Rose Creek Farm

Tucked away in the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago, Rose Creek Farm offers a unique blend of old-world charm and innovative agritourism. Owned and operated by the Peake family - Leigh-Anne, Andrew, and their son Nathan - this estate showcases their journey from Cambridge hobby farmers to multifaceted rural entrepreneurs.

Set against the backdrop of the region’s striking alpine scenery, Rose Creek Farm is more than just a working vineyard; it is a popular destination for visitors seeking an immersive glimpse into rural New Zealand life. The farm operates a vineyard, a beloved B&B, and a renowned farm tour experience featuring the charming Valais Blacknose sheep.

Originally hailing from Cambridge, the Peake family’s move south was more than just a change of scenery - it was a significant shift in lifestyle. “We’ve owned Rose Creek Farm for 17 years, and it’s been a working vineyard the whole time, but there wasn’t a house on it,” Leigh-Anne recalled. “About six and a half years ago, we bought a two-story, earthquake-damaged house out of Christchurch and had it trucked down in seven pieces. It took three years to put it back together, and three and a half years ago, we made the move with our horses, dogs, and flock of sheep.” The relocation was a massive undertaking, marking the start of their new life in Central Otago.

This challenging relocation was just the beginning of their journey. “Our property is diverse. We harvest about 40 tonnes of grapes, make our own wine, and also sell fruit to Matua. We provide wine tastings, and our wine, Three Peakes, is also available for purchase. The views are perfect for photography, and our cottage is a hit as a B&B, where we also offer an option of dining with us. Many of our guests start taking photos before they even get out of their cars. For those interested, farm duties and horse rides are on offer, making the experience truly interactive, and with our chickens being heritage breeds, they provide us with a rainbow of egg colours, from white, to green, cream, and brown, which guests find fascinating.” Yet, the most popular attraction is undoubtedly the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Valais Blacknose sheep.”

These sheep, known for their endearing appearance and friendly demeanour, have become a central feature of the farm. However, acquiring them wasn’t easy. Leigh-Anne first spotted the Valais Blacknose sheep online and knew she had to have them. However, the process wasn’t simple.

“It took us three years to acquire the sheep because of the rigorous disease testing required for the donor ewe, ram, and embryos. We couldn’t pass all the tests initially, but after three years, we finally did. The wait was long, but it was worth it.” The family imported 35 Valais Blacknose sheep embryos from the UK, resulting in 25 live lambs. “We’ve been breeding them ourselves ever since,” said Leigh-Anne.

The Valais Blacknose sheep have become the cornerstone of their farm tours, drawing visitors eager to experience the charm of these cuddly creatures. The idea for farm tours began when the Peakes lived in Cambridge. Leigh-Anne recalled, “We entered the sheep in the local Christmas Parade, thinking it would be fun. After the parade, the I-Site approached us and asked if we’d be interested in offering tours. They came to see the property and suggested a half-hour tour. We thought, ‘Why not?’”. The tours quickly became popular, and when the family relocated to the vineyard, they decided to continue offering them under their own steam. Leigh-Anne took an agritourism course through Agritourism New Zealand, upgraded their website and booking systems, and the tours are now fully managed by the family.

Leigh-Anne’s passion for agritourism is evident in the care she puts into planning each tour. “They last about an hour and a half, and we walk around the farm. It’s hard to imagine, but we meet people who have never touched an animal before. Here, they can hug sheep, lead a pony, feed a horse, pat a pug, and watch a chicken navigate a foot-operated grain feeder. Many tourists tell us that our farm tour was the highlight of their New Zealand trip. We love being able to provide such a special and unique experience”.

The tours are not only enjoyable but also educational. Visitors learn about the intricacies of vineyard management, the lifecycle of chickens, and the fascinating world of bees - an experience that is surprisingly novel for many international visitors.

Of course, the Peakes have faced their share of challenges over the years - Central Otago’s arid conditions mean insufficient rainfall, making fertilisation and vineyard management difficult. “There’s never enough rain in Central Otago, though we say that with a bit of tongue and cheek, having lived in the Waikato where we were always hoping it would stop raining,” Leigh-Anne quipped. Additionally, the cost of managing the vineyard often outweighs the revenue from grape sales, prompting the Peakes to focus on increasing direct wine sales and reducing non-technical labour costs.

Pests have also been a persistent issue. “Rabbits have been particularly troublesome, damaging our newly planted lavender and silver tussocks,” Leigh-Anne shared. The Peakes have implemented various control measures, including fencing and poison bait stations.

Wild cats have also targeted their beloved chickens, necessitating further fencing and the purchase of new pullets. Managing the coarse wool of their Valais sheep presents another challenge, with transport costs often outweighing the benefits of wool sales. However, the Peakes have found a niche market for felted and woven products, which tourists are all too happy to purchase.

Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their farming practices. “We planted a couple of tonnes of regenerative seeds in the pasture, and were excited to see all sorts of things sprout up, but they eventually failed in our harsh dry environment,” Leigh-Anne explained. “Much to our neighbours’ amusement, we planted dozens of shade trees and carried buckets of water to them over the summer months. We’re members of Sustainable Winegrowers and follow their practices. We’re not an organic vineyard because our steep hill block soils are fragile and wind-exposed, so tilling under the rows for weed management would result in no soil at all in no time. We continue to use herbicide under the rows, we don’t overgraze the pastures and have a no-drench policy. We use our waste wool as mulch under trees and have planted many shade trees across the farm. Our sheep graze the vineyards post-harvest until bud burst, which means we don’t need to mow for five or six months of the year.”

For the Peakes, managing mental health and finding time for family hobbies is essential. They enjoy riding horses, visiting other wineries, and engaging in the local hunting scene. Additionally, interactions with tourists provide fresh stories and experiences, while time spent off-farm helps the family recharge. Despite the demands of running a farm, the Peakes will always find time to make the most of living in the spectacular Central Otago region.

The success of Rose Creek Farm lies in its unique blend of tradition, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality. Andrew, Leigh-Anne, and Nathan Peake have created a place where the joys of rural living are shared with visitors from near and far, making each experience at Rose Creek Farm a memorable one. As Leigh-Anne herself says, “We take everything for granted, ridiculously,” but at Rose Creek Farm every day is a reminder of the joy that comes from living close to the land. And as a guest, whether you’re sipping their award-winning pinot noir wine, snuggling with a Valais Blacknose sheep, or simply soaking in the serene landscape, a visit to Rose Creek Farm offers an authentic taste of Central Otago’s charm and the Peake family hospitality.