Living the High Country Life on Quartz Hill

Nestled in the rugged beauty of inland Canterbury, Gee is living on the same land where she grew up alongside her brother, under the care of parents Hillary and Colin.

Today, Gee shares this special place with husband Dan Harper and their four children, including St Margaret's student Flossie. Life on the station is a bustling mix of tradition and innovation, with deer mustering by helicopter, velveting, sheep breeding and cropping forming the backbone of daily operations.

“We’re so lucky to raise our kids here,” Gee says. “It’s an incredible backyard, they grow up with space, animals, and a real appreciation for hard work.”

Quartz Hill is renowned as strong deer-breeding country, and the family has added their own touch by breeding a distinctive type of sheep. With a nod to the future, they’re also embracing agri-tourism. The old shearers’ quarters have been transformed into a charming holiday rental, and a joint venture with a neighbouring property is set to launch soon: a two-day, two-night luxury walking experience through the stunning high country.

“It’s a way to share the land we love with others and to diversify,” Gee explains.

Everyone pitches in during the busy tailing season, and when the work is done, the family makes the most of their surroundings, skiing in winter, and enjoying the nearby lakes and rivers in summer.

Gee's story is a testament to the value of rural life and the strength of family ties. Backed by generations of hard work, Quartz Hill remains not just a farm, but a vibrant home, full of adventure, purpose and heart.

To see what life is like on the farm, watch the latest episode of Country Calendar: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/country-calendar/episodes/s2025-e11