Shepherd's Rest

Shepherd's Rest

Motueka

The Shepherd's Rest is just 50 minutes from popular Motueka, and just over 1 hour from Nelson. The hut is en route from the Abel Tasman National Park, heading towards the West Coast - which makes it the perfect stop-over accommodation for a road trip around the South Island.

The Shepherd's Rest is owned by the same couple who run the beautiful Honeywell Hut. Both huts are set on Baton Run Farm, a large and dramatic sheep and beef farm next to the Kahurangi National Park. 

Built by Jack Honeywell - the same craftsman who created Honeywell Hut - The Shepherd's Rest is packed full of personality and quirky detail. Recycled materials and locally milled timber were used in its creation - including some old timbers rescued from a disused hop kiln. A potbelly stove keeps you cosy inside, and the double-outdoor baths and chiminea provide plenty of outdoor entertainment. 

The hut looks out across the stunning Western Ranges and towards Mt Arthur and The Twins - enjoying spectacular sunsets.

Baton Run Farm is perfect for active relaxers - with mountain biking and walking tracks all on offer. There's just a short 10-minute walk to a great swimming hole in one of the cleanest rivers in New Zealand. But for those that just want to escape and rest quietly in nature - you'll find total peace and tranquillity, right here. 

FROM $260 p/n

  • Sleeps 2

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Shepherd's Rest

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  • Eating and Drinking

    Shepherd's Rest is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the kitchen facilities provided in your camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    Explore the on-site shop and museum located at the front gate, just a 15-minute walk from Shepherd's Rest. Appleby Ice Cream and cold drinks are available which can be paid via Eftpos services. Complimentary WiFi is also provided.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage, the closest town with restaurants and cafes is, Motueka, a 50-minute drive away. 

    The nearest supermarket for supplies is also Motueka, so it's best to stock up and bring everything you need so you don't have to leave the property for the duration of your stay.

  • Things to do

    The Shepherd's Rest is a chance to truly get away from it all. The sense of isolation is absolute...the views are to die for and soaking in a bath under an awe-inspiring starry night sky is the stuff memories are made from.

    Explore the on-site shop and museum located at the front gate, just a 15-minute walk from Shepherd's Rest. Along your stroll, you'll find information panels about the valley, perfect for those who enjoy learning interesting facts. Treat yourself to Appleby Ice Cream and cold drinks, and take advantage of our Eftpos services and complimentary WiFi.

    Mountain bikers or trampers are welcome to take to the hills and enjoy the many tracks covering the farm (bikers will need their own bikes). A short 10-minute walk takes you to a great swimming hole in one of the cleanest rivers in New Zealand. The farm backs on to the beautiful Kahurangi National park and you'll find stunning areas of native bush and hills with spectacular views over the district.

    The Great Taste Trail is easily accessed from Baton Run Farm - where you can ride the longest rail tunnel in Australiasia!

    If you want to explore further afield, the Kahurangi National Park is a short, 5-minute drive from the property and the Mt Arthur entrance is a 40-minute drive.

  • Your hosts

    One of the wonderful things about staying in quirky and unique places is that they are often owned by wonderfully quirky and interesting people. Fiona Simons and Richard Lublow, hosts of the Shepherd's Rest and Honeywell Hut on the same property, are two such people. 

    Richard's family has owned Baton Run Farm since 1906, when they were enticed to the area by what turned out to be a fake gold scam. His great-grandfather decided to stay on and farm the land anyway, and the family have been farmers and caretakers of the land ever since. Richard is a farmer and poet, inspired by the landscape and people of the region. Reading his poetry in the hut at night is the perfect accompaniment to your stay.

    Fiona is a warm, friendly and horse-mad. She met Richard when she came out from the UK to work as a woofer in New Zealand. While trekking around New Zealand on horseback, she stumbled across the beautiful Baton Valley, fell in love with the area, and has been here ever since.

Testimonials

  • "

    We had the most relaxing and peaceful stay. Our host was so welcoming and made sure we knew how to use all the facilities, and informed us about the surrounding area. It was so lovely!

    "

    Hannah Kahl - 07 May 2024

    1 / 10

  • "

    Amazing unique accommodation and peaceful setting.

    "

    - 30 Apr 2024

    2 / 10

  • "

    Shepherd's Rest is perfect for the quiet romantic getaway. The scenery is incredible, and the atmosphere was pure bliss.

    "

    - 24 Apr 2024

    3 / 10

  • "

    Shepherd's Rest was the perfect way to unwind from a busy period of life, such a beautiful place.

    "

    - 02 Apr 2024

    4 / 10

  • "

    We loved staying at the Shepherd's Rest. Fiona is an awesome host. It was our second time there and we will be back again one day soon!

    "

    - 01 Mar 2024

    5 / 10

  • "

    Great setting and facilities. It really felt like a special place.

    "

    - 17 Oct 2023

    6 / 10

  • "

    Hosts and the stay were a pleasure. A lovely setting with lambs and ewes in the adjoining paddock, farm walks, a short trip to the Ellis track, and the new cycle link was well worth it. A spectacular river for swimming in the right weather, and the Whio was a real joy to see. Relaxing and a homely wee place, with a good mix of "camping/batching" and comfortable facilities. Friendly hosts, who popped in for a chat and even dropped in a telescope to view the full moon. I definitely recommend it for a quiet, relaxing stay.

    "

    - 14 Oct 2023

    7 / 10

  • "

    We loved our stay! So relaxing and peaceful, and the place has so much character.

    "

    - 10 Sep 2023

    8 / 10

  • "

    We loved staying at Shepherd's Rest to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. The location was perfect for both relaxing together and going on adventures and exploring the area. Fiona was very welcoming and we would happily stay again.

    "

    - 03 Apr 2023

    9 / 10

  • "

    Fabulous spot to escape the world for a few days. Loads of walking options and the outdoor baths under the stars were pure magic.

    "

    - 30 Jan 2023

    10 / 10

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