Explore our fully catered walks through New Zealand High Country

Reconnect with nature in unparalleled luxury

Our stay at Aschworth High Country Station is a fully catered, three-day, two-night walking experience through a 6,000-acre working New Zealand merino station. Each day reveals a new landscape, with carefully curated routes showcasing the very best of Marlborough's high country.

After your first day's walk, arrive at your luxury high country lodge where your luggage is waiting and every comfort has been thoughtfully prepared. This will be your home for the next two nights - a place to unwind, enjoy chef-prepared meals and recharge before another day of exploring.

Whether you're a first-time walker or an experienced hiker, we'll tailor your walking experience to suit your interests and ability when you arrive.

Length: 10.4km | Terrain: Grassy, steep | Walking Time: Approximately 1 - 7 hours

Begin your high country journey at the farm homestead at 9.30am, where you’ll be welcomed by our team and enjoy a nourishing farm-style morning tea before having the opportunity to explore the farm shop.

Before setting off, our team will introduce you to what to expect during your hiking experience and arrange the transport of your overnight bags.

Your first walk takes you across open grassland and into steep, high country terrain, following Wards Creek and climbing towards ridgelines with expansive views across the surrounding valleys and, on a clear day, as far as Wellington.

The 10.4km track takes approximately 3 to 7 hours, depending on your walking ability, with varied terrain and plenty of spectacular high country scenery along the way.

At the end of your first day, settle into the luxurious comfort of our thoughtfully designed glamping tents, with the communal farm lodge providing a welcoming place to relax and unwind.

Day 1 - Begin Your High Country Journey

Landscape with sheep on grassy hills, scattered trees, mountain range in background under blue sky with clouds.
Table setting with sliced steak on a green platter, a salad with feta and nuts, and a glass of white wine.
Two women sitting on wooden chairs with blankets, toasting with champagne glasses on a porch overlooking a grassy hillside.

Length: 17km | Terrain: High country rock, native bush | Walking Time: Approximately 2-8 hours

Take your morning at your own pace, then choose from three walks ranging from leisurely to challenging. Each follows Wards Creek towards the top of Brancott Valley before returning to your accommodation for another night.

Option 1 | Explore the High Country

Follow Wards Creek towards Tent Hill, where high-country rock, native bush and spectacular views await. ‘Tent Hill’ is 10.5km from your glamping base. Continue a further 700 metres to reach Wards Peak, making the distance 11.2km, or travel a further 2.5km to discover the natural swimming holes.

Option 2 | The Full Adventure

For those looking for a more challenging day, take the full 17km loop, summiting Wards Peak along the way. This is the most demanding of the three options and is not for the faint-hearted.

Option 3 | Take It Easy

Enjoy a slower-paced day with a leisurely walk to the natural swimming holes. Take your time, relax, read a book and enjoy the birdsong. And if the weather is warm enough, you may even fancy a dip.

Day 2 - Choose Your Own Adventure

Golden tussock grass on a hillside with mountain range in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two people sitting on a rock with feet dangling over flowing water.
Outdoor picnic with a metal mug of coffee, a takeaway food container with bread and a dessert, and a backpack on a mossy surface.

Length: 5.2km | Terrain: Farmland | Walking Time: Approximately 3 hours

Enjoy breakfast and your final moments of tranquillity before beginning your journey back towards the homestead. You’ll need to leave the campsite by 9.30am.

As you make your way through the middle of the farm, enjoy an easier final walk with more beautiful views and time to savour your last packed morning tea.

Meanwhile, we’ll collect your overnight bags and have them waiting for you at the homestead.

Once you arrive, you’re welcome to freshen up using the shower facilities before departing by 12 noon.

Day 3 | A Gentle Farewell

Rolling hills with trees and forest in New Zealand, under a clear sky at sunset.
Outdoor scene with a wooden table displaying a cheese and bread platter, accompanied by a jar of dip and a lantern. A woman sits in the background holding a glass of wine.
Scenic mountain landscape at sunset with a pond reflecting the sky.

We’re proudly part of the Great Hikes App (greathikesapp.com) Enhance your walking experience with the app  - featuring GPS tracking, route elevations and a fly-through video of our tracks, helping you prepare, navigate and enjoy your walks.

Download the app and start exploring now.

Testimonials

  • Tusha Richmond

    The most beautiful setting for this fabulous walk with friends. 

    Gained great heights to enjoy incredible panaramic views while having our delicious and thoughtfully packed lunch . 

    Can't wait to go again ! Highly recommended 

  • Anna Knight

    Nestled in the heart of the Marlborough countryside, this high-end walking track offers breathtaking views that change with every turn, showcasing the peaks of the Richmond Range through to the sea views of Cloudy Bay and Cook Strait. The experience is enhanced by thoughtfully placed rest areas where visitors can enjoy gourmet food options, featuring locally sourced ingredients. The friendly staff and lovely Sarah, create a ‘down to earth’ environment and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to strike up conversations and have a good giggle. Overall, the combination of stunning scenery, exquisite culinary delights, and a sense of community makes this track a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional outdoor adventure. 

  • Anna Remond

    Located so close to Blenheim, yet within minutes of starting our walk we were quickly transported to the rustic and remote beauty of a working high country sheep station.

    Walking amongst the tussocks on the hillsides with incredible and unique views of Marlborough is truly amazing. With expansive views from the sea to the surrounding mountain ranges the walk to the top of these hills is definitely worth it.

  • Cameron Knight

    Absolutely loved our day on the high country walking track! The scenery is spectacular, with sweeping views that make every step worthwhile. We took a leisurely break to enjoy our tasty lunch, which was perfectly packed for the occasion. The atmosphere was so peaceful and inviting. I can’t wait to come back for more hiking adventures—definitely recommend it!

  • Mario Philip Lapierre, Québec, Canada

    "Aschworth Station was my first true tramping in New Zealand. I was overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery overlooking the Marlborough region. Walking through the high country farm was a unique experience that I will cherish as a highlight of my travel in the country.''

    ''I would suggest to anyone to book this 3 day walk, even if it is a first tramping experience, as you don't need to carry all your equipment to the lovely campsite. The host's passion for their farm and  High Country Station shines through in every detail during your stay. A true High country farm experience with all the luxury needed in the campsite and on the trail. "

  • Hayley McCairns

    A challenging but very rewarding 3 day walk! We were captivated by the panoramic views as we ascended and found the perfect spots for our delightful packed lunches. The company of friends made it all the more special. This place is highly recommended for an outdoor escape!

  • Lizzie MacFarlane

    Thank you to our sensational hosts! That was one of the best experiences my family and I have had in a long time. Everything was thought of and beautifully done...all we had to do was walk and enjoy! ... And we certainly did that. The breathtaking views over Marlborough were unforgettable and having a behind the scenes adventure on an authentic backcountry merino station made for an extremely special 3 days. We are seasoned hikers but I must say the Aschworth walk is absolutely up there as one of our favourite! Highly recommend this.

Ready to book your adventure?


Child (5-12 years)
$995/pp
Two nights all inclusive


Adult (13 years+)
$1295/pp
Two nights all inclusive

$395 deposit on booking, and the balance due 30 days prior to starting date.

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