History

Mt Huia is the historical name of this sheep and cattle station which was cleared of native trees in the late 1800's to make it possible to develop pastureland and establish production of lamb, beef and wool. With division of the property and changing ownership, Mt Huia now comprises 867 acres (351 hectares) and carries 2940 sheep and 280 cattle.

This high country station is named ‘Mt Huia after the Huia bird which is now extinct but the last reported sightings of it were in this area. The Huia was unique in that it is the only bird in the world in which the bills of the male and female are different in size and shape. Pairs of Huia coexisted as a team in the dense forest canopy of the mountain ranges of the south east North Island, and with the males short stout bill and females long slender bill, each was able to access different food sources. Their feathers and beaks were prized chiefly ornaments, and over-hunting and clear felling of native forests were two factors in their eventual extinction.
 
Characteristics

Fortunately many stands of native trees still remain, some in large reserves and others in conservation pockets throughout the farm. Along with sheer sandstone cliffs, deep river gorges, majestic mountain ranges and stunning scenery, they characterise the Rangitikei and Northern Manawatu regions in which Mt Huia is located.

The Mangawharariki River forms one boundary of the farm, and is immediately below Hodd Cottage, with private access to secluded picnic areas and superb swimming holes. It is a tributary of the Rangitikei River, just a few kilometres from Mt Huia and the location for rafting, kayaking, jet boating and fishing.

At 500m above sea level Mt Huia enjoys four distinct seasons, but as New Zealand is made up of small islands in large oceans, many variations in weather pattern can occur. The area has beautiful still Autumn days, and fabulous leaf colours; Summers can be hot and dry but always the evenings are cooler; and it does snow at Mt Huia in Winter - generally 3 to 4 falls a year which stay on the ground no more than two days. The lambs and flowering bulbs of Spring are always a welcome sight!

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