Few, if any other Lodge in NZ can boast a hospitality record of 150 years, but this year Grasmere celebrates 150 years. The old Homestead at Grasmere Station is one of the highest and longest-inhabited in the high country and, like most others, has been enlarged and altered. The original two-room cob-and-slab hut built in 1858 is still contained within the larger house, faced with limestone from the rocks at nearby Castle Hill.

The area was first explored by Europeans in 1857, by Joseph Pearson from England’s Lake District. The lake visible from the Homestead front door reminded him of Lake Grasmere there, hence the name.

From those modest beginnings Grasmere Station became famous for its great Southern Hospitality enjoyed by shepherds and travelers alike. Since opening as a lodge in 1994 Grasmere has developed in to one of New Zealands finest lodges, featuring the best of wine, food and Southern Hospitality the region has to offer.