The Old Avoca Homestead was built in 1906. In 2007 it was extensively restored in keeping with the original homestead and provides a great opportunity to relive life on a remote station over a 100 years ago.
Avoca Station was one of the most inaccessible stations in the Waimakariri Basin. The original run lay north of Broken River and was enlarged in 1904 by adding a block on the south bank taken from the Mt Torlesse run.
In 1917, Avoca was incorporated into Flock Hill. The old Avoca was taken up by Charles Harper, son of the Bishop of Christchurch. He shore sheep on the property and brother George packed the wool out on bullocks, three sacks each, then sledged it over Porters Pass.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.
About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
- Starting at the junction of SH73 and Craigieburn road, drive for about 20 km down the Craigieburn Road. Leave all farm gates as found.
- Park at the designated carpark.
- There is a locked gate 150 m further on the road. Vehicles are not allowed beyond this locked gate.
- Continue past the locked gate on foot or bike until Broken River.
- You'll need to ford the Broken River to get to Avoca Homestead.
Location
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1508619, N5216976
There are farm gates along the Craigieburn Road – ensure you leave them as you find them.
The Craigieburn Road crosses the railway line and runs alongside it at several places. Take care as this railway line is used often by trains. Vehicles are no longer allowed beyond the locked gate at the end of Craigieburn Road.
Any vehicle on the track after the gate is trespassing.
Broken River requires crossing on foot. It can be up to 500 mm in places but will be uncrossable if river levels are high.
Stay safe when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 318 9211 |
| Email: | arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |