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Sparrowhawk

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Sparrowhawk

Kurow, Otago


Sparrowhawk is located 15 minutes from Kurow , 30 minutes from Omarama, and 1 hour from Oamaru in North Otago. The hut is accessed via a 10-minute 4WD journey across farmland. 4WD transfers in on the day of arrival, and out on the day of departure are included in the price.

The hut is set out the back of a high country sheep and beef farm, surrounded by beautiful untouched native high country plants, matagouri, coprosma, snow tussock - to name a few. It looks directly out towards the St Mary Mountain Range, with a pristine snow-fed stream running close by. A 2-minute walk will bring you to a beautiful swimming hole - the perfect place to cool off on a hot Otago summer's day.

The hut itself consists of two rooms, separated by a bathroom between them. One room contains a queen bed with luxurious linen. The other room is a combined kitchen and living area - with a wood burner for keeping cosy on cooler days.

The outdoor bath is in a prime position to enjoy views far and wide of the mountains and, if you're lucky, the Sparrowhawks soaring overhead. At night, you'll have a crystal clear view of the night sky and stars.

Sparrowhawk is a place to truly get off the grid. To escape the world and melt into a landscape that feels a million miles from anywhere... It's just you, the stream, the mountain view, and the ever-changing sky of the high country.

Includes 4WD Transfers

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

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

If you need to shop for supplies on the way, there is a supermarket in Kurow (15 mins away). It's best to make sure you arrive with all the supplies you need. Once you've been transported into the hut, you'll be there until your hosts collect you on the day of departure.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

With board games, books, and a luxurious hot tub provided - you'll find there is plenty to keep you entertained at the hut.

If you're keen to explore, you're welcome to walk around the farm, and along the newly created walking track which follows an old 1900s water race. Or check out the pristine, snow-fed stream nearby - and on a hot day enjoy a swim in the swimming hole, a 2-minute walk from the hut.

The Waitaki Valley is renowned for its beautiful wineries, shops, history - and most importantly the beautiful Waitaki River and Lakes. It's well worth taking the time either before or after your stay to look around.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Ben and Emma are your hosts at the Sparrowhawk. They farm on a sheep, cattle and deer farm where Ben grew up. They are now bringing up their three sons, Jack, Harry and Charlie on the same property.

They love living on the farm and have an amazing community in Kurow.

They all have a real passion for the outdoors so when they’re not on the farm, they are either hunting or adventuring in the Valley. During their outdoor pursuits, Ben and Emma loved all their experiences in backcountry huts and wanted to build something similar with a little added luxury. This led them to create 'Sparrowhawk' - a special place for people to come and experience the area.

The Sparrowhawk is named after its resident bird also known as the NZ falcon. If you are lucky you will get to see the bird flying fast above the hut.

They are very much looking forward to sharing their peace and quiet, as well as the untouched beauty of the high country, with you.

TESTIMONIALS

“ This is a stunning place. It’s a beautiful modern cabin with great facilities. Emma was a great host and made us feel very welcome on arrival. The Cabin is set in a great place with stunning views. Overall is was a great place to stay. ”

Richard Quested- 2025-10-17

20 / 20

“ What a wonderful stay at Sparrowhawk for our honeymoon. The location was absolutely spectacular, with beautiful views that made the whole experience so relaxing and memorable. The accommodation was truly five star, comfortable, stylish, and exceptionally well maintained. Our host, Emma, made the whole experience outstanding. We live in France and would highly recommend Sparrowhawk to anyone looking for a special getaway. Thank you, Emma, for such a lovely stay! ”

Juliet Gray- 2026-05-10

1 / 20

“ Incredibly peaceful and serene spot. Loved being off the grid for a couple days and such a warm host! Fantastic experience overall! ”

Alissa Czasonis- 2026-04-19

2 / 20

“ Emma was very welcoming, fantastic set up with all you could want/need. Very comfortable bed and great information for walks and just enjoying a beautiful spot. We highly recommend Sparrowhawk for a wonderful retreat. ”

Dean Carroll- 2026-03-19

3 / 20

“ Sparrowhawk was a beautiful break away from the hustle and bustle of life. A great little hut, with beautiful furnishings and outlook. Will definitely be recommending to others. ”

sarah falloon- 2026-03-12

4 / 20

“ Sparrowhawk is a little slice of heaven. A real invitation to disconnect to reconnect. The details are stunning. The wild dip is a must-do to walk to. Most of all, just enjoy. ”

Samantha Lightbody- 2026-02-27

5 / 20

“ We had such a beautiful stay at Sparrowhawk. Extremely remote, the cabin feels like you are truly taking a break from the world. Both thoughtful and tasteful in its design, Sparrowhawk cabin offers solid cooking facilities and relaxing spaces to recline. Oh and there's the star bath! Something that has to be experienced to be believed. Would come back here in a heartbeat if we could, two nights wasn't enough. ”

Molly Biggs- 2026-02-24

6 / 20

“ We had a lovely get away at Sparrowhawk recently. The host Emma was lovely and we'd easily recommend to friends or even return in the future. ”

Millie Steer- 2026-02-12

7 / 20

“ Simply perfect! A well-thought-out (surreal) backcountry experience hosted by the nicest family one could imagine! ”

Caroline & Pip Austin- 2026-02-06

8 / 20

“ Beautiful little slice of paradise, even in wet weather. The perfect place to relax and recharge during our travels. Everything has been so well thought out by the hosts, and you can really feel the care that’s gone into making this place special. The bed was beautiful and incredibly comfortable. Amazing hosts, great location, and the outdoor bath was a highlight. We loved our stay and would happily return. ”

Courtney Cavanagh- 2026-02-04

9 / 20

“ The secret ingredient was Emma, our host. So charming and down to earth, yet with her style and taste setting a high bar for off-grid back-country accommodation. ”

Lachlan Drummond- 2026-01-19

10 / 20

“ Emma and Ben’s attention to nuanced detail was just magnificent. Sparrowhawks literally flying high above was sensational. Lying in the outside bath watching the stars was so relaxing. Definitely returning. ”

Pamela Morris- 2026-01-13

11 / 20

“ Sparrowhawk is a unique and outstanding setting which truly feels away from everything including being able to take a very refreshing dip in the adjacent mountain stream. The "hut" is superb and suitable for all weather conditions. ”

John Cullen- 2026-01-07

12 / 20

“ The place is extraordinary and invites you to enjoy the nature sounds, smells and landscape. The cabin is very well maintained and clean. Beautifully set up and makes you think twice about whether you should book for a longer stay. Highly recommended if you want to forget about TV, internet and find yourself in this great spot in NZ. I have to say that the hosts are incredibly friendly and very kind. Love it. ”

Miguel Sosa- 2026-01-07

13 / 20

“ Nice and peaceful. So good to get away off the grid and unconnect. ”

Martin Smith- 2025-12-09

14 / 20

“ Magical place to stay, absolutely stunning views. A slice of paradise hidden in the beautiful valley. ”

Karlie Triggs- 2025-11-20

15 / 20

“ If you are looking for a very relaxing and luxurious stay in an amazing and isolated environment, put Sparrowhawk on your list! ”

Geoff Lawrie- 2025-11-19

16 / 20

“ Lovely isolated and very private location. A luxury little hut with everything you need. ”

Karen Goodfellow- 2025-11-12

17 / 20

“ Sparrowhawk is an absolute gem. My husband and I loved our break away and were completely delighted by Emma and her wonderful hosting, the gorgeous cabin tucked away in the hills of the farm, the beautiful rugged scenery and all that came with it. Highly recommend. ”

Sally Januszkiewicz- 2025-11-04

18 / 20

“ Sparrowhawk ticks all the boxes. Friendly hosts, off-grid, high-end design (it's more than a tiny home), super comfortable, excellent facilities, high-country setting and a bath under the stars. Loved our stay. ”

Jeff Harford- 2025-10-28

19 / 20

“ This is a stunning place. It’s a beautiful modern cabin with great facilities. Emma was a great host and made us feel very welcome on arrival. The Cabin is set in a great place with stunning views. Overall is was a great place to stay. ”

Richard Quested- 2025-10-17

20 / 20

“ What a wonderful stay at Sparrowhawk for our honeymoon. The location was absolutely spectacular, with beautiful views that made the whole experience so relaxing and memorable. The accommodation was truly five star, comfortable, stylish, and exceptionally well maintained. Our host, Emma, made the whole experience outstanding. We live in France and would highly recommend Sparrowhawk to anyone looking for a special getaway. Thank you, Emma, for such a lovely stay! ”

Juliet Gray- 2026-05-10

1 / 20

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