Absolutely incredible farm stay.
We arrived at night after being underwhelmed by Akaroa's lodging options.
Ben and Rachel responded immediately to our last minute inquiry.
It's a short tramp over a creek and up the hill to the hut. Ben carried our luggage on his atv. I would recommend stocking up on all provisions as leaving back down the hill is not convenient. Price you pay for A+ seclusion.
At the break of day my wife almost cried at the breath taking vista with sheep and cattle grazing on the verdant hillsides.
We were interested in how their sheep dogs worked the steep terrain and soob Ben and his lovely daughter arrived with Rose and Digger. What happened next was astounding. Rose is a silent herder. She ran literally to the top of the mountain and started herding controlled by Ben's commands and special whistle. Digger is a huntaway. He stood anxiously until given the word and then started barking and he took over controlling the sheep. (BTW the dogs were only there because we asked to see them in action).
It's a 400 hectare (~1000 acres) farm.
The hut is fully modern. Because of the valley layout our cell phones worked great if you're into that.
There are multiple marked walks.
We used our Google sky maps app to stargaze which will blow your mind.
All in all amazing.