Your hosts

Right from the start of their marriage in 1973 Jan and Dave Stewart hosted many visitors for farm tours and international students into the historic Stewart homestead. Finding meeting new people enjoyable and culturally interesting, it was in the 1990's an opportunity arose to build an up-scaled tourism operation that enabled guests to gain insight into a real working New Zealand family agri business and a place to escape and relax from the hustle and bustle.  Targeting the international market but also a strong domestic market for those travelers who wanted an upmarket rural retreat.

In 2011 after working in the UK, daughter Julia moved back to the family farm and began to work alongside Jan and Dave.  With Julia's past experience working overseas in marketing and events she has grown and developed the business further offering Weddings and other Events while providing support to Jan and Dave with accommodation guests as well as the business operations.  Julia and husband Gian live on the family farm next to the lodge with their children Charlotte and George.

It is a joy to share Hiwinui Country Estate with our guests who choose to stay with us.  We love the interaction, sharing our stories and meeting new and interesting people.  

We love what we do and it is a privilege to share our slice of paradise.