Our 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. With zero light pollution, the spectacular dark skies offer the ultimate reset.
Embrace the quietude. Reconnect on a grand, unforgettable scale.
The Legacy to Adventure
From Ancient Peaks to Modern Guardians The land you walk upon at 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.
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Our Team
At Puhi Peaks, our dedicated team shares a passion for preserving and showcasing the extraordinary natural beauty of our environment. Each member brings unique skills, deep local knowledge, and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to every visitor. Together, we work to protect our precious landscapes, create unforgettable adventures, and provide warm hospitality that reflects the spirit of Puhi Peaks.
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Exciting New Projects in the Works
Trail Network
The landscape of Puhi Peaks is meant to be moved through. We are progressively opening a network of trails designed to showcase our unique sub alpine high-country terrain.
Currently Open for 2026 We are proud to have two guided walking trails now fully established. These routes offer an intimate look at our regenerating native bush and the spectacular alpine vistas that define the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
The Expansion: 2026 and Beyond Our partnership with leading New Zealand track creators continues to grow. Throughout 2026 and into the future, we are developing a series of new trails designed for both guided and unguided experiences.
- Diverse Terrain: To experience the station’s remarkable transitions, from lush, low-lying native bush and ancient forest giants to the rugged, wide-open mountain terrain of the higher altitudes.
- Dual-Purpose: A curated mix of single-purpose walking tracks and dual-purpose trails for both walkers and mountain bikers.
- Spectacular Variety: Every trail strategically mapped to take in an ever-changing variety of views, ensuring that no two journeys across the station feel the same.
- Inclusive Challenges: From gentle valley wanders to challenging ridgeline climbs, our network will cater to all levels of fitness and curiosity.
A Future Connection: The Whale Trail We are currently exploring the exciting possibility of a dedicated cycle link through Puhi Peaks Station. This route would take riders through the heart of the station and along the scenic Puhi Puhi Valley Road, potentially connecting with the Whale Trail back into Kaikōura. While still in the planning stages, this would offer a suitably challenging and breathtaking journey for those looking to ride from the peaks to the sea.
New Wilderness Stays: Our Accommodation Expansion
Following our successful development planning, we are thrilled to be expanding the accommodation offerings at Puhi Peaks Station. Our vision is to provide high-quality, self-contained sanctuaries that allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the high country, whether for adventure or quiet retreat.
Now Open: The First of Our New Cabins We are excited to announce that the first of our new architecturally-led cabins is now complete. Sleeping up to six guests, this unit offers a refined yet rustic off-grid experience, perfect for families, small groups of walkers, or those seeking a front-row seat to our spectacular Dark Sky views.
Coming in 2026 The expansion continues throughout this year with the construction of our second, larger unit. Designed to accommodate up to 12 guests, this space will be ideal for larger walking groups, hunting parties, or educational and scientific research teams.
Designed for the Environment Each of our new units is strategically placed across the property to ensure total privacy and minimal environmental impact.
Revitalising the Iconic Woolshed
The heart of our station is being transformed into a welcoming hub for our guests. We have recently completed an expansive covered deck—perfect for soaking in the views—and added a new toilet block to support the lawn and picnic areas. The journey continues as we prepare to install ranch-slider doors to better “bring the mountains in,” alongside the ongoing development of the Puhi Peaks Museum. We are proud to be preserving our heritage while creating a comfortable space for everyone to relax and connect.