The Snowgrass Hut: Where Adventure Meets Comfort
Turn off the main road and disappear into the foothills as you’re welcomed to Inverary Station. Within a minute, the hustle and bustle of the main road disappears and it’s just you, open skies, wide valleys, braided rivers, and rugged mountain ranges. At the end of the road lies the Snowgrass Hut. This simple, sturdy, elegant building is made for simple enjoyment, whether that be lighting the fire and reading, or taking in the breathtaking views from the covered deck.
John and Anne Chapman, who own Inverary Station, were excited to open the Snowgrass Hut in February. “It’s something we’ve wanted to do for years,” John said. “It’s such a special, stunning place and you don’t have to drive up a shingle road for an hour, it’s right there.”
A keen hiker and nature enthusiast, the architect designed the hut in response to the landscape. “The sloping roof makes it feel like you’re tucked under a rock ledge, looking out at the mountains and valleys,” John explained. “It’s somewhere you can come to see but not be seen.”
Often when you venture away from town, you have to trade off Wi-Fi for peace, but not here. The Snowgrass Hut is a modern approach to the back country hut with running hot water, Wi-Fi, electric blankets, and flushing toilets. There are several hikes across the property, ranging from half an hour to half a day. Two e-bikes make adventuring easy, and there’s a full kitchen & BBQ. And the best part? After a big day, ease yourself into an outdoor bath that takes just ten minutes to fill.
Inverary Station is much more than just the Snowgrass Hut. The sheep and beef farm expands over 4,250 hectares and has been in the Chapman family for almost 100 years. The station is committed to conservation, fencing off flax wetlands and creating a reserve of native trees and shrubs grown from seeds collected across the property. Animal welfare is always at the centre of their farming approach; whatever is best for the animals is best for the farm.
When the Chapmans first considered building the Snowgrass Hut, they discussed the idea with Nick Walls, Partner. “Nick was extremely supportive, an active user / devotee. He was encouraging, giving us advice on pricing and the like,” John said. “He’s really great to work with.” In 2022, Nick was instrumental in the team that put together an equity farming partnership between the Chapman family and Bert and Kate Oliver, who run the farm and the hut.
The Chapmans have worked with Leech & Partners for over 25 years. “They are consistently good,” John said. “A very well-rounded firm who is focused on the bigger picture, not just the financial reporting and tax returns.”
It’s an easy drive to get to Inverary, taking less than 90 minutes from Christchurch or 40 minutes from Ashburton. The Chapmans have kindly offered a 25% discount on a two-night stay for Leech & Partners clients and staff between now and 30th September. Use code “Leech 2025” at www.goabovebeyond.com to get away and pause, observe, and enjoy the moment.
