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Shepherd's Rest

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Shepherd's Rest

Motueka, Nelson-Tasman


The Shepherd's Rest is just 50 minutes from popular Motueka, and just over 1 hour from Nelson. The hut is en route from the Abel Tasman National Park, heading towards the West Coast - which makes it the perfect stop-over accommodation for a road trip around the South Island.

The Shepherd's Rest is owned by the same couple who run the beautiful Honeywell Hut. Both huts are set on Baton Run Farm, a large and dramatic sheep and beef farm next to the Kahurangi National Park.

Built by Jack Honeywell - the same craftsman who created Honeywell Hut - The Shepherd's Rest is packed full of personality and quirky detail. Recycled materials and locally milled timber were used in its creation - including some old timbers rescued from a disused hop kiln. A potbelly stove keeps you cosy inside, and the double-outdoor baths and chiminea provide plenty of outdoor entertainment.

The hut looks out across the stunning Western Ranges and towards Mt Arthur and The Twins - enjoying spectacular sunsets.

Baton Run Farm is perfect for active relaxers - with mountain biking and walking tracks all on offer. There's just a short 10-minute walk to a great swimming hole in one of the cleanest rivers in New Zealand. But for those that just want to escape and rest quietly in nature - you'll find total peace and tranquillity, right here.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Shepherd's Rest is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the kitchen facilities provided in your camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

Explore the on-site shop and museum located at the front gate, just a 15-minute walk from Shepherd's Rest. Appleby Ice Cream and cold drinks are available which can be paid via Eftpos services. Complimentary WiFi is also provided.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, the closest town with restaurants and cafes is, Motueka, a 50-minute drive away.

The nearest supermarket for supplies is also Motueka, so it's best to stock up and bring everything you need so you don't have to leave the property for the duration of your stay.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

The Shepherd's Rest is a chance to truly get away from it all. The sense of isolation is absolute...the views are to die for and soaking in a bath under an awe-inspiring starry night sky is the stuff memories are made from.

Explore the on-site shop and museum located at the front gate, just a 15-minute walk from Shepherd's Rest. Along your stroll, you'll find information panels about the valley, perfect for those who enjoy learning interesting facts. Treat yourself to Appleby Ice Cream and cold drinks, and take advantage of our Eftpos services and complimentary WiFi.

Mountain bikers or trampers are welcome to take to the hills and enjoy the many tracks covering the farm (bikers will need their own bikes). A short 10-minute walk takes you to a great swimming hole in one of the cleanest rivers in New Zealand. The farm backs on to the beautiful Kahurangi National park and you'll find stunning areas of native bush and hills with spectacular views over the district.

The Great Taste Trail is easily accessed from Baton Run Farm - where you can ride the longest rail tunnel in Australiasia!

If you want to explore further afield, the Kahurangi National Park is a short, 5-minute drive from the property and the Mt Arthur entrance is a 40-minute drive.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

One of the wonderful things about staying in quirky and unique places is that they are often owned by wonderfully quirky and interesting people. Fiona Simons and Richard Lublow, hosts of the Shepherd's Rest and Honeywell Hut on the same property, are two such people.

Richard's family has owned Baton Run Farm since 1906, when they were enticed to the area by what turned out to be a fake gold scam. His great-grandfather decided to stay on and farm the land anyway, and the family have been farmers and caretakers of the land ever since. Richard is a farmer and poet, inspired by the landscape and people of the region. Reading his poetry in the hut at night is the perfect accompaniment to your stay.

Fiona is a warm, friendly and horse-mad. She met Richard when she came out from the UK to work as a woofer in New Zealand. While trekking around New Zealand on horseback, she stumbled across the beautiful Baton Valley, fell in love with the area, and has been here ever since.

TESTIMONIALS

“ We loved our stay! So relaxing and peaceful, and the place has so much character. ”

- 2023-09-10

20 / 20

“ Secluded and cosy. A perfect getaway for a digital detox, relax and watch the world go by or sheep in this case! Great places to walk with the Kahurangi National Park Baton Valley entrance minutes away and also on the track of the Great Taste Trail for bikers. ”

Megan Lewis- 2026-04-08

1 / 20

“ Amazing unique place to get disconnected from the busy day but connect to nature and to the person you came with. We had amazing stay in this little paradise that Fiona and Richard created. ”

Zhana Elian- 2026-03-27

2 / 20

“ The best place we have ever stayed. One of the most special moments was arriving and driving up that steep driveway. Appearing before us at the top a field of sheep, 360 degree mountain views, a gorgeous wooden hut, the sun sprinkling light over the fields, and no other humans or buildings in sight…we felt like we’d arrived in heaven. It was truly one of the most naturally beautiful and peaceful places we have ever been. And the highlight was the outdoor bath and shower. And the amazing river to swim in and biking and walking. Couldn’t recommend highly enough. ”

Tahnee Badrock- 2026-01-14

3 / 20

“ We loved our stay at Shepherd's Rest! It's a very special place, very cute and well put together, with a fantastic view and amazing scenery! The double outdoor baths were an absolute highlight. ”

Sam Webber- 2026-01-09

4 / 20

“ Amazing stay. Perfect for an active or relaxing getaway, or for rainy or fine weather. Highly recommended! Easy and prompt communication with hosts as well. The only regret is we didn't get to try their ice cream at their store. ”

Kate Lovatt- 2026-01-02

5 / 20

“ Perfect spot to unwind and recharge. Rustic and off grid, but wonderfully comfortable with everything we needed, especially a hot bath filled with scent and oil. We will be back, probably many times! ”

Gianetta Butler- 2025-11-27

6 / 20

“ Tucked away in quite possibly the most secluded area I’ve discovered. Being brought up in the area and having no idea of the area or where we were, it felt very secluded but for all the right reasons. To curb the feeling of loneliness, there are plenty of sheep and their lambs just loving their life. It leaves a feeling of peacefulness and wholeness throughout the mind and soul. ”

Luke Collier- 2025-11-21

7 / 20

“ Fiona and Richard hosted such a wonderful stay. Fiona’s communication was outstanding, and they had really thought of everything we would ever need while off the grid. It was perfect. ”

Georgia Brady- 2025-10-30

8 / 20

“ Wonderful place with breathtaking views. Loved it. ”

Andy harvey- 2025-10-21

9 / 20

“ Atmospheric, rugged and beautiful. ”

Andre Jerard- 2025-02-28

10 / 20

“ Beautiful spot to rest and relax in nature, would highly recommend. ”

Sarah van Workum- 2024-12-09

11 / 20

“ Apart from the amazing hosts, it was off-grid, with no technology, wildlife, biking trails, hiking trails, and the highlight… double baths! It will be our bolt hole in life! ”

Pamela Morris- 2024-11-04

12 / 20

“ We had the most relaxing and peaceful stay. Our host was so welcoming and made sure we knew how to use all the facilities, and informed us about the surrounding area. It was so lovely! ”

Hannah Kahl- 2024-05-07

13 / 20

“ Amazing unique accommodation and peaceful setting. ”

- 2024-04-29

14 / 20

“ Shepherd's Rest is perfect for the quiet romantic getaway. The scenery is incredible, and the atmosphere was pure bliss. ”

- 2024-04-23

15 / 20

“ Shepherd's Rest was the perfect way to unwind from a busy period of life, such a beautiful place. ”

- 2024-04-01

16 / 20

“ We loved staying at the Shepherd's Rest. Fiona is an awesome host. It was our second time there and we will be back again one day soon! ”

- 2024-03-01

17 / 20

“ Great setting and facilities. It really felt like a special place. ”

- 2023-10-17

18 / 20

“ Hosts and the stay were a pleasure. A lovely setting with lambs and ewes in the adjoining paddock, farm walks, a short trip to the Ellis track, and the new cycle link was well worth it. A spectacular river for swimming in the right weather, and the Whio was a real joy to see. Relaxing and a homely wee place, with a good mix of "camping/batching" and comfortable facilities. Friendly hosts, who popped in for a chat and even dropped in a telescope to view the full moon. I definitely recommend it for a quiet, relaxing stay. ”

- 2023-10-14

19 / 20

“ We loved our stay! So relaxing and peaceful, and the place has so much character. ”

- 2023-09-10

20 / 20

“ Secluded and cosy. A perfect getaway for a digital detox, relax and watch the world go by or sheep in this case! Great places to walk with the Kahurangi National Park Baton Valley entrance minutes away and also on the track of the Great Taste Trail for bikers. ”

Megan Lewis- 2026-04-08

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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