Your hosts, Linda and Mike, enthusiastically continue Hawkswood’s enduring tradition of hospitality since 1859 where travellers would rest on their 3 day coach trip between Christchurch and Nelson. Mike’s ancestor John Macfarlane purchased Hawkswood Station in 1872 (mostly for its aesthetic value rather than its farming value). A few generations on, Mike’s father, JD, a creative and gregarious man, decided to bring a little culture to the district with some “ballet in the country”. Thus in the early 1980s the aptly named Staging Post emerged as the centre for an eclectic mix of performing arts combined with rustic, rural hospitality for up to 400 guests attending the 3 day Hawkswood Festivals.

Mike’s a money doctor by week and a forester by weekend, and Linda has a sharp witted background in Sydney big smoke advertising. Both appreciate the beautiful place they live in through overseas travel and Mike and Linda feel honour bound to continue Staging Post hospitality with travellers as it’s too beautiful not to share.

“On a recent trip to NZ, my partner and I stayed at a B&B called The Staging Post, at Hawkswood, north of Christchurch. The location was simply stunning, and served as a great place to base ourselves while taking day trips to attractions like Hamner Springs and Kaikoura. Our hosts, Linda and Mike, made sure that we were comfortable, and apart from evading a pack of killer canines (ok, you can edit that), we could chill out at the end of the day with a wine and a well cooked meal. Since the most stressful part of the stay was deciding what to have for breakfast, I came away completely relaxed, and a couple of pounds heavier.”

— John deStigter, Sydney

With a special empathy for those who need a bit of extra encouragement and privacy after a physical or emotional stress and just want to recover quietly without too much fuss, Linda says “Every day - seeing the mountains, tending the chooks (the current celebrity clowns now we’re temporarily without dogs to fuss over), getting about the Staging Post on gentle bike rides, occasionally taking a short diversion through the short bush track and the old stage, and back for a stove-top espresso coffee on the deck - I can share that with people. That’s excellent!”

Having worked in some demanding roles, Linda knows how a weekend at The Staging Post should untangle your thoughts. To refresh your mental and physical energy a few day’s retreat allows time for day trips to spectacular Kaikoura or the deliciously warm and invigorating hot pools in Hanmer, both less than an hour’s drive away.

Mike has always enjoyed making various walking trails over the farm. For over 3 decades Linda and Mike have looked after glamping walkers (including 21 years with the Kaikoura Coast Track) who enjoy day hikes and evenings comfortably arranged with a warm shower, a good meal, a glass of wine and a comfortable bed.

Rustic and relaxed hospitality means you can self cater, or B&B guests can graze all day as Linda (our enthusiastic foodie) loves to cook.

As dog owners for over 30 years (on a temporary break) Linda and Mike are happy for you bring your dog, once you’re familiar with the pooch policy. The dog must be uninterested in chooks and sheep of course.

If you’re having trouble deciding, or want to check availability, give Linda a call.

“The Staging Post is my retreat from insanity.
You can choose your level of activity to join in with others, or as we mostly do, just come and relax and enjoy the million dollar view and chill.
Being able to bring our dogs is a bonus as we enjoy their company and the walks in the area are great to exercise them.
In summer the pool is my exercise and we enjoy interacting with owners Linda and Mike, who have always ensured we have an awesome break.
We enjoy the vintage feel of the retreat and there is always something to spend time enjoying at no extra cost.”

— Sue O’Hara, Field Supervisor

The Staging Post, serving good cheer to travellers since 1859