Based on a country garden concept, the large London Hill Gardens allows the powers of nature - whether sun, shade, rain or wind - to be enjoyed amidst special plantings and panoramic views of the rural landscape.

By retaining previous owners' contributions to the property - buildings, pathways, steps and stonewalls - the Burkharts have created a memorial to the pioneers who made the long trips with their animals to the Flaxbourne region. Roses, lavender and catmint are features in the garden today and its natural terrain suits those who love to explore, or just sit and soak in the beauty and peace of the surrounding countryside.

Early musterers knew the area as the Far London Block on Flaxbourne Station. The station was the first major sheep run in the South Island, established in 1847 by Clifford and Weld who imported 3000 sheep from Sydney on the ships London and Bee. Arriving at Port Underwood, the animals were herded over the undeveloped landscape and forced to swim across several main rivers.

By 1879, Flaxbourne Station covered 72,000 acres (29,138ha) and was grazing more than 60,000 sheep. In 1905, 45,000 acres (18,211ha) was purchased by the Government and subdivided into 80 farms. Most of the remaining land was bought for further division in 1913.

London Hill was part of the 1312 acre (531ha) block obtained by John Cunningham in the 1905 Ballot. Previously a chief builder with the railways, he followed two railway house design plans and built the wooden homestead (circa 1906) using New Zealand heart rimu.

Because the ship London originally ferried early settlers from England, Europe and Australia to New Zealand for the New Zealand Company, the London Hill Gardens have been given sailing ship and sea concepts. Narrow pathways link its varying levels to mirror the alleyways between nautical decks, while the rolling, uneven land around the gardens can be compared to the sea.

Magnificent views are enjoyed throughout the gardens, especially from the lookout on Pudding Hill, where regularly brisk winds are not unlike those experienced on sailing ships. Lake views enhance the visitor's experience and the majestic Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885m) rises up from the surrounding countryside.

Lake Elterwater (known by Maori as Lake Okainga, meaning place of plenty food) was renowned for its plentiful supply of eels, freshwater mussels and bird life. In the life of local historian Jack Taylor, it has dried up three times (about every 20 years). His book, Flaxbourne - Its people and their stories, is an inexpensive enjoyable read.

We hope you enjoy your London Hill experience.