The Farm.
Getting back to nature is important for our souls, to recharge the battery and be at one with the beautiful landscape the Whakatipu basin has to offer.
Judge and Jury Farm is the perfect location for guests to enjoy the land, and have privacy within their accommodation while being accessible to the multitude of attractions Gibbston Valley, Arrowtown, and the wider Southern Lakes have to offer.
The farm is located on 140 acres of predominately high country terrain, and currently farms Wiltshire sheep. The goal over the coming years is to create a self-sufficient property where you can enjoy the fresh natural produce grown here on the farm.
With the rich history known across the region, Judge and Jury Farm will take you on a journey across the property, with several historic landmarks for you to discover, while being surrounded by breathtaking scenery, from Coronet Peak, Ben Lomond, Cone Peak (aka back of the Remarkables), and the Nevis Bluff.
Judge & Jury Farm is a property for you, your family, and your friends a truly enjoy, the rich heritage and unique landscape of high country farm living while being so close to all the fabulous amenities in Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, Frankton and Queenstown.
Gold Mining
Gold was first discovered in the Arrow River in 1862 by three different parties within days of each other. The Fox party, Hatini White (Maori Jack) party and McGregor/Low party. Making up a team of 40 men worked the gorge, skimming off as much of the easily won gold before word got out in Cromwell and beyond. This team managing to keep the secret of the Arrow Gorge for approximately 8 weeks, and within the a 4 week period in todays value they pulled approximately 1,700,000 of gold out of the gorge! Today the area is rich in gold mining history, and a must do on the adventure list!
Farm History
The schist rocks known as Judge and Jury where named because of their appearance - a judge looming over a jury. The best viewing point is from Chard Rd at the point where the road cuts through the rock. Andrew Reid was the first known farmer in 1880, where he also held a mining claim to the far right of the farm where the Arrow meets the Kawarau river. Fast track 100 years the farm became part of the high country farm known as Eastbourne/Eastburn Station. Today the farm is receiving some much needed attention, adding nutrients and life to the farm so it can once again produce fabulous local produce.
Gibbston Valley
The gateway to The Valley of Vines, Judge and Jury farm is perfectly located on the Queenstown Cycle Trail. Where a short ride along the trail gives you direct access to some of the world’s finest tasting rooms. Vines were first planted in the valley during the 80’s, quickly achieving global recognition for Pinot Noir. The valley is now identified as one of the three top producers of Pinot Noir. From private wine tours, to a family day out the valley has some many attractions for you all to enjoy, from bungy jumping, clay bird shooting, to music concerts, spa treatments, dining and wine!