Mt Isthmus Villa rests above the northern shores of Lake Hāwea, close to The Neck, a dramatic meeting point of two alpine lakes. The 7,000-acre property the Villa sits on shares a boundary with Glen Dene, a prominent high-country station owned and operated by the Burdon family for three generations. Since 1929, they have grazed sheep, cattle, and deer here, shaping the land while preserving its heritage. It’s not unusual for guests to encounter flocks of sheep along the driveway or spot deer and tahr grazing on the hillsides.

For those wishing to explore further, private 4WD guided farm tours offer a rare insight into the station’s history, ecology, and daily life. From meeting the animals and visiting beehives to hearing stories about the land, guests are immersed in the essence of New Zealand’s high country.