About the lodge
In 1964 the original Mt Potts homestead, shearers’ quarters and wool-shed were converted into an accommodation, events and function venue. Today, Mt Potts Lodge is Canterbury’s most remote lodge-style accommodation on a working high country station, nestled in the heart of the harsh and hauntingly beautiful Southern Alps.
The lodge is sited in the world-famous Ashburton Lakes District, only 20 minutes’ or 11 kilometers drive to Lake Clearwater – an outdoor recreational playground offering fishing, kayaking, ice skating, 4W driving, horse riding, tramping, climbing, photography, bird watching and more.
Bordering the Main Divide and Mt Cook National Park, the Mt Potts region is world-renowned for alpine game hunting, and the nearby headwaters of the mighty Rangitata River is famous for salmon and rainbow trout fishing.
Mt Potts Lodge is just over an hour’s drive (74.3 km) from Methven, and a two hour and 20 minutes drive (155.9 km) from Christchurch.
The Lodge
Mt Potts Lodge is the perfect venue to host your wedding, private function, corporate retreat or event. It offers a range of hotel-style en-suite studios, boutique cottages, plus camping facilities.
Flexible accommodation options means the lodge can accommodate groups of up to 40 people, making it the perfect venue for a breath-taking South Island high country getaway whether you’re a solo traveler, family or large group.
Since purchasing Mt Potts Station in 2011, we have made steady improvements to offer our guests a truly unique experience at an affordable price. The rustic farm lodge has a licensed bar, pool table, flat screen television and large dinning area that flows seamlessly onto an elevated outdoor entertaining area.
Guests can take in the rich alpine landscape and stunning mountain views. The high peaks tower above freezing point offering a permanent snowline year-round. Our resident Scottish Highland bull, who resides in the paddock adjacent to the lodge, will be the first to greet you upon arrival and he’s happy to be hand fed and have his photo taken.
Weddings and Functions
Mt Potts Lodge is open year-round for corporate retreats, weddings, group events and private functions. Bookings are essential. Guests are also welcome to self-cater using our commercial kitchen. Our licensed bar also offers a great selection of beverages including locally produced wine and beer.
Mt Sunday
Located a short drive from Mt Potts Lodge is the wild, rocky terrain of Mt Sunday. Located on Mt Potts Station, the roche moutoné of Mt Sunday (a low rounded hill shaped by a glacier) was made world-famous as the site of ‘Edoras’ – the fortress city of the people of Rohan – in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Guests can hike to the top of Mt Sunday at their own leisure, book a guided tour or ride to the base of the mountain on horseback. For fans of the Lord of the Rings franchise, this is an iconic ‘must see’ landmark. Mt Sunday gained its name because boundary riders from the surrounding high country stations used to meet there every Sunday.
The Farm
Mt Potts Station is a 1197 hectare working cattle farm, running more than 400 cows with over 300 calves at foot, as well as bulls, goats, deer and stags. The total stock count is 3918 but this will increase to 5200 due to an additional 200 hinds and 800 ewes taking up residence.
