I’M DARREN, FOUNDER OF AVON VALLEY LODGE
From amateur chef, to bee keeper, to custodian of this land…I’m happy to add ‘host’ to the list.
I’ve always had a love of the land, of hunting and adventure. And growing up in rural New Zealand, with a barefoot childhood - getting up to mischief in the bush with my siblings, there was one other lifelong passion that was brewing: FOOD.
As a young child, our mum would set us to work in the kitchen, peeling potatoes, chopping vegetables and even rostered each of us to cook once a week for the family. Dad would be off on weekend adventures, and bring home fresh crayfish, a deer or pig from his time away.
Nothing was wasted and everything was made from scratch - yes, even pasta (no Kraft Mac’n’ Cheese in sight).
So after I finished my career as an apiarist and built a successful native NZ honey brand, I knew it was time to create an experience with all three of my passions:
Our beautiful NZ landscape, sharing unique experiences with the world and mind-blowing food.
Which is where Avon Valley Lodge come in.
After a career in the honey industry, I’ve spent 8years building our idyllic slice of NZ with my family. It’s home to 5000 acres of rolling hill country, with the Teme river running through the plains, and beautiful native forest as far as the eye can see.
But it wasn’t enough to just have the most idyllic piece of land, and share it with visitors from all over the world, I wanted to offer the best culinary experience of their lives, too. Which is where Chef Mark comes in.
Just like me, and just like my mother, he has a passion for foraging seasonal produce, and utilising every part of the animal, vegetable or fruit. He’s award-winning, and his creations are truly exceptional (and yes, I’m biased - for good reason).
Combining a truly gourmet experience, with warm-hearted hospitality and unique New Zealand adventures is what Avon Valley Lodge is all about.
I’d love to welcome you to our beautiful land - can’t wait to meet you!
Meet the team.
Carrie
Customer Experience Manager
Darren
Ranch Owner
Mark
Executive Chef
VISIT NEW ZEALAND
About our lodge.
The Teme river runs alongside our beautiful lodge, and nestled amongst the valleys and Manuka forest, you’ll find beehives operating to make our famous NZ honey.
100% New Zealand owned and operated, Avon Valley Lodge is run in conjunction with our working sheep and beef and deer properties.
Find us on the map.
Central to New Zealand, Marlborough’s the gateway to both the North and South Islands, and just a 90 minute flight from Auckland (flying into nearby Blenheim).
But what about the weather, you ask? Marlborough regularly wins ‘sunniest town in NZ’, so rest assured, golf and hiking’s always on the cards when you visit New Zealand at Avon Valley Lodge.
Visit New Zealand and follow our adventures here: @avonvalleylodge