Our world, your Story
Escape the everyday and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
We warmly welcome solo explorers, families, and groups to Puhi Peaks Station—the highest freehold land in New Zealand. Nestled within 8,000 pristine acres of the remote Kaikōura Seaward Ranges, we offer a place where genuine hospitality meets the raw beauty of the high country.
Immerse yourself in the landscape:
- Stay: Rustic, often completely off-grid accommodation.
- Explore: Expertly guided walks and thrilling hunting experiences.
- Learn: Educational tours focused on conservation and high-country life.
Trade your screen for the scenery. From our base at 450 metres, the magnificent Seaward Ranges tower to 2,400 metres right before your eyes—a scale and majesty that no camera can truly capture. With zero light pollution, our spectacular dark skies offer the ultimate reset.
Those who journey here are often moved by the sheer impact of these surroundings. The profound closeness of the back ranges leaves a lasting impression that lingers in the soul long after you depart—it’s more than a visit; it’s a feeling so deep it makes every guest a part of our story, and every departure a promise to return..
Embrace the quietude. Reconnect on a grand, unforgettable scale.
Legacy To Adventure
From Ancient Peaks to Modern Guardians The land you walk upon at Kaikōura Wilderness Experience (KWE) is steeped in history, from its origins as traditional Ngāti Kurī (Ngāi Tahu) hunting grounds to the rugged era of early European sheep farming. In the early 1900s, timber mills thrived in the valley; today, those that remain—magnificent Totara and Rimu—stand as thousand-year-old sentinels over our trails.
A Vision for the Wilderness In 2003, as part of a founding team, Nicky McArthur began sharing this spectacular wilderness with the world. Driven by a deep connection to the high country, Nicky took over as sole owner in 2008. Since then, she has been the dedicated guardian of Puhi Peaks Station, evolving the business through the challenges of the 2016 earthquake and refocusing on immersive, eco-friendly experiences that allow guests to truly “switch off.” Today, KWE represents the “experience” arm of the station, offering guided walks, hunting, and stays that fund and highlight our vital environmental work.
Our Conservation Heart When you visit us, you are entering a sanctuary. Puhi Peaks Station is one of three final strongholds for the endangered Hutton’s Shearwater (Kaikōura tītī), the world’s only alpine-breeding seabird. Through our 2,000-acre QEII Covenant and partnership with DOC, your presence here helps us safeguard these rare species and the ancient bush currently regenerating across the ranges.
Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship for future generations.
Our Team
From the front office to the deep bush, our team is a tight-knit blend of behind-the-scenes planning and boots-on-the-ground expertise. Owner Nicky McArthur and CEO Tim Blake set our course, while Operations Managers Tim Drumm and Fee Gray look after the day-to-day details that keep everything running smoothly, as well as taking you on your guided walks.
In the field, you’re with Peter, Mike, and Saxon—guides who bring a wealth of field experience, embracing the wild diversity of our station’s environment. Ensuring we leave the land better than we found it, Saxon Ferris also wears the hat of Biodiversity Manager, overseeing our conservation work. We’re a team defined by our love for this place, and we can’t wait to share this landscape with you.
