma was raised on a farm near Mt Somers, not far from High Peak and provides support on the farm. Hamish and Gemma have three children, Henry (born 2011), Jonty (born 2013) and Rosa (born 2014), all of whom love growing up in the High Peak environment.
Tom and Amelia Dunbar manage the High Peak beekeeping operation. With more than 500 hives to look after, Tom spends long days in the field tending his bees while working with Amelia and the other partners on new products, export initiatives and hosting tourists with his broad suite of skills. Amelia (Simon and Hamish’s younger sister) is an accomplished artist and actress, with her own stage show and a movie in the pipeline. Tom and Amelia have two children, Willa (born 2014) and Rollo (born 2018).
www.ameliaguild.com www.bitchesbox.co.nz
James and Anna Guild have lived on High Peak since the mid-1970’s. Under their stewardship, High Peak has grown from a largely undeveloped pastoral holding to the multi-faceted business it is today. James passed in 2024, leaving a 51-year legacy of innovation, vision and hard work. James is survived by Anna, who continues to be involved in the station while pursuing her love of watercolour painting, gardening and her seven grandchildren.
www.instagram.com/annasarahguild
It is the Guild and Dunbar families, along with their team of valued managers, shepherds, hunting guides, chefs and hosts that make High Peak what it is. The High Peak team has an absolute passion for the land, region and lifestyle and take immense pride in sharing this with our guests and visitors.
Regardless of whether you are here for an epic hunting experience or simply here to enjoy High Peak’s environment, rest assured we will do everything we can to give you the best possible experience.
One station, three generations.
Located in a private valley at the head of the Selwyn River, near the centre of the South Island, High Peak Station is a 10,000 acre property that is home to a multi-faceted family business involving hunting tourism, pastoral farming, beekeeping, visitor experiences and export. High Peak is a wholly private destination with no through roads or public access, however very easy to get to – just 80km or one hour’s drive from Christchurch city and its international airport.
High Peak Station has been in the Guild family since 1973 and is currently home to three generations. Our ancestors were early pioneers, arriving in Canterbury from Scotland in 1850 and farming throughout the region prior to purchasing High Peak in 1973. Over the past 50 years, we have transformed High Peak from a simple sheep run into a group of intergenerational businesses supporting four families and a number of key staff.
A genuine family business.
Four families make up the current management of High Peak Station, operating as a four-way partnership each looking after specific areas of the enterprise while working together as a whole.
Simon Guild is your hunting outfitter. Simon is James and Anna’s eldest son and father to two children, raising Patrick (aka Paddy, born in 2011) and Polly (born in 2013) with their mother Kate. When not working on the tourism business and hosting guests, Simon and his partner Lissy enjoy spending time exploring the awe-inspiring outdoors both on High Peak and around New Zealand.
Hamish and Gemma Guild manage the station’s pastoral farming business. Hamish always knew he wanted to farm from a young age and today manages more than 18,000 stock units across three different animal species. Gemma was raised on a farm near Mt Somers, not far from High Peak and provides support on the farm. Hamish and Gemma have three children, Henry (born 2011), Jonty (born 2013) and Rosa (born 2014), all of whom love growing up in the High Peak environment.
Tom and Amelia Dunbar manage the High Peak beekeeping operation. With more than 500 hives to look after, Tom spends long days in the field tending his bees while working with Amelia and the other partners on new products, export initiatives and hosting tourists with his broad suite of skills. Amelia (Simon and Hamish’s younger sister) is an accomplished artist and actress, with her own stage show and a movie in the pipeline. Tom and Amelia have two children, Willa (born 2014) and Rollo (born 2018).
www.ameliaguild.com www.bitchesbox.co.nz
James and Anna Guild have lived on High Peak since the mid-1970’s. Under their stewardship, High Peak has grown from a largely undeveloped pastoral holding to the multi-faceted business it is today. James passed in 2024, leaving a 51-year legacy of innovation, vision and hard work. James is survived by Anna, who continues to be involved in the station while pursuing her love of watercolour painting, gardening and her seven grandchildren.
www.instagram.com/annasarahguild
It is the Guild and Dunbar families, along with their team of valued managers, shepherds, hunting guides, chefs and hosts that make High Peak what it is. The High Peak team has an absolute passion for the land, region and lifestyle and take immense pride in sharing this with our guests and visitors.
Regardless of whether you are here for an epic hunting experience or simply here to enjoy High Peak’s environment, rest assured we will do everything we can to give you the best possible experience.
What our hunters say...
Location
High Peak Station is easy to get to.
Located in the district of Windwhistle, near the Rakaia Gorge approximately 100km or 1 hour drive west of Christchurch International Airport, you can be hunting within a couple of hours of landing in New Zealand.
The region is an area of outstanding natural beauty, highly accessible with an abundance of attractions yet relatively low tourist numbers compared to some New Zealand destinations. It’s the best of both worlds – and this is exactly how we like it.
Canterbury is a year-round outdoor destination. During the Summer months, it offers world-class hiking, boating and fishing for trout and salmon. During the autumn, hunting is the focus of locals and visitors alike. Winter offers skiing opportunities unmatched in New Zealand, with 6 ski areas within an hour’s drive from High Peak and some of New Zealand’s best heliskiing. Spring is best known for fly-fishing for big brown and rainbow trout across the dozens of pristine lakes and streams.
Well serviced with a number of vibrant towns, Canterbury has Christchurch as its cultural heart, an accessible, cosmopolitan city on the doorstep of one of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes.
