Heaps of Local Activities

Drenched in scenery, Centre Hill Organic Farm sits elevated above the fertile farmland of Totara Valley, Pleasant Point, and close to wonderful fishing rivers and skifields.

Fishing and Skiing

Pleasant Point is nearby to several world-famous fishing rivers and other water-based recreations, including the Opuha Dam at nearby Fairlie. The Cottage is also one hour from the Dobson and Fox ski-fields, and 1.5 hours drive from the popular Mt Hutt ski-field.

Nearby Activities

For those wanting to stay “close to home” during their stay, local activities include, lawn tennis court (in season), and farm walks. The scenery (and peaceful atmosphere) is ideal for sketching, painting and photography. Pleasant Point – a five-minute drive away – has a local cafe, supermarket, fuel station, a golf course, and a steam train and museum.

Surrounding Area

Nearby Pleasant Point is a two-hour drive from Christchurch city, or can be reached from Wellington by direct 1–hour flight to Timaru airport and a 12-minute drive for the rest of the journey. Pleasant Point is the focal point of a vigorous agricultural, dairy and pastoral industry in the gently rolling, fertile South Canterbury landscape. It’s also a central location from which to tour the Southern Alps and the alpine lakes of Aorangi Mount Cook National Park. Aorangi Mt Cook is a two-hour drive away, and the famous Lake Tekapo is only one hour away.

Centre Hill History

Centre Hill has been farmed by Ian Blakemore since 1968, and gained full organic certification status in 1990. Ian has leased Centre Hill to since April 2019 but remains living in the homestead, raising hens for eggs and growing organic vegetables for house and cottage use.  Although Ian no longer grows commercial vegetables, raises deer for venison, cattle for beef production or sheep for wool or meat there are still sheep grazing the lanes and paddocks and deer & beef cattle grazing in the leased paddocks on Centre Hill.  Ian also grows seasonal organic vegetables for use in the kitchen and cottage. You are welcome to tour the farm.  The organic ambience permeates the whole farm with a sense of serenity and pureness. This, together with the backdrop of the Southern Alps, makes Centre Hill a unique farm-stay retreat.