February 10, 2021

Icebreaker at
Middlehurst Station

“It’s beautiful living in the high country, here in the Kaikōura Ranges. The high altitudes and rugged landscapes are perfect for raising hardy merino sheep. We put a lot of effort into breeding our merino stud and are proud of the flock that we’ve grown - now over 11,000 sheep.

We were lucky enough to buy the land, back in the late 90’s. There’s 16,550 hectares throughout the station and 60 hectares that we recently put into a protected QEII Trust (covenant). We want to make sure we are leaving our environment in a better position than when we found it.

We’ve been in partnership with Icebreaker since the beginning of the long-term contracts. It’s a special relationship, working together, because our values are truly aligned - we’re always looking for ways to do things better.

Out here, towards the edge of the section is Hell’s Gate. We often hesitate venturing this far but it’s always worth the trip - especially when you can catch the sun setting over the mountains. There’s nothing quite like it.”

- Susan & Willie Macdonald.

Images were taken with the Sony A7R IV and Sony A7III cameras with the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM lens, the Sony Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZA lens and Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens.

Video was taken with the Sony A7SIII and the Sony 24-70mm GM lens and DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone.