Explore North Canterbury Beyond the Highway
Explore through a working high-country station in the heart of North Canterbury.
Travel our private station road through rivers, rolling hill country, and working farmland, discovering a side of North Canterbury that few get to experience. Extend your adventure with a stay in our newly renovated cabins, nestled within the station.
Explore the Station Road
Travel 25km through the heart of McDonald Downs, crossing rivers, rolling hill country, and working farmland. This is a one-way journey through authentic high-country terrain, offering a unique farm access experience rather than a public road.
Access by booking only – click on the Visit tab to secure your journey.
Suitable for mountain bikes, adventure motorcycles, 4WDs, and high-clearance vehicles.
Stay at McDonald Downs
A simple, comfortable cabin with everything you need for a stop over on your journey. Located at the heart of the farm.
Sleeps 2–7 guests
Fully equipped kitchen facilities
Breakfast essentials supplied
Modern bathroom & shower facilities
Life on the Farm
McDonald Downs is a genuine working high-country station, and farm life carries on as normal during your stay.
From stock movements and working dogs to the everyday activities of station life, you'll experience a glimpse into one of North Canterbury's high-country farming operations. It's all part of what makes a visit to McDonald Downs unique.
McDonald Downs
Family-owned and operating since 1966, McDonald Downs is a 9,000-hectare working sheep and beef station in the heart of North Canterbury.
Adventure Riding
Take the road less travelled through the heart of a working high-country station.
Laneway Access
Travel our private laneway through rivers, rolling hills and working farmland.
