High-country luxury
There’s something rather special about escaping into the high country, where the soundtrack is birdsong, the days are dictated by how far you feel like walking, and luxury comes without losing touch with the land.
At Aschworth High Country Station in Marlborough, Sarah and George Murray have created just that. Their luxury walk-and-stay experience combines premium canvas huts, spectacular hiking, and thoughtful hospitality with the wonderfully unpolished reality of life on a working farm.
When the couple bought Aschworth six years ago, its potential was immediately apparent. Close to town yet unmistakably high country, the property offered an opportunity to diversify the farm while sharing a landscape they experience every day.
With Sarah’s background in tourism and marketing and George bringing farming knowledge alongside his experience as a helicopter pilot, the idea evolved into a luxury lodge, Tasman canvas huts, and a network of walking tracks.
The farm hasn’t been reshaped around tourism.
“Part of the luxury experience is that it is authentic,” Sarah says. Guests might encounter George, sons Hank and Walter, or shepherd Zak out mustering. “You really get us how we are.”
That relaxed philosophy flows through the entire stay. Guests can tackle a serious hike, choose something gentler or simply decide not to walk at all. Tracks range from easy farm routes to steep high-country climbs, culminating at Ward’s Peak, 992 metres above sea level.
Along the way are native bush, abundant birdlife, swimming holes in Ward’s Stream, and dramatic rocky landscapes that Sarah says have been described as “quite Lord of the Rings-like”.
Back at the lodge, the experience shifts firmly into indulgence. There’s a hot tub waiting, while Marlborough produce is showcased through catering by Kaiaka. Everything from meals and antipasto platters to fruit, bliss balls, and the all-important walking snacks is taken care of.
“We hope guests arrive and feel instantly cared for and relaxed,” Sarah says.