With uninterrupted vistas over the Canterbury Plains, across braided riverbeds and skywards to the peaks of the Southern Alps, RockRidge is untamed beauty just waiting to be explored. 

Across 31 km, the diverse RockRidge track is opening in February 2026 for the first time thanks to two dynamic local families, the Harpers from Quartz Hill Station, and the McElreas from Washpen Falls. The two couples have painstakingly carved out the purpose-built track through their high-country farms, where adventurers will soon be able to enjoy breathtaking views and stimulating terrains – less than an hour out of Christchurch.

The idea was sparked during fundraisers for their small country school in Windwhistle, where the families shared their passions for high-country living, sustainability, wellbeing, and the beautiful natural expanses of the Canterbury High Country.

‘Before we knew it, we were working together on a colossal endeavour to build a walking track across two properties,’ shares Gee Harper with a smile. ‘We wanted to create an opportunity for people to get out and about and enjoy the high country within a timeframe that was easy to fit into busy lives – which are only getting busier!’ 

The warmth and connection between the two couples is palpable with plenty of laughter as they discuss the challenges of not only diversifying their farming operations into argitourism, but navigating working together. ‘It has been a really dynamic experience,’ continues Gee. ‘Everyone has brought really different aspects to the business and often where one person has a weakness someone else has that as a strength, which has been really fun to see play out.’ 

With the support of an expert in trail design, they have made their vision a reality. The largely custom-made track has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the area’s natural features, showcasing natural bush lines, rock formations, rolling hills, and steep topography.

While the 1,750 m of elevation might feel daunting, the gradient is gentle and has been specifically designed to make the walk enjoyable for most hikers, with the steepest sections providing the most rewarding vistas. 

The Harpers and McElreas have curated ‘choose-your-own adventure’ options throughout both days that allow guests to walk as much or as little as they like. Shorter routes and transport options are available as well as adding an extra 10 km of trail for those that seek to get the steps up. ‘RockRidge is an escape that’s as restorative as it is rugged,’ says Henry McElrea. ‘Nature at its best, with enough comfort and style to make sure our guests leave feeling fully recharged.’

Thoughtful touches run through the experience – guests enjoy wellness-focused hospitality, gourmet meals, and beautiful well-appointed farm-stay accommodation with high-quality linen. This is a destination for people to soak up the camaraderie of the high country as they immerse themselves in it: experiencing rural life, sharing a meal together around the farmhouse table and sitting back under a sky full of stars. ‘Our hope is simple – to share the heart of this place. It’s wild and untamed, with a rugged beauty. It’s a place that stays with you,’ concludes Henry. 

The experience will provide walkers with insights about high-country farming and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the operations of Birchview Farm, Quartz Hill Station, and Washpen Falls. 

With a shared commitment to sustaining and enriching the land for generations to come, the RockRidge hiking and retreat experience is a progression of this, offering the perfect balance of retreat and adventure as guests take up the opportunity to truly be part of the high country, rather than just admire it from a distance.