Explore our fully catered walks through New Zealand High Country

Reconnect with nature in unparalleled luxury.

Your stay at Ashworth High Country Station will see you undertake three fully catered walks through a New Zealand merino farm, with each new day taking you in a different direction. 

Situated just minutes from Blenheim Airport, this is an easy-to-get-to multi-day hike experience that encourages you to relax in the beauty of nature while we take care of all the little details.

Spend your first day making your way to the luxurious glamping accommodation, where you’ll find your bags waiting in the ultimate comfort. This will be your ‘base’, hosting you for two nights following days of exploring the sprawling high country station.

Explore each day of your multi day hiking experience below:

Length: 10.4km
Terrain: Grassy, steep
Time: 1 - 7 hours

Begin your high country journey at the farm homestead at 9.30am, where you will be welcomed by our team, enjoy a nourishing farm-style morning tea and even explore the farm shop before setting off on your first walk of the trip. 

Our team will fill you in on what to expect throughout your hiking experience and arrange the transport of your overnight bags. 

Your first day will take you over grassland and see you traverse some steep, high country terrain alongside Wards Creek and up to ridgelines that offer incredible views as far as Wellington on a clear day. The 10.4km track offers stunning views into the neighbouring valleys and will take 3 to 7 hours, depending on your walking ability. 

Finish your first day in the luxurious, woolly comfort of our carefully designed glamping tents and the communal farm lodge.

Day 1 — Home Base

Guests preparing for their first walk at the Aschworth homestead
Landscape with sheep on grassy hills, scattered trees, mountain range in background under blue sky with clouds.
Table setting with sliced steak on a green platter, a salad with feta and nuts, and a glass of white wine.
Two women sitting on wooden chairs with blankets, toasting with champagne glasses on a porch overlooking a grassy hillside.

Length: Varying, up to 17km

Terrain: High country rock, native bush

Time: 2-8 hours

Get up at your leisure today and take your pick of three walks ranging from very leisurely thought to ‘not for the faint of heart’.

Regardless of which walk you choose, you will return to the same accommodation for another night of luxury. Each of the fully catered walks will take you up Wards Creek toward the top of Brancott Valley.  

Option one will see you walk up Wards Creek toward what is known as ‘Tent Hill’, where you’ll find lots of high-country rock and beautiful native bush, with, of course, a side of amazing views. Tent Hill is 10.5km from your glamping base, while 11.2km will see you at Wards Peak, and a further 2.5km will take you to some inviting swimming holes. 

Option two takes you in the opposite direction and is a full loop, not for the faint hearted. It summits Wards Peak and measures in at 17km.

Option three allows you to take an easy day, relax and enjoy a leisurely walk to the natural swimming holes to relax, read a book and enjoy the birdsong. If it’s warm enough, you may even fancy a dip!

Day 2 — Wards Peak

Dinner table with salad bowls, glasses of wine, candles, and a wine bottle.
Golden tussock grass on a hillside with mountain range in the background under a clear blue sky.
Flock of sheep on a rocky hillside with trees.
Two people sitting on a rock with feet dangling over flowing water.
Outdoor picnic with a metal mug of coffee, a takeaway food container with bread and a dessert, and a backpack on a mossy surface.

Length: 5.2km

Terrain: Farmland

Time: 3 hours

Enjoy breakfast and the last moments of tranquility before setting off for the homestead to prepare for your journey home. You will need to leave the campsite by 9.30am.

We’ll pick up your bags while you meander through the middle of our farm, an easier track that offers more stunning views and time to enjoy your last packed morning tea. 

We’ll pick up your bags and have a light lunch waiting for your return. Big screen stretch pilates will also be awaiting along with our wool yoga mats if you’d like to spend some time stretching out those well-worked muscles. Showers are available for use prior to your departure by 2pm. 

Day 3 — Homestead

A cozy porch with wooden chairs and a table, surrounded by greenery and trees in autumn, casting long shadows.
Family standing in front of metal building with Devold Norway 1853 sign.
Rolling hills with trees and forest in New Zealand, under a clear sky at sunset.
Outdoor scene with a wooden table displaying a cheese and bread platter, accompanied by a jar of dip and a lantern. A woman sits in the background holding a glass of wine.
Scenic mountain landscape at sunset with a pond reflecting the sky.

Each day of walking is fully catered - we’ll take care of breakfast, lunch, morning tea, afternoon tea, lunch, dessert and snacks, keeping you well fed with beautiful meals that are just the right balance of nutrition, flavour and convenience. All locally made here in Marlborough at Kaiaka Catering.

Testimonials

  • Tusha Richmond

    The most beautiful setting for this fabulous walk with friends. 

    Gained great heights to enjoy incredible panaramic views while having our delicious and thoughtfully packed lunch . 

    Can't wait to go again ! Highly recommended 

  • Anna Knight

    Nestled in the heart of the Marlborough countryside, this high-end walking track offers breathtaking views that change with every turn, showcasing the peaks of the Richmond Range through to the sea views of Cloudy Bay and Cook Strait. The experience is enhanced by thoughtfully placed rest areas where visitors can enjoy gourmet food options, featuring locally sourced ingredients. The friendly staff and lovely Sarah, create a ‘down to earth’ environment and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to strike up conversations and have a good giggle. Overall, the combination of stunning scenery, exquisite culinary delights, and a sense of community makes this track a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional outdoor adventure. 

  • Anna Remond

    Located so close to Blenheim, yet within minutes of starting our walk we were quickly transported to the rustic and remote beauty of a working high country sheep station.

    Walking amongst the tussocks on the hillsides with incredible and unique views of Marlborough is truly amazing. With expansive views from the sea to the surrounding mountain ranges the walk to the top of these hills is definitely worth it.

  • Cameron Knight

    Absolutely loved our day on the high country walking track! The scenery is spectacular, with sweeping views that make every step worthwhile. We took a leisurely break to enjoy our tasty lunch, which was perfectly packed for the occasion. The atmosphere was so peaceful and inviting. I can’t wait to come back for more hiking adventures—definitely recommend it!

  • Mario Philip Lapierre, Québec, Canada

    "Aschworth Station was my first true tramping in New Zealand. I was overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery overlooking the Marlborough region. Walking through the high country farm was a unique experience that I will cherish as a highlight of my travel in the country.''

    ''I would suggest to anyone to book this 3 day walk, even if it is a first tramping experience, as you don't need to carry all your equipment to the lovely campsite. The host's passion for their farm and  High Country Station shines through in every detail during your stay. A true High country farm experience with all the luxury needed in the campsite and on the trail. "

  • Hayley McCairns

    A challenging but very rewarding 3 day walk! We were captivated by the panoramic views as we ascended and found the perfect spots for our delightful packed lunches. The company of friends made it all the more special. This place is highly recommended for an outdoor escape!

  • Lizzie MacFarlane

    Thank you to our sensational hosts! That was one of the best experiences my family and I have had in a long time. Everything was thought of and beautifully done...all we had to do was walk and enjoy! ... And we certainly did that. The breathtaking views over Marlborough were unforgettable and having a behind the scenes adventure on an authentic backcountry merino station made for an extremely special 3 days. We are seasoned hikers but I must say the Aschworth walk is absolutely up there as one of our favourite! Highly recommend this.

Ready to book your fully catered walk through stunning New Zealand high country?


Child (5-12 years)
$995/pp
Two nights all inclusive


Adult (13 years+)
$1295/pp
Two nights all inclusive

$395 deposit on booking, and the balance due 30 days prior to starting date.