Glendhu Station: Intergenerational Stewardship, Innovation and Environmental Leadership
Nestled between the Motatapu River and the lower Fern Burn, Glendhu Station stands as one of the Upper Clutha’s most compelling examples of intergenerational land stewardship and progressive rural leadership. Under the guidance of landowner John McRae, the station has evolved from a traditional family farm into a diversified, future‑focused rural enterprise—balancing business viability, recreation, ecological restoration, and community connection.
John McRae has spent decades refining Glendhu Station’s land use to ensure long‑term resilience. Diversification has become a cornerstone of this intergenerational property, reducing risk and creating new opportunities that complement the farm’s natural assets.
Building on the station’s pastoral base, Glendhu has embraced an organic farming system, aligning with the region’s growing emphasis on environmental stewardship and market differentiation.
John’s objectives in organic production is to enhance soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and strengthens the station’s story of farming in harmony with its natural landscape—values increasingly sought by consumers and rural communities alike.
Glendhu Woolshed Wedding and Events Venue
Another defining piece of Glendhu Station’s diversification journey is the transformation of the historic Glendhu Woolshed into a sought‑after wedding and events venue. What began as a practical farm building central to shearing and stock work has evolved into a beautifully restored space that honours the station’s heritage while opening new pathways for connection with the wider community.
The woolshed’s redevelopment reflects the same thoughtful philosophy seen across John’s other ventures: respecting the land’s history, adapting existing infrastructure, and creating opportunities that complement both the rural landscape and the station’s core values. Retaining its original timber, character, and rural authenticity, the venue offers couples and event organisers a uniquely Upper Clutha experience—where sweeping views, rustic charm, and the working farm environment come together seamlessly.
By opening the station to weddings and celebrations, John McRae and the Glendhu team have created another revenue stream that supports long‑term resilience while strengthening the bridge between urban visitors, the tourism sector, and local rural life. The woolshed venue also reinforces the idea that farm diversification is not just about land use, but about storytelling, place‑making, and welcoming people into the heart of a living, working landscape.
Glendhu Woolshed wedding venue, the woolshed has been repeatedly featured on prominent venue listings and wedding guides due to its iconic setting, rich heritage, and strong guest experiences. For example:
- The venue is profiled among top Otago wedding venues, celebrated for its rustic charm, lakeside backdrop, and organically certified high‑country setting.
- It also appears on national venue directories such as NZ Venues, highlighting over 15 years of successful weddings, events and family-run hosting history.
Bike Glendhu
Perhaps the most visible expression of diversification is Bike Glendhu, a world‑class mountain biking park developed on station land. Its creation showcases how rural landowners can innovate in recreation and tourism while still operating productive farms.
Bike Glendhu has positioned the station as a major regional attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually and strengthening the connection between Wanaka’s urban residents, tourists, and the farming community.
Glendhu Golf Course & Sensitive Subdivision
Additional diversification includes the development of a golf course and carefully managed subdivision on parts of the property. These initiatives reflect a thoughtful balance between rural character and new economic opportunities—reinforcing Glendhu’s role as a leader in sustainable, mixed‑use rural development.
Environmental Improvement at Scale
While economic diversification has been important, John McRae’s deepest legacy may lie in his commitment to enhancing the health of the land for future generations.
Flagship Wetland Restoration Project
A standout initiative is the large‑scale wetland restoration above the lower Motatapu River and Fern Burn. The project aims to improve freshwater quality, enhance biodiversity, and eventually provide public access and an outdoor classroom for community learning.
With support from WAI Wānaka through MPI Catchment Extension funding, initial fencing was completed, achieving full stock and rabbit exclusion at significantly lower-than-expected cost. Savings were then reinvested into planting and education, further accelerating ecological gains.
Outdoor Classroom & Embracing Te Taiao
The wetland hosted Mount Aspiring Year 8 students from the Embracing Te Taiao on Farm programme—an initiative that connects Year 8 students with real-world environmental projects on farms. As part of this, students helped to plant the wetland and monitor nearby waterways, building understanding of freshwater systems, biodiversity, and the role of farmers as kaitiaki (guardians).
This powerful collaboration not only accelerates restoration at Glendhu but enriches the station’s story as a place of learning and ecological leadership.
Ongoing Biodiversity Enhancements
The wetland restoration is also integrated into wider On-Farm Biodiversity Monitoring, ensuring that improvements in vegetation, water quality and habitat can be tracked and shared. Assuring consumers and the wider community that Glendhu’s commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity outcomes is enduring for years to come.
Shaping the Future: Input into the Upper Clutha Rural Strategy
John McRae has played an important role in shaping the Upper Clutha Rural Strategy 2030, developed with catchment groups and supported by WAI Wānaka through MPI funding. The strategy outlines a shared vision for:
- profitable rural businesses
- strong urban–rural connection
- environmental stewardship
- simple compliance
- engaged and informed farmers
Glendhu Station exemplifies these principles. Its blend of organic farming, recreation enterprises, ecological restoration and community engagement embodies the strategy’s call for diversified, sustainable, and connected rural businesses.
Partnership with WAI Wānaka
A recurring theme across Glendhu’s journey is partnership—particularly with WAI Wānaka, whose support has been instrumental in:
- Wetland fencing and restoration funding
- Biodiversity monitoring
- Education programmes
- Catchment group leadership and coordination
- Data-driven farm and environmental planning
These collaborations strengthen not only Glendhu Station’s outcomes, but the entire Upper Clutha rural community.
Glendhu Station demonstrates what’s possible when intergenerational farming heritage meets innovation and environmental responsibility. Under John McRae’s stewardship, the station is:
- economically diverse
- environmentally ambitious
- community-connected
- aligned with regional rural strategy
- positioned as a living example of sustainable land use
As the Upper Clutha moves toward 2030, Glendhu stands as a model of how rural businesses can adapt, diversify, and lead—ensuring that farming remains a vibrant, valued part of the region’s identity and economy.
Learn more about WAI Wānaka’s biodiversity and freshwater monitoring and rural collaboration initiatives.