The area
Mt Watkins is a 1436ha rolling hill country farm dissected by the Waikouaiti River. Its home to approx. 4000 Romdale Ewes and 300 Angus Cattle. The farm is a mix of rolling paddock country, tussock blocks and steep river faces, with many beautiful natural features including pockets of NZ native trees, creeks, the North Branch of the Waikouaiti River and the Mt Watkins Wetland.
Mount Watkin / Hikaroroa
Mount Watkin/Hikaroroa is the 616m peak that sits proudly to the West of Waikouaiti and requires guests to curl around its side on their journey to Fallow Ridge Retreat.
The peak was originally named Hikaroroa, after a Kati-Mamoe warrior and was renamed after a pioneer Methodist missionary, Reverend James Watkin in the 1840s. The name was changed to "Mount Watkin/Hikaroroa" in 1998.
The mountain boasts spectacular views, boulder fields and stunning matai, ribbonwood and kowhai forest. It is regarded as probably the best remaining example of dry coastal forest in Otago. It is also classified as a Significant Natural Landscape.
The wider area
There is a lot to do not far from our door here at Fallow Ridge Retreat. Take a look at our list of suggested activites to make the most of your stay with us.
