About - Judge & Jury Village

Where History Lives

From the vines of Gibbston to the peaks of Coronet, every corner of our valley leaves a mark. We curate experiences that connect guests to the land, the people, and the stories that shape this region.

Local Knowledge

At Judge & Jury, we embrace low-contact hosting – encouraging guests to explore independently. However, we’re always glad to share our favourite local spots, whether it’s coffee, dining, or a bit of adventure. Feel free to ask anytime.

Whether it’s a sunrise over the valley or a fireside glass of Pinot Noir, Judge & Jury Village is full of quiet luxuries. No gimmicks, just good taste and good timing.

Stories That Stay With You

We’re rooted in history, but always looking forward. From the gold rush to the grape harvest, our village carries the echoes of the past with a modern twist.

Crafted for Quiet Moments

Judge & Jury Village isn’t built for spectacle, it’s built for stillness. For morning light through timber beams, for shared meals that stretch into stories, and for the kind of rest that feels earned.

We believe luxury isn’t loud, it’s thoughtful. It’s the right blanket, the right bottle, the right silence.

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Who We Are

Neil & Dee Smith

Dee and I met 25 years ago at a hockey club Christmas party. She was holding a tray of Sambuca whilst dressed as an elf… it was love at first sight!

We married in 2012 and soon after our 3 sons were born to complete our family of five. I was CIO in a family software business specialising in the Automotive sector. Dee was a fantastic primary school teacher adored by her colleagues, staff and most importantly, the children.

We were settled as a family and even started our own small-holding at our beautiful, painfully restored(!), Georgian property in Kent, UK. Despite having what others perceived as the perfect life, we just weren’t settled. So, in 2024, we took the brave decision to uproot our lives and relocated to Queenstown, New Zealand.

Staying in 15 AirBnBs over 6 months in Queenstown (tired ‘urgh!’), we still felt far away from the promised land. But when Dee secured a job at Queenstown Primary School, things started to move at a fast pace. Soon after, we obtained our NZ residency and were able to secure a long-term rental in Arrowtown, a small gold mining town just outside of Queenstown.

From here, we created a platform from which to grow roots… an opportunity for a home & business came about (long story as we thought it was sold and lost) in Gibbston Valley… it was called ‘Judge and Jury Farm Retreat’.

As a family, it was everything we were looking for (and more) and were lucky enough to secure the property in August 2025. We have grand plans for the retreat, now called ‘Judge & Jury Village’, and can’t wait for people to come on the journey with us… this is where it begins.

Our Mission & Vision

Home from Home

Our guests often tell us the same thing: there’s something special about the feeling of familiarity in such refreshingly different surroundings. It’s the comfort of cozy furnishings, the warmth of thoughtful touches, and a quiet sense of belonging.

Rooted in Place

We believe hospitality begins with respect for the land, the people, and the stories that came before us. Judge & Jury Village is built to honour the local areas heritage while offering guests a space to rest and reflect.

Hit Pause & Reset

Judge & Jury offers a stay that breaks from the ordinary. Roam the property freely, discover tucked-away corners, and enjoy the rare chance to unplug from the modern world and reconnect with the moment.

New Adventures Ahead

Big things are on the horizon. We’re creating new experiences, building fresh infrastructure, and expanding our accommodation- all changes designed to welcome guests and support the wider community.

Supporting Local

Judge & Jury Village thrives thanks to the local people and businesses who share our commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality. Local enterprise drives both our day-to-day operations and long-term development. We’re actively building partnerships that will deliver tangible benefits to our guests and strengthen the wider community.

Historic Banks Butchery in Judge & Jury Village, surrounded by scenic mountain landscape. Group of people standing outside with vintage-style buildings, representing local heritage and New Zealand countryside charm.

Want to Collaborate?

We’re always open to partnerships that elevate the guest experience. If you’re a maker, grower, or storyteller with something to share, get in touch.