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Vinegar Hill

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Vinegar Hill

St Bathans, Otago


Vinegar Hill is situated in the heart of Otago, a two-hour drive northeast of Queenstown and just over two hours from Dunedin.

Surrounded by St Bathans' dramatic landscape, Vinegar Hill offers sweeping views of the Hawkdun Ranges and Blackstone Hill across the stunning Manuherikia Valley. Watch cattle graze on golden farmland and, if you're lucky, catch sight of deer wandering by.

The three-bedroom home comfortably sleeps six guests. The master bedroom features a king bed with an ensuite, the second bedroom has two singles, and the third offers a queen bed. A fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to cook up a storm for the whole family, and the spacious deck with its large picnic table is the perfect spot to enjoy your meals while breathing in the fresh mountain air and soaking up the stunning vistas.

The historic gold-rush town of St Bathans is just down the road for exploring, but Vinegar Hill's real magic is the silence. No cars, no traffic; only birdsong and the gentle sounds of farm life. Here, you can finally hear yourself think. At night, with virtually no light pollution, the stars emerge in full brilliance, the Milky Way arcing overhead in a display of celestial beauty that's increasingly rare to find.

The property also features another glamping escape called Hawkdun Hut, an equally stunning glamping escape and ideal for couples.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Vinegar Hill is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-element induction cooktop and electric oven provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking, there are some great restaurants within half an hour's drive.

The Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans, a renowned 141-year-old pub often referred to as "the most haunted pub in New Zealand," is just a 7-minute drive away. Another historic pub is the Wedderburn Tavern, located 30 minutes away, which also offers excellent food. During the busy season, it's recommended to make reservations in advance at both of these pubs.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Omakau, 25 minutes away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Gather around a crackling fire pit under starlit skies, where time slows down for board games, card games and storytelling.

St. Bathans, just a 5-minute drive away, offers a glimpse into history with its historic village, including beautiful old houses, a post shop, and a pub. The nearby Blue Lake is perfect for a 2km walk and refreshing swims. For adventure seekers with a 4WD vehicle, the Oteake Conservation Area, only 30 minutes away, allows you to explore the Hawkdun Range through walking tracks or a scenic drive. Alexandra, a 45-minute drive, boasts fantastic mountain biking trails, and the Central Otago Rail Trail is also nearby and great for cycling enthusiasts, winding through charming old towns rich in gold mining history.

Great fishing spots are also available at the local rivers.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Vinegar Hill are Tom, Sonya, and their sons, Jackson and McKay.

The Enright family's connection to the St Bathans region stretches back to the late 1800s, when their ancestors first farmed this rugged Central Otago landscape. After more than a century, the story came full circle in 1991 when Dunstan Burn Station, including their original family land, returned to Enright hands. Today, Tom runs a thriving high country station with deer, cattle, and sheep across these spectacular tussock-covered hills.

Tom and Sonya love the region for its wide open spaces where the only sounds are the wind through native grasses, birdsong, and wildlife moving across the land. The views of the surrounding mountain ranges are simply stunning. The historic township of St Bathans, with its close-knit community and iconic Vulcan Hotel, adds warmth and character to the area. It's a place that slows you down and offers the kind of deep peace that comes from being truly immersed in nature.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Vinegar Hill is an amazing spot. It is the best stay we have in NZ had for a combination of remoteness and quality of amenities. It is set in acres of beautiful nature in all directions, and somehow still has hot water, wifi, washing machine, fridge etc. The host is so lovely and the stars are incredible. Highly recommend! ”

Jack Bing- 2026-03-01

7 / 7

“ Coming back to Vinegar Hill for a second stay, enjoying everything that is on offer, should be ample evidence of how much we enjoy staying there. ”

Juon Schoen- 2026-05-21

1 / 7

“ We loved our family getaway to Vinegar Hill. We really enjoyed biking together on the rail trail and views over the Hawkdun Ranges from Vinegar Hill in the evening! ”

Justine Paddison- 2026-04-20

2 / 7

“ The house was immaculately clean, well laid out, and had everything we needed. The location is absolutely stunning, with views across the valley and up to the mountain behind. I could have stayed permanently! ”

Harrison Leicester- 2026-03-30

3 / 7

“ It was everything we hoped for and more than that. A super experience that surpassed all expectations. ”

Juon Schoen- 2026-03-26

4 / 7

“ Beautiful location and property. The owners were great to deal with and the family had an awesome weekend. Thanks heaps. ”

Craig moore- 2026-03-17

5 / 7

“ Our weekend here was amazing! I can’t rate the location, the home, host and surroundings highly enough. It was only an hour from where we live but we felt like we were worlds away! ”

Kevina Parker- 2026-03-09

6 / 7

“ Vinegar Hill is an amazing spot. It is the best stay we have in NZ had for a combination of remoteness and quality of amenities. It is set in acres of beautiful nature in all directions, and somehow still has hot water, wifi, washing machine, fridge etc. The host is so lovely and the stars are incredible. Highly recommend! ”

Jack Bing- 2026-03-01

7 / 7

“ Coming back to Vinegar Hill for a second stay, enjoying everything that is on offer, should be ample evidence of how much we enjoy staying there. ”

Juon Schoen- 2026-05-21

1 / 7

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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