Ben Avon Station

Destinations

Climate

The Lindis Lodge sits on Ben Avon Station, dating back to the 1890s when it was separated from its neighbouring station, Longslip, under the original pastoral lease.

Its early years were shaped by resilience and resourcefulness — the wool shed, still standing just past the lodge gate entrance, was built in the 1870s, and the original homestead completed in 1883.

In 1988, Jim Morris, then owner of neighbouring Avon Station, purchased the 25,000-acre Ben Avon lease and managed the land for over 30 years before selling to The Lindis Group.

During his tenure, Jim led a land tenure review that placed much of the surrounding land under the protection of the Department of Conservation, ensuring the valley’s ecological integrity for generations to come.

Today, Ben Avon remains a working station with Longslip grazing 3,000 merino sheep and 100 Angus cattle across the hills, following a low-stock approach that protects the majestic landscape. It’s not uncommon to pass flocks of sheep along Birchwood Road in route to the lodge.

Our Master and Lodge Suites are named in homage to Ben Avon and Longslip as well as the other surrounding stations, Dalrachney, Ribbonwood, and Birchwood.

Guests wishing to explore more of the valley can book a private 4WD guided Valley Tour, offering a deeper understanding of the land’s rich history and ecology.