Puhi Peaks

Sharing the Wonder of Puhi Peaks Station

Puhi Peaks Station is the highest privately owned property in New Zealand, rising from 400m to 2600m. Its extraordinary range of topography makes it a world of its own. The geology of Puhi Peaks is particularly unique, and the extensive range of biodiversity is truly exceptional. Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve is internationally renowned for its rare and endangered flora and fauna. The ecology of this QE II-protected area is quite outstanding.

The most famous is the Hutton’s Shearwater, the only seabird in the world to nest in the subalpine zone at 1800m above sea level. The colony at Puhi Peaks is one of only two remaining wild breeding colonies in the world. Puhi Peaks is also home to an absolutely beautiful tree native to New Zealand, the Olearia Hectorii – with only six populations left in the whole country, we are delighted to protect and preserve one of its last strongholds.

We gladly welcome all to Puhi Peaks. It is our pleasure to share these and other wonders with our local community, students, researchers, national and international visitors, so that we can inspire, nurture, and foster a love and passion for taking care of New Zealand’s wilderness. 

Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship for future generations.

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Discover Puhi Peaks

New Zealand’s highest private station – where wilderness, wildlife, and wonder meet.

Puhi Peaks Biodiversity
Conservation In Action.

Discover the important biodiversity initiatives at Puhi Peaks Station through engaging educational content and school visits. Learn about our strategies for protecting unique alpine ecosystems, our partnerships with leading researchers, and highlights of fascinating species such as Hutton’s shearwater, sub-alpine flora, and areas protected under the QEII covenant.

  • Educational content and school visits
  • Biodiversity strategy information
  • Research partnerships
  • Species & ecology highlights (e.g. Hutton’s shearwater, sub-alpine flora, QE2 covenant)
Our Story & History
A Holistic Approach
At Puhi Peaks Station, we’re driven by a profound respect for the natural world and a deep commitment to preserving it for future generations.
Nicky McArthur, our passionate owner, puts it best: “We’re all about inspiring people to connect with the earth and each other in a way that feels real and meaningful.”
This guiding principle underpins everything we do, from conservation and education to tourism and farming.
The Kaikoura Region
Simply Unique.
There are few places on earth like Kaikoura, a small coastal town that has breathtaking views that will stop you in your tracks. The towering snow-clad mountains known as the Seaward Kaikouras, provide a stunning backdrop over the town centre which extends out to the Kaikoura Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean roll in.
Kaikoura Wilderness Experience
Explore. Retreat. Recharge. Stay.
Experience the wild heart of Puhi Peaks Station through guided walking adventures, immersive educational day visits, and the opportunity to explore unique geological features and rare wildlife protected under a QEII Covenant.
Relax in off-the-grid, eco-friendly accommodation, enjoy breathtaking Dark Sky overnight stays, and host meetings or planning sessions surrounded by the stunning mountain landscapes of Puhi Peaks.
Puhi Peaks Hunting
Authentic New Zealand Backcountry Hunting

Experience guided or unguided hunting adventures across Puhi Peaks Station. Pursue red deer, goats, pigs, and Arapawa sheep in the rugged backcountry, with exclusive access to the Mt Alexander block or the full station. Comfortable accommodation options are available to complete your authentic New Zealand hunting experience.

  • Guided and unguided hunting packages
  • Game available: Red deer, goats, pigs, Arapawa sheep
  • Mt Alexander block or full station access
  • Accommodation options for hunters