When the Winton Group purchased the 160-year-old Ayrburn farm near Arrowtown the vision was to re-open the historic property to the community to allow people to enjoy the beauty, heritage and traditional hospitality associated with the area.

“Our team has done a fantastic job of bringing this vision to life by recreating buildings with respect for the original farm and creating spaces where people can come together. From the design and art and the inviting cosy nooks to the wine and food experiences it has become a place for local residents and visitors to enjoy,” says CEO Chris Meehan.

Ayrburn is the district’s newest hospitality quarter and the restoration of original stone farm buildings took some five years to complete before the precinct opened.

The property includes a spectacular waterfall, a restored creek, extensive gardens, cycling and walking tracks, a vineyard and an outdoor events area known as The Dell.

The first anniversary will be celebrated in December and Chris says while there has always been a focus on locals there is a growing awareness of Ayrburn across the country and internationally.

“We know that Aucklanders are reserving a table here as soon as they book their Queenstown holiday and we have also welcomed thousands of Australian visitors during the year along with many American and Asian tourists.”

Eat Drink & Play

 Ayrburn is all about hospitality and ten outlets are eventually planned with the stylish Woolshed Restaurant, the Manure Room wine cellar, the upmarket Burr Bar, the Barrel Room which is a combination wine tasting venue, restaurant and private event space and The Dairy ice-cream store already open.

“ We saw an opportunity to transform the historic farm buildings into restaurants as part of our wider project,” says Winton CEO Chris Meehan. “ Next to come on stream is The Bakehouse which is scheduled to open this summer and will be a casual relaxed venue selling coffee, woodfired pizza and pastries. Opening at the same time is RM Specialty Meats which is an artisan butchery continuing the Ayrburn legacy of sourcing the region’s finest products.”

Guru GM

 Ayrburn’s recently appointed general manager Kieran Turnbull did not have to think twice about taking on the new and exciting role.

“ The Winton team have created something truly exceptional at Ayrburn and there is still more to come. The opportunity to be part of this special place was too good to turn down”.

 Kieran’s roots are entrenched in the south growing up in Wānaka in a hospitality focused family.

 He has a high-profile reputation in the industry and his portfolio includes the Good Group in Queenstown and later the Nourish Group of which he was appointed general manager when it became Foley Hospitality.

 Winton CEO Chris Meehan welcomes Kieran’s appointment.

 “ I appreciate his experience, knowledge and passion for hospitality and his dedication to delivering an all in good time at Ayrburn for every single visitor.”