We booked this place as a mini break after a long period on the road camping in a tiny tent. We were more than satisfied with all the amenities, and wonderful wine that we were recommended with our takeaway dinner and our breakfast in the morning (wine with the dinner not the breakfast!). However, what really made this stay exceptional was the help offered when our rental car broke. We personally know very little about cars, but our hosts were quick to diagnose the issue, and helped with calling the rental company and finding a mechanic - basically did everything! Made for a far less stressful experience than it definitely would've been. We appreciate the help so much, as the hosts definitely went out of their way to help us, taking a lot of time out of their day. Thanks again!

John and Suzanne are incredibly nice, and we enjoyed our stay thanks to their exceptional hospitality. We had a dinner with other guests, and they welcomed us altogether. Not to mention wine was great, food from John’s vegetable yard, and prepared by Suzanne was the best cuisine we ever had in New Zealand. The property has a wonderful view, and there are chairs and tables outside so that guests can spend their relaxing time there too.

Our room was in a gorgeous location, overlooking a sunny vineyard, just a short drive to the centre of Alexandra. Breakfast was excellent, but what was really outstanding was the dinner prepared by our hostess, featuring a lot of produce from their own extensive vegetable garden. It was definitely one of the best meals we have ever had in New Zealand! Our only regret was that we couldn’t stay another night.

Everything was 😊. We loved the accommodation very much and thoroughly enjoyed sleeping within a vineyard. In the evening we had a great Pinot noir from the host’s vineyard. The breakfast had a lot of choice and many things were homemade. To hear bellbirds was also special.

Everything was just perfect. It’s beautiful, warm, and clean. From the start, Suzanne and John warmly welcome you and make your stay even better. Breakfast was delicious. Here’s a tip: book for more than one night, as you’ll be sad when leaving. I’m so happy that we found this place.

John&Suzanne are two wonderful people, so warm and welcoming. It was so nice to spend a night at their amazing property! They put up the Norwegian flag at their front gate, just for me, the bed was super comfortable, the breakfast was amazing - I could just go on…! Highly recommended!!!

Nothing

John and Suzanne were great people. We really liked them, and they were such great hosts. Food was top-notch, wine was excellent, and their property and accommodation were lovely. We would book with them in a heartbeat again. Amazing people!!

Leaving when our stay had ended

I enjoyed every minute of my stay with Suzanne and John. They were friendly, kind and provided excellent accommodation and a first class central otago experience. I was very appreciative of their warm friendship, and high standard of hospitality.

Hawkdun Rise is located on the outskirts of Alexandra a quaint village with a beautiful river running through the middle. however, Suzanne and John directed us to the historical village of Clyde and later Cromwell enroute to Queenstown. These villages are a must see with excellent restaurants, bars and history aplenty.

Our visit would only have been improved by staying a night or two extra.

Truly lovely experience - staying at the Vineyard feels like a real treat. The hosts are lovely and welcoming and we enjoyed chatting to them and the other guests, the location and room are beautiful, and the breakfast was great (as was the wine!). We even got to pick our own raspberries for breakfast! We would recommend this place to anyone at all in the area.