Behind the Station

Your hosts

A third generation farming property situated in the foothills of inland Canterbury is owned, farmed and hosted by Dan & Georgie Harper.

The Station

The property was bought in 1973 by Georgie’s grandfather.
Back then the vast station was basically undeveloped with limited fencing and access. Tragedy struck one month after possession date when they were hit by a huge snowstorm, with 2 meters of snow falling resulting in significant stock losses. The station managed to get back on its feet and farm successfully for the next 39 years.

Georgie and Dan took over from Georgie’s parents Colin and Hilary Guild in 2012 and continued to transform the property into the enterprise it is today.
As custodians of the land it is at the forefront of our operation to be sustainable with a focus on conservation. Quartz Hill Station was one of the first farms in New Zealand to be Farm Assurance Plus Accredited (NZFAP Plus), achieving a gold standard.

We are a progressive business that prides itself on sustainability and being at the forefront of technology. We are farming for the next generation.”

Now Spanning three separate properties; Quartz Hill, Valehead and Dilloway, Dan and Georgie are now responsible for 29,000 stock units including  Sheep, Beef cows, Deer, Dairy cows, and a array of crops including Wheat, Barley, Peas, Maize, Canary and Red Clover seed.
Our focus is on creating specific niche products. These brands include Lumina lamb, Handpicked 55 day aged beef and Stoney Creek 100% NZ Wool. We are lucky to have a close relationship with some of the world’s top chefs, which enables us to understand exactly what the end consumer wants.

The business now employs 12 staff members across three properties.
Our employees are intricate members of the success of the business. They all give 100% and we couldn’t do it without them.

Georgie and Dan have four children, who are growing up with a deep appreciation for farm life. They’re always eager to get involved, whether it’s helping shift stock on their motorbikes, lending a hand in the sheep yards, or simply enjoying the wide open spaces they call home. It’s a life filled with purpose, learning, and the kind of freedom only the farm can offer.

Colin and Hilary also live on the property and remain an integral part of the day-to-day. From grading tracks to planting trees and working the digger, they contribute in countless ways and continue to shape the direction of the business. More than anything, they treasure the chance to be part of their grandchildren’s lives and to watch the next generation grow up immersed in the land they love.

We feel incredibly fortunate to call this place home, and we look forward to welcoming you here and sharing a small piece of it with you.

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Behind the Station

Your hosts

A third generation farming property situated in the foothills of inland Canterbury is owned, farmed and hosted by Dan & Georgie Harper.

The Station

The property was bought in 1973 by Georgie’s grandfather.
Back then the vast station was basically undeveloped with limited fencing and access. Tragedy struck one month after possession date when they were hit by a huge snowstorm, with 2 meters of snow falling resulting in significant stock losses. The station managed to get back on its feet and farm successfully for the next 39 years.

Georgie and Dan took over from Georgie’s parents Colin and Hilary Guild in 2012 and continued to transform the property into the enterprise it is today.
As custodians of the land it is at the forefront of our operation to be sustainable with a focus on conservation. Quartz Hill Station was one of the first farms in New Zealand to be Farm Assurance Plus Accredited (NZFAP Plus), achieving a gold standard.

We are a progressive business that prides itself on sustainability and being at the forefront of technology. We are farming for the next generation.”

Now Spanning three separate properties; Quartz Hill, Valehead and Dilloway, Dan and Georgie are now responsible for 29,000 stock units including  Sheep, Beef cows, Deer, Dairy cows, and a array of crops including Wheat, Barley, Peas, Maize, Canary and Red Clover seed.
Our focus is on creating specific niche products. These brands include Lumina lamb, Handpicked 55 day aged beef and Stoney Creek 100% NZ Wool. We are lucky to have a close relationship with some of the world’s top chefs, which enables us to understand exactly what the end consumer wants.

The business now employs 12 staff members across three properties.
Our employees are intricate members of the success of the business. They all give 100% and we couldn’t do it without them.

Georgie and Dan have four children, who are growing up with a deep appreciation for farm life. They’re always eager to get involved, whether it’s helping shift stock on their motorbikes, lending a hand in the sheep yards, or simply enjoying the wide open spaces they call home. It’s a life filled with purpose, learning, and the kind of freedom only the farm can offer.

Colin and Hilary also live on the property and remain an integral part of the day-to-day. From grading tracks to planting trees and working the digger, they contribute in countless ways and continue to shape the direction of the business. More than anything, they treasure the chance to be part of their grandchildren’s lives and to watch the next generation grow up immersed in the land they love.

We feel incredibly fortunate to call this place home, and we look forward to welcoming you here and sharing a small piece of it with you.