Birch Hill

Birch Hill

Central Hawke's Bay

Birch Hill Station is the quintessential Central Hawke's Bay sheep and beef farm. Accessible to Auckland and Wellington - it's perfectly situated for families or friends to gather for an off-grid (no power) country escape. Farm-friendly, fully vaccinated dogs and horses are welcome too - which means no member of the family needs to be left behind!

The luxury escape is set on a sheltered and picturesque corner of the farm. Ideal for groups, Birch Hill can accommodate up to 10 people, in one large wooden-framed tent and a smaller 'sleeper' tent and a cabin. A fantastic fully enclosed kitchen, dining and camp lounge provide a communal gathering area. Lanterns provide lighting and gas is available for cooking and hot water.

Stunning views from the front of the property stretch out over the rolling farmland of the Pōrangahau countryside. The back of the property is ringed with mature kanuka and pine trees dotted with hammocks for lounging in the hot summer weather. A gully behind these trees makes the perfect exploring spot for kids while parents relax with a cool beverage and enjoy the sun setting on the amber hills. By day you'll see and hear the distant farm animals and native birds. At night, you'll hear owls (morepork) and see amazing stars in the clear country skies.

There are no concerns about running out of things to do at Birch Hill! Along with the games and facilities provided at the property, Birch Hill now offers some incredible paid activities to make your stay a real adventure. From the adrenalin-filled farm tours in the Can-Am Defender four-wheel-drive buggy, to the novelty of knife throwing - there's something for everyone.

FROM $320 p/n

  • Sleeps 10
  • 
            Children welcome
      Children welcome
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome
  • 
            Horses welcome
      Horses welcome
  • 
            Specials
      Specials

Directions

Birch Hill

What time is check in and check out?

WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

WHAT ARE THE KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES?

WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES?

IS THERE POWER?

IS THERE MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION?

WHAT SORT OF HEATING IS THERE?

CAN I HAVE An outdoor fire?

What is glamping like in Winter?

Can children stay at Birch Hill?

CAN I BRING MY DOG OR HORSE?

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS Birch Hill?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

CAN I BOOK FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY?

MINIMUM STAY PERIOD

RATES

ACTIVITIES

BRING YOUR HORSE

GIFT VOUCHERS

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    Birch Hill is self-catering. Just bring your own food and chilly bin and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Pōrangahau Village is a 15-minute drive away and does some great Fish and Chips! For a special meal out try Wallingford Homestead, which is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights (bookings must be made 48 hours in advance).

    Another option for easy glamping is to order meals from Charlotte's Oven. Charlotte's Oven is run by a local chef, who makes healthy, delicious ready meals and snacks for glamping guests to have ready and waiting on arrival. Charlotte will send you the week's menu leading up to your stay, and you can pre-book your meals for a truly hassle-free getaway. 

    The nearest dairy for basic supplies is in Pōrangahau Village, and the nearest supermarket is in Waipukurau, a 35-minute drive away. 

  • Things To Do

    Birch Hill Station is an outdoor paradise for active people. 1300 hectares of scenic farmland and native bush offer great variety for walkers or mountain bikers. If you're a horse rider, you're welcome to bring your horse to enjoy the scenery on horse-back.

    At the property itself, you'll find board games, petanque, darts and swing-ball. Relax in the outdoor bath or hammock with a good book, and watch the kids playing in the sandpit, paddling pool and sprinkler. 

    Birch Hill also offer some 'must do' paid activities. The popular Wildlife Tour gives you an opportunity to explore the farm in the Can-Am Defender four-wheel drive buggy. This six-seater ATV is perfect for ripping up the slopes, soaking up the bumps and splashing through the mud – and this hill country farm is the perfect place to do it.

    You can book knife throwing as an activity, this is fantastic fun, and social too! Read more under the 'Rates and Extras' button above.

  • Your Hosts

    Birch Hill Station is a family-owned sheep and beef farm in Pōrangahau, Central Hawkes Bay, run by Ben and Libby Tosswill. They will be your hosts during your stay.

    Ben and Libby left their banking jobs in the bright lights of London in 2009 to run their own farming business and raise their children free-range, back home in Hawkes Bay.

    Ben's parents, Bruce and Julie, farmed here for almost 40 years, transforming it from mostly scrub and gorse into a beautiful sheep and beef farm. They fenced off 850 acres of bush and left plenty of trees and bush around the farm to prevent erosion and ensure that stock has excellent shade and shelter.

    Birch Hill is 1300 ha (3200 acres), with 800 ha in grazing paddocks and the rest in native bush and pines. It is a beautiful property and with 15km of fully fenced farm tracks, it is safe and easy to take in the views and have a real farm experience. Birch Hill is a “hill country, summer dry” farm and has approximately 4000 breeding sheep and anywhere between 100 - 400 cattle depending on the season. Lambs are born over Aug/Sept and calves are born in Sept/Oct. Ben and Libby's goal is to produce top-quality, free-range meat for the export and domestic market by having the healthiest, happiest animals possible.

    Birch Hill proudly supplies Silver Fern Farms and is also the Silver Fern farm - having featured in both domestic and international adverts for Silver Fern Farms.

Testimonials

  • "

    Great views and atmosphere at the location; loved being away on a farm! The host was friendly, and all amenities were clean and tidy. Would definitely recommend and would stay again!

    "

    - 17 Apr 2024

    1 / 10

  • "

    Loved our stay. Very comfortable and fabulous linen. Would definitely recommend.

    "

    - 29 Jan 2024

    2 / 10

  • "

    The absolute best place to go! Unbelievably beautiful and so surreal. The decor is stunning, and the nature around you feels like you're totally off the grid. The hosts were very accommodating to our large group and super lovely! You don't want to miss staying here. We will definitely be back to enjoy the beauty of Birch Hill!

    "

    - 20 Oct 2023

    3 / 10

  • "

    Great to connect with nature and to get away from the everyday hustle. Lovely hosts and lovely place. Will definitely be looking to come back again.

    "

    - 05 Oct 2023

    4 / 10

  • "

    We absolutely loved our stay at Birch Hill, a gorgeous setting with everything you need. Even though it was was quite cold, we loved being able to light the fire and enjoy the outdoors still. Our 15 month old lab pup had the best time ever exploring & looking at all the farm animals. Libby and Ben’s instructions were super clear and easy to follow. We’ll definitely be back!

    "

    - 06 Jun 2023

    5 / 10

  • "

    Enjoyed the peace and quiet, the farm walks and a quick trip to the local beach. It was everything we expected and more.

    "

    - 01 May 2023

    6 / 10

  • "

    Perfect spot for a break. Thank goodness for the fire in our room, as we ended up with a terrible night weatherwise.

    "

    - 06 Apr 2023

    7 / 10

  • "

    Fantastic family trip away with our two teenagers. Evenings toasting marshmallows on the outdoor fireplace, and plenty to do during the day either at the property or walking around the farm. Highly recommend doing a twilight tour with Max.

    "

    - 15 Mar 2023

    8 / 10

  • "

    We had a lot of rain but it didn't matter! We had a great social space and comfy beds!

    "

    - 01 Mar 2023

    9 / 10

  • "

    We loved our stay at Birch Hill! The brazier at night was a real highlight and the day time views were spectacular.

    "

    - 30 Jan 2023

    10 / 10

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