Just when you think there is nothing new to experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, along comes The Lindis Group with its stunning Canterbury dining experience.
A long way off the beaten track is The Black Diamond — a purpose built, and quintessentially the Lindis, private fine-dining experience.
It catches its own water, generates its own power, creates its own heating; it’s a very unique structure in that sense, and as a small building so extremely efficient.
A structure unlike any other, the Black Diamond is nestled in the mountains with uninterrupted views of the Ahuriri valley below. All elements of the experience are tailored to suit the needs of the guest from the cuisine to the transport. While The Black Diamond has been developed to encourage relaxation, getting there can be as thrilling or as leisurely as one wants, with the option to arrive via horseback, e-bike, foot or private transfer.
You will begin with a guided horse-trek, in proper high country station-style, into the remote reaches of the Ahuriri valley (motor vehicle or hiking options are also available). Upon arrival at the site, you will be served a glass of Louis Roederer Collection Champagne followed by a selection of canapés, while you soak in the views and await a chef prepared 3-course lunch.
The structure itself denotes a restrained beauty, with a singular peaked roof, sun drenched patio area, and full-glass front allowing uninterrupted views down the valley. The Black Diamond in skiing terms indicates challenge, adventure, and reward — and The Black Diamond Experience at The Lindis delivers exactly that — albeit in this case, drenched in tranquil luxury.
Within the valley lies the Ahuriri Conservation Park expanding over 49,000 hectares.Spectacular scenery and ease of access makes the valley and conservation park a popular destination for recreation. From The Lindis, you will often see local fishermen fishing for trout in the summer months with the river being a famous fly fishing spot.
The Lindis lodge is located on Canterbury’s Ben Avon Station, occupying over 6000 acres within the Ahuriri Valley. Longslip Station, the neighbouring working farm, runs merino sheep and angus bulls, using Ben Avon to graze.
The Ahuriri valley is named after the Ngāi Tahu chief, Tu Ahuriri. Maori used the valley as a route to the West Coast (for collecting greenstone/pounamu) and travelled via Canyon Creek, Hunter valley and Hāwea (although the easier route over Lindis Pass was preferred).
In the late 1800s there were three pastoral lease runs within the Ahuriri valley; Birchwood, Ben Avon and Longslip stations. In 1873 the high-country run called Birchwood was farmed and described as being ‘more suitable for keas than sheep’. The Birchwood run had been managed by a succession of runholders when Edgar Williamson took control of the lease in 1942.
In 1951 the Williamson family purchased Birchwood with Ron & Jennifer Williamson continuing the farming legacy. In 2004 the station was bought by the Nature Heritage Fund to protect the natural landscape and secure public access up the valley.
Ahuriri Valley
1490 Birchwood Road
Ahuriri Valley 9412
www.thelindisgroup.com/experience/thelindis/the-black-diamond-signature-experience
