The Property
Piquet Hill trickles gently into the Northern reaches of Pureora Forest Park. A secret valley of diverse landscapes, encompassing two of the regions most precious rivers, 650 hectares of rich indigenous podocarp forest, and some of New Zealand’s most treasured flora and fauna.
The Gower Family purchased the land from the crown in 1954, and transformed the raw bush block into a thriving, high producing farm – but always with the land’s integrity in mind. Their stewardship laid the foundation for what you see today: a rich tapestry of ecosystems, wildlife, and pastoral farmland, all working together in unison.
The Farm
The property is 1375 hectares in total and is also home to the renowned Piquet Hill Stud Angus Cattle Herd – along with Romney, Composite, and Sheddmaster Stud Sheep Flocks. An impressive sheep and beef farm, working harmoniously with nature.
No doubt you will meet some of the resident animals on parts of the journey. Experiencing the sight of over 4000 ewes with lambs at foot in the Spring and the majestic nature of the Angus cows and calves, with the Hunterway’s carefully working the gully’s and ridgelines – the farms daily activity’s are often a highlight for many.
To explore more about our farming story, you are welcome to visit us here at Piquet Hill Farms.
Real Native
Real Native opens the gate for those wanting a truly authentic adventure, into the back country of one of New Zealand’s most pristine and private farming properties. A journey through a living landscape, where productivity, sustainability and responsible stewardship lead the way.
Meet your hosts
Will and Nicola
Will and Nicola share a passion for the land, its history, and the people who walk it. Their love for the outdoors and animals shines through in every detail of their day-to-day lives. They look forward to welcoming guests — not just to explore the trails, but to share stories, good food, and the simple joy of being in the great outdoors.
Will and Nicola purchased Stockland from Leveson and Vicki in 2023 — the property they now call home. Along with their four children — Matilda, Hooley, Ursula, and Ben — they brought with them a rich family history of stud genetics from Will’s family farm in Te Akau, which is now delicately overlaid upon the legacy left by the Gowers.
Opening Real Native was a natural fit to complement the farming business. To help strengthen the values of custodianship and write the next chapter in the legacy book. One of resilience, generosity and a willingness to share.
Conservation
Piquet Hill embodies a unique landscape — and with it, a deep responsibility of kaitiakitanga.
Sharing a 10km boundary with the Pureora Forest Park, and over 14km with the Mangatutu Stream and Puniu River – the land is woven with untouched indigenous habitats and is home to some of Aotearoa’s most rare and treasured taonga.
Real Native has implemented a growing strategic conservation plan with a clear kaupapa: To transform Piquet Hill into an intensively protected wildlife sanctuary, to help establish a robust and accessible biodiversity corridor—connecting the wider region.
This vision is supported by a small group of generous and passionate biodiversity advocates who help service the trap lines in our pest control network. An ever growing project, which requires substantial financial investment and hours of groundwork to maintain.
By walking with Real Native, you will be joining us in this role as kaitiaki (guardians), to help fund ongoing protection and restoration of the ecosystems and nature’s most sacred taonga.
Thank you for choosing to walk with us.
