Greetings

What's all the fuss about?

Since 2009 we have been practising natural living. Our actions and activities focus on establishing and refining a low impact, enjoyable and meaningful existence that works in harmony with natural systems.

Be the change

Motivated by the converging problems of environmental degradation, over population, peak oil and climate change, we employ permaculture principals and philosophies to develop resilient living systems with a focus on biological environmental restoration, food production and living in balance with nature.

Educate yourself about these important topics or come visit, learn or work with us at blockhill.

About

Welcome to visitors and guests

Want to learn more or see things up close and personal? Come visit, relax, learn and enjoy.

We offer a number of different options for people looking to visit, stay, learn and work.

Grow your knowledge and self reliance skills with activities & workshops

Learn more about sustainable living and organic gardening, energy efficiency and permaculture design. Explore, discuss and take part in practical, land based activities.
We offer a selection of informative and educational activities and workshops for individuals and small groups.

Day trip activities

Participate and learn

Since 2012 we have been sharing our knowledge, produce and lifestyle with motivated volunteers.

If you'd like to come and stay and help out with our day-to-day activities, we happily exchange some of your time and efforts throughout the day for education, inspiration and comfortable accommodation surrounded by the permaculture food forest garden.

Volunteer exchange

Weekend Experience

An overview of forest gardening, water and land management,

A personalised experience that will inspire and feed your creativity.

$490 (includes 2 nights accommodation)

Weekend Experience

Where are we

Blockhill is located between Kaikoura, Cheviot and Hanmer Springs, about 2 hours scenic driving North of Christchurch.
You'll find us easily with mobile mapping and driving directions

View map How to get here

Natural living

Seeking a better way to inhabit the earth

food forest - gardening the permaculture way

A food forest includes a diverse range of trees, shrubs, vegetables and vines to grow healthy, organic food in a multi dimensional, functional and interdependent biological system.
Arranging plants in natural, beneficial relationships creates a resilient, highly productive and attractive landscape.

Food forest gardens

Living on contour - working with water flow

Water is the essence of life and as such we need to be thinking about how to make best use of what we have. The most important work we do is to implement solutions for capturing, storing, diverting and infiltrating rainwater and runoff. This helps build soil, nourish crops, prevent erosion, minimise drought and reduce or eliminate irrigation needs.
Learn about the art of land shaping for natural rainfall catchment, a practical guide to water harvesting and management.
Make the most of the water available, direct surplus water away from wet areas towards dry areas.
Use swales and terraces to halt the flow of water and nutrient off the land and allow it infiltrate and hydrate the soil.

August 21, 2014