High Peak Game Estate

Our Story

The story of High Peak is an interesting one, best told in front of the fire at the Homestead. Below is a brief run down on how we came to be doing what we love.

A Philosophy of Quality.

Central to the High Peak story has been the notion of quality. This one word rules everything we do. In terms of hunting, this means a top quality experience in every aspect – from lodging and client safety to the hunt itself and the quality of the trophy animals on offer. Hosting limited numbers of guests, often in total exclusivity, allows us to focus on, and deliver, exactly that.

A Family with History.

Originally from Scotland, the Guild family has a proud New Zealand farming history dating back to 1840. After seven generations, this bond to the land remains as strong as ever. Since purchasing a largely undeveloped High Peak in 1973, James and Anna Guild have spent the last forty years realising the station’s potential, transforming the property into one of the region’s premier farms and hunting destinations.

Transformation to an Exclusive Destination.

High Peak Game Estate was established in 1986, initially as a venue and trophy herd for outfitters to hunt with their clients. However, over the past few seasons, we have radically altered this approach based on our aspirations to offer the most rewarding overall hunting experience in the country. We now host our own clients, often in total privacy at what we believe is New Zealand’s most personalised, premium hunting destination.

High Peak in the Hunting Community.

As an established, community-minded enterprise, we believe in giving back to the hunting and outdoor community. High Peak is involved with a number of charities and fundraising organisations, including Disabled Hunting New Zealand (DHNZ) and the Step Ahead Trust. We work closely with the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) to provide a venue for their young hunter training (HUNTS) courses and are active supporters of responsible game and land management practices in New Zealand and globally.

High Peak in the Hunting Industry.

High Peak is heavily involved in the betterment of the New Zealand hunting industry. James Guild formed the New Zealand Association of Game Estates (NZAGE), of which he is the current President. High Peak was the first property to be audited and approved according to the NZAGE’s strict criteria. James is also the current chairman of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, charged with managing over 250,000 acres of open space conservation land in New Zealand. Both Simon and Hamish are members of the New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association (NZPHGA) with Simon serving on the Executive Teams of both the NZAGE and NZPHGA.

Looking to the Future.

As we look to the future, our commitment to the industry through a dedicated family approach is evident as Simon and Hamish take on the management of the hunting and farming operations respectively. With three generations of Guilds living on the property, this structure is unique in New Zealand and ensures our clients experience a completely personalised approach that only a family with a history and traditions tied to the land can offer.