This is the kind of place you might blink and miss – but you really shouldn’t. Out at The Key, not far from Te Anau, Davaar Station has been in the family for generations: a sheep farm, good Romney-Perendales. Out front, sisters Kate and Anna Macdonald are running the kind of set-up that makes you want to pull over, roll up your sleeves, and stay awhile. '
Kate’s behind Davaar & Co, making proper woollen jerseys from their own sheep. Spun, dyed, and stitched right here in New Zealand. They’re the kind of jerseys your grandad would've worn if he’d had an eye for design. And one you’ll keep until you have grandkids of your own.
Sprig & Thistle, is Anna’s retro coffee cart parked up at the farm gate. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu, but she’s not one to brag, she just makes bloody good food, good coffee, and looks after people. One day she’s feeding Te Araroa hikers, the next she’s catering a wedding down the road. Always calm. Always generous.
Both sisters are about showing that small, local, and thoughtful still counts. They’re building something special, in a place special to them.
If you’re passing through, stop in. Grab a cheese scone and coffee, try on a jersey. You’ll leave warmer than you arrived.
