12 | TOURISM Drysdale Station T T Karen Phelps A very unique tourism destination Annabelle says accommodation bookings have exceeded expectations. A fifth-generation farming family has transformed their century-old working station into a unique tourism destination, offering visitors the chance to experience authentic farm life. Will and Annabelle Lilburn opened Drysdale Station to guests in February 2025 after an extensive renovation project that converted 1960s shearers’ quarters and cookhouse into boutique accommodation for up to 11 visitors. The venture has already attracted strong bookings during its inaugural season. “It’s been good to have another revenue stream on the farm,” says Annabelle Lilburn. “And we love hosting; it’s been really fun.” The 2,500-hectare Rangitikei property, located on Turakina Valley Road near Hunterville, has been in the Lilburn family since the 1880s when Robert Lilburn arrived as an assisted immigrant. The current homestead, built around 1907, stands as testament to the pioneering spirit that established New Zealand’s first registered Jersey herd and included a local store, milk collection service and hydro scheme on the Turakina River. Annabelle moved to the family farm in 2023, having previously worked off-farm, and saw an opportunity to create employment for herself as well as showcasing the property’s natural beauty and working heritage. “There were a lot of farm tracks already, so creating a walk seemed a good idea,” she explains. The renovation work on the accommodation began in 2024, transforming the former shepherds’ cookhouse into comfortable guest facilities with hot showers, luxury bedding and five spacious bedrooms. The shearers’ quarters have been transformed into the accommodation’s heart, serving as kitchen, dining, and gathering space where guests can create new memories around the outdoor fireplace. The development required significant infrastructure improvements, with 45 culverts installed across existing and purpose-built tracks to create safe walking routes. Visitors can now experience two carefully plotted walking routes covering 28 kilometres across the working farm, where 13,000 Romney sheep and 700 Angus cattle graze under the management of Will Lilburn and his team of four full-time and two casual staff members. The authentic farm experience includes witnessing shepherds working on horseback with their huntaway dogs during daily stock work. The property maintains 25 home-bred horses and over 55 working dogs. “The majority of farm work is carried out on horseback, as horses are considered safer than motorbikes in this environment,” says Annabelle. “So our guests get a really authentic farming experience.” The walking routes traverse grassland paddocks, native bush pockets and farm tracks, offering glimpses of peacocks, wild goats, deer and native birdlife. A highlight includes a five-hectare lake surrounded by riparian planting with views extending to Mount Ruapehu and Kapiti Island on clear days. The journey culminates at the serene Mare’s Tail waterfall on the Turakina River. Annabelle says accommodation bookings have exceeded expectations, with the November to March season showing strong forward bookings. The experience operates on a two-night minimum stay, allowing guests to complete both walking routes while enjoying farm-to- table dining that showcases Drysdale’s premium Angus beef and lamb. Moomaa Café handles dinner catering and breakfast and lunch provisions are provided by Drysdale Station allowing guests flexibility to make what they want. The facility also welcomes corporate groups for team-building activities and tailored packages. “The majority of farm work is carried out on horseback, as horses are considered safer than motorbikes in this environment.” Pleased to support Drysdale Station for their transport requirements info@allanmcneill.co.nz 06 323 6114 (Feilding) 06 356 4808 (Palmerston North) 06 928 6622 (Dannevirke) www.allanmcneill.co.nz AllanMcNeill are proud to support the Lilburn family of Drysdale Station, whose newly created walking track reflects both their vision and their enduring commitment to the land. Their thoughtful stewardship and dedication to excellence are an inspiration, enriching not only their farm but the wider rural community. At AllanMcNeill, we share this same dedication in helping farming families achieve their goals — from tailored advisory to succession planning — we work with our clients to ensure a strong future for generations to come. Phillip Cockery OWNER 06 323 1080 or 027 44 22 456 feildingtractors2018@xtra.co.nz 133 South Street, Feilding 4702 DAVID BROWN SPECIALISTS + ALL OTHER MAKES & MODELS CASE IH • FIAT • ISEKI • NEW HOLLAND • FORD • McCORMICK KUBOTA • DAEDONG • MASSEY FERGUSON • SAME • JOHN DEERE www.rakaiahelicopters.com www.rangitikeihelicopters.co.nz Agricultural Spraying Pest Control Topdressing Frost Protection Remote Track Building Precision Lifting Hunting and Fishing Alpine Heli Adventures Services Include: Contact us on: 06 3286887
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