About McDonald Downs

Generations of farming in North Canterbury

McDonald Downs is a 9,000-hectare family-owned high-country station nestled among the hills of the Hurunui District in North Canterbury.

First purchased by the Paterson family in 1966, McDonald Downs has remained in the family ever since. In 2025, Liz and Wayne Higgins took over ownership, continuing the stewardship of the station alongside multiple generations of the family.

A working high-country station

McDonald Downs is first and foremost a working farm.

Today, the station carries approximately 15,000 sheep and 1,000 Angus and Hereford cattle, with a strong focus on fine-wool and beef breeding.

While farming practices have evolved over the generations, the values behind McDonald Downs remain much the same hard work, respect for the land and livestock, and leaving the farm in good heart for the generations that follow.

A place with history

At the heart of the station stands the 23-room McDonald Downs Homestead, built in 1902 and surrounded by gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Alfred Buxton.

Both the homestead and its gardens remain an important part of the history and character of McDonald Downs today.

In 2025, another chapter began with the rebuilding of the station's woolshed. Designed as a modern, multi-purpose space while retaining its connection to the farm, the new woolshed includes a commercial-style kitchen, modern amenities, veranda and flexible event space for weddings, celebrations, workshops and corporate events.

Sharing McDonald Downs

For generations, McDonald Downs has been a place where family, farming and the landscape come together. Today, we're pleased to share a small part of that experience with others.

Whether you're travelling through the station, staying overnight or joining us for a group visit, McDonald Downs offers the chance to slow down and experience the space, character and everyday life of the North Canterbury high country.

This is still very much a working farm, so don't be surprised to see stock being moved, working dogs in action or the everyday jobs of station life happening around you.

We look forward to welcoming you to McDonald Downs and sharing a little of our farm, our history and our way of life.