WHO WE ARE
About Us.
Our Why
The RockRidge experience is one we have created to allow our guests to step into a world shaped by resilience, natural beauty, and passion. The high country is often a mysterious landscape seen by few, and we would like to change that!
The track has been formed to create a connection between rural and urban, past and present, ensuring that the spirit and adventure of RockRidge lives on for generations.
MEET YOUR HEARTLAND HOSTS
The Harpers
Dan and Georgie are the dynamic duo behind Quartz Hill Station. Dan's path to farming life was paved at his family’s farm in the Hawkes Bay, before leaving to attend Lincoln University, which led him not only to a diploma in farm management but also to his soulmate, Georgie. Travelling the world, Dan spent years driving combine harvesters and learning new and innovative farming processes.
Raised with an inherent love for the land at Quartz Hill Station, Georgie's journey also included a stint at Lincoln and Otago Universities, merging studies with hands-on experience in the industry at ANZCO Foods and several farming tenures, before the opportunity arose for her to come back to run Quartz Hill Station, alongside Dan.
Today, the innovative couple manages three distinct properties, nurturing 29,000 stock units of diverse species from sheep and beef cows to dairy cows and deer, not forgetting a thriving variety of crops. With Dan’s expertise and experience he joined the Lumina Lamb Board developing the strong relationship creating specific niche products for Lumina. The Quartz Hill Homestead is more than just a farm; it's a bustling family hub where their four children revel in the joy of growing up in true farming style.
Be sure to explore Quartz Hill Station where stunning views and rugged charm come together.
The McElreas
Step into the world of Henry and Megan, the creative spirits behind a bevy of picturesque farmstead hideaways. Their story began at an art and antique auction house in Christchurch, where their shared interest in collectibles and auctions sparked a rapport that has developed into a full-fledged family life on the farm. From hospitality and tourism to sales and marketing, Megan’s background complements her upbringing on a sheep and beef farm.
Born and raised at Birchview, Henry’s varied experiences have seen him travel extensively, acquiring a multitude of skills along the way. Yet, his heart always pulls him back to the farm, where he loves to immerse himself in various projects.
Their journey at the Homestead is marked with cherished memories of raising their daughters, the creation of handcrafted, curated hideaways, and the continuous evolution of the accommodation ventures on the farm. They have launched The Shepherd's Hut, Black Billy Hut and The Mai Mai accommodations.
Each hideaway reflects their passion for detail and a deep connection to the land.
How it all began
The multi-day walkway that came to be.
The journey ignited from a spark of an idea between two families—the Harpers and the McElreas. Their collective interests and passion for the land formed a bond while organising fundraisers for the small country school in Windwhistle. Little did they know this was just the beginning for them! After various engaging and thought-provoking meetings, they decisively moved ahead, echoing a robust 'YES' to their multi-day hike idea.
Building a 31 km trail across two farms was a colossal endeavour. But the RockRidge team, with their extraordinary grit, made it happen! It has been a fascinating journey, filled with literal and figurative highs and lows.
Gary Patterson, an expert in trail designs, joined the team, magnifying their vision of the project. He coached the RockRidge team to integrate the land's stunning natural features and encouraged a trail chockfull with purpose. Gary became an integral part of their clan, merging into their homes and mission, hence becoming an indispensable chapter of the RockRidge story.