Hunting, accommodation and high-country farming in a small, unspoiled piece of South Island paradise.
Situated right in the centre of the South Island, surrounded by the majestic Two Thumb range and the huge braided Rangitata River.
Mesopotamia is a working merino sheep, deer and cattle station in the high-country headwaters of the Rangitata gorge - just over 15,000 acres, plus a further 50,000 acres of hunting and tourism concession land, rising from around 457m (1,800ft) on the valley floor to 2,660m (7,500ft) at the tops.
Alongside the farm, we welcome guests for hunting, accommodation and a whole range of high-country experiences. It's a small, unspoiled piece of South Island paradise, run by the Prouting family since 1945.
Discover what's here
The braided Rangitata
Free-range, helicopter drop and safari hunts across 72,000 acres - bull tahr, chamois, red deer and more.
Explore hunting
The Hunters Lodge - a luxury high-country stay in a secluded garden of impressive Oregon Pines, four ensuite bedrooms sleeping 11.
See the lodge
Fishing, horse trekking, heli-tours, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and more in some of NZ's most remote country.
Browse activitiesWith 72,000 acres of prime hunting, we provide free-range, helicopter drop and safari hunts - with all options to suit. Hunt bull tahr, buck fallow, red deer and chamois in genuinely wild high country.
Also available with your big game hunt: pigs, wallaby, rabbits, hares, possum, game birds and fishing.
Every hunt is built around you. A typical package includes:
A luxury high-country lodge - quiet and secluded, yet right in the centre of all the activities. The lodge sits in a private garden set amongst impressive Oregon Pines, with four ensuite bedrooms and a large lounge and dining room warmed by a log fire.
From the river to the tops, there's an adventure for every guest.
The Rangitata and its tributaries offer excellent salmon and trout fishing. Fish independently or arrange a guided flyout to remote tarns with a picnic.
Bring your own horses for valley rides or braided-river treks. Advanced riders can stay overnight at mustering huts with camp cooking and fire-warmed bathing.
The station has its own MD NOTAR helicopter - perfect for a bird's-eye view of the breathtaking scenery, viewing Lord of the Rings filming locations, and helicopter drop-off with a hiking return.
Plan a multi-day trip into some of New Zealand's most spectacular and remote country, staying in one of our back-country mustering huts.
From day trips up the Rangitata valley to extended backcountry adventures - heli-biking options available too.
Enjoy a day trip with the famous Hidden Valleys Rafting, or jet boat the river in your own jet boat. Winter heli-skiing and heli-boarding in the Two Thumb range on request.
Also on offer: winter heli-skiing & heli-boarding in the Two Thumb range - just ask.
Prefer a guided trip? Book an alpine stay with Alpine Huts @ Mt Potts, or make the station part of an Alps 2 Ocean guided high-country tour.
From the braided river and golden tussock to the tahr on the tops - a glimpse of Mesopotamia.
"Mesopotamia" comes from the Middle East and means "the land between two rivers" - a name given by the English writer Samuel Butler in 1860, because the station sits between the Rangitata and Forest Creek.
Butler, famous for his satire Erewhon, first occupied a small 'V' hut at Forest Creek before moving to the present homestead site two months later, establishing the station in 1860.
Later runholders included the Campbell brothers and George McMillan. Malcolm Prouting bought Mesopotamia in 1945, and the Prouting family farm it to this day. Guests can explore the original homestead remains, Samuel Butler memorabilia, and walk to the original 'V' hut site.
Airstrip coordinates: S 43° 38' 44" E 170° 54' 02"
Five-star words from families, hunters and travellers who've stayed on the station.
"Had a ball staying with a group at The Cookhouse & riding our horses on some great rides round the station. An awesome part of NZ high country, and we met the awesome shepherds and owners. A unique experience for us Coasters who have no hills at all. Highly recommend."
"We had a family visit to Mesopotamia early Jan 2021. What a fantastic place and Sue is a great host. She included the kids in the farm activities with the horses, calves, chickens and dogs, and even let us shoot bunnies on the property."
"Truly a part of the country that is magical, with stunning views. Have had the privilege of visiting this amazing country on many occasions."
"Wonderful weekend here once again. Such an amazing place to stay amongst the beautiful New Zealand scenery."
"Always a pleasure to see the Prouts, Sue and the team on a visit. First class kiwi hospitality."
"Best place in the world. You'll never meet anyone nicer than the members of the Prouting family."
Please contact us with any enquiry about hunting, accommodation or any other activities at Mesopotamia Station.
Get in touch about hunting, accommodation or any of the activities at Mesopotamia Station.
Call 03 696 3738 Email info@mesopotamia.co.nz