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 over nearly 40 years for Red Stag and other iconic species. We invite you to discover more about hunting at High Peak Station.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions.
There are a few things to consider when you book a hunting adventure in New Zealand. Here, we have tried to answer a few of the more common questions that we get from hunters.
The Property.
Where should I fly to?
Your best option is to fly to and from Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Christchurch receives hourly flights from Auckland and some direct flights from the USA, Australia and Asia.
Where should I stay prior to pickup by my High Peak guide?
We recommend the Commodore Hotel near Christchurch Airport for before and after the hunt. Hunters receive a 15% discount on rates by using the promo code ‘highpeak’. Plan for pickup at 9am on the day your hunt starts. https://www.commodorehotel.co.nz/
Do you have a recommended travel agent?
We recommend that you book your flights and any post-hunt touring with New Zealand specialist Katie Schmit of Travel By Katie, based in Boise, Idaho. https://travelbykatie.com/
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
If you’re from a Visa Waiver Country, you don’t need a visa to visit New Zealand. However, you will need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZETA): https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/
Getting here.
Who owns High Peak Station?
High Peak is 100% owned by your hosts, the Guild family. Our outfitting operation is completely in-house - this means there will be no third parties affecting your experience.
How big is High Peak Station?
High Peak Station is 10,000 acres in total. We hunt between 4500 and 5000 acres of this area at any given time, making High Peak the largest certified game estate in New Zealand.
Is High Peak fenced?
High Peak’s game estate has a 6-foot perimeter fence of over 30km (20 miles) to keep our game herds separate from the adjacent public state forest for a true fair chase hunting experience.
Do you hunt anywhere else?
We also have exclusive access to Rata Peaks Station for tahr, fallow and elk, a private block on the West Coast for chamois, along with government concessions for hunting public land.
What elevations do you hunt at?
The estate ranges between 1500 and 3000 feet above sea level. Tahr and chamois hunting take place between 3000 and 6000 feet.
What temperatures can I expect?
Temperatures during the March-April period range from 0° to 21° Celsius (32° to 70° Fahrenheit) and during the May-June period from -5° to 15° Celsius (23° to 59° Fahrenheit) with significant precipitation and wind chill possible at any time.
Where is High Peak located?
High Peak is located in the foothills of the Southern Alps, 80km (50 miles) west of Christchurch International Airport. Travel time is approximately 1 hour by road, making High Peak one of the more easily accessible estates in New Zealand.
The Hunt.
What species do you offer?
On the estate itself we offer Red Stag, Fallow Buck, Arapawa Ram, Pacific Goat, Wild Boar and small game. Tahr, Chamois and Elk can all be hunted via a day trip from the lodge.
What about my guide?
You will be assigned a professional High Peak guide prior to arrival in New Zealand. They will be with you throughout the hunt and will take personal responsibility for the success of your trip. You will have the chance to ask them any questions you might have prior to arriving at High Peak.
What are your hunting success rates?
For species requested at the time of booking, we have a 100% success rate on rifle hunting and approx 70% for archery hunting as the preferred method of harvest. Archers not successful with the bow usually opt to finish the hunt with a rifle if necessary.
Can I add or upgrade my hunt?
Upgrades and additions are always welcome. All animals are fair game to any hunter at any time. High Peak guarantees provision of any pre-deposited and booked animal. If for whatever reason we fail to do this we will source an opportunity of equal or greater value, or your money back.
What is the duration of the Hunt?
High Peak hunts typically run for 5 days / 4 nights. This is sufficient time to take your primary booked animal plus two to three others. Hunts can be longer or shorter duration by arrangement, depending on availability and circumstances.
What sort of fitness level is required?
One benefit of hunting High Peak is our access track network. This means we can adjust the physical intensity of the hunt to suit the hunter. We recommend a decent standard of fitness and mobility to get the most out of the experience.
What rifle calibres do you recommend?
Anything in the .270-.300 type calibres shooting 120+ grain rounds work well for hunting at High Peak. Rifles should be set up for 150-300 yard shots. Please note, we have quality loan rifles for your use free of charge if you choose not to bring yours. For importing your rifle visit the NZ Police website: https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/firearms-and-safety/visitor-firearms-licence-and-import-permits
Does High Peak have an archery hunting policy?
All archery hunts will be backed up by a rifle, carried by the guide. Animals wounded are considered taken and in the event of a non-fatal shot, the guide will immediately dispatch the animal via rifle. There is an expectation at the time of booking that in the event a hunter is not successful with the bow, they will complete the hunt with a rifle. Equal priority will be given to all hunters in terms of time and space on the estate. However, every effort will be made to complete any rifle hunts early in order to allow archery hunters more freedom to complete the hunt.
How many hunters do you host at any given time?
Our usual capacity is six hunters in three groups of two, hunting two hunters to a guide, although we may offer a three-on-one option in some circumstances. The only exception to this is an exclusive booking where we may host up to ten hunters as one party, hunting two or three hunters to a guide.
What happens to the meat from my hunt?
We will endeavour to utilise all usable meat from your hunt. You will have the opportunity to eat your kill during your stay at the lodge, while any excess will be donated to our local community trust for those in need. We are able to prepare up to 23.5kg (50lbs) of game meat as part of your baggage but offer no guarantees on whether you’ll be allowed to import it back to your country of origin.
Do you have a Gear List?
Yes, we have an extensive list of items we recommend you bring. This will be supplied on request.
The Lodge.
What meals can I expect?
At High Peak we offer a continental or cooked breakfast to order, a field lunch and a three-course evening meal. Dietary requirements can be catered for in advance by request.
Do you provide drinks?
High Peak supplies beer, wine and selected spirits based on a ‘fair use’ policy. Special requirements may be catered for by advance request.
How far is the Lodge from the hunting area?
The lodge is located on the estate so you’ll be hunting within minutes of departure each day.
Do you welcome non-hunters?
Non-hunters are always welcome, if we have space. We have an extensive list of activities and options for non-hunters and a dedicated program for spouses. This can be supplied by request.
Additional Services.
Do you provide taxidermy & shipping services?
We recommend two options for taxidermy work. For those wishing to have their mounts finished in New Zealand, we work closely with Big Game Taxidermy as our preferred taxidermist, expediting and shipping service. https://www.biggametaxidermy.com/
For those looking to mount their trophies in the USA, we recommend Animal Artistry for all mounting work. https://www.animalartistry.com/. Both options have their advantages and it comes down to the hunter’s personal preference as to which option to choose.
What do you offer non-hunters?
We can supply a private guide and vehicle to cater for non-hunters over the duration of your hunt. Your guide will arrange each day’s activities and supply transport based on what you want to do.
Payment
Am I expected to tip anyone?
Tipping is not an integral part of New Zealand culture, however it has become the norm for our hunting industry in the case of exemplary service and results. As a guide, tips for guides usually start around $100-$150 NZD per day per hunter; for our chef and assistants around $50-100 NZD per day per hunter. We suggest bringing up to $10,000 NZD in cash for tips and the balance of your hunt.
Do you offer any kind of guarantee?
We offer two guarantees. The first is a guaranteed opportunity, at rifle distance, on any booked trophy, or your money back. The second is a 100% satisfaction guarantee on any aspect of the hunt, or your money back.
What our hunters say...
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, 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 at High Peak as our clients.
Hunters 4 Hope.
At a local level, we work with the awesome people at Hunters 4 Hope (that’s Steve, with a tub of fresh ground venison). 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.
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 selection 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 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 selection 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.
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.
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.
