On a stretch of farmland as you drive South from Queenstown, where sheep have grazed for generations, Garston Hops is quietly changing the landscape. James McNamee, whose family has worked this land for 145 years, always knew the farm had more to give. In 2016, between the rolling pastures and the long southern daylight, he planted a small trial plot of hops - just to see. Now, 45,000 plants climb their way skyward across 15 hectares, with plans to stretch even further. The sheep still roam, pulling double duty as natural weed trimmers and occasional connoisseurs of hop leaves, which James swears leaves them feeling a little more mellow.
This isn’t just an experiment anymore - it’s a serious operation with serious talent behind it. Blaž Jelen, a fifth-generation hop grower from Slovenia, has joined the team, bringing a deep knowledge of the craft and a keen eye for Southland’s potential. This year, five hop varieties - Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, Rakau, Cascade, and Riwaka - are thriving, their aromatic cones destined for brewers who prize New Zealand hops for their bold, citrusy punch. James believes Southland can develop a hop profile all its own, shaped by the region’s climate and latitude, and he’s not the only one thinking ahead. His brother Terrance and sister-in-law Lyn, who run the sheep and crop side of the farm, were there in the early days, digging holes and nursing the first vines. These days, Lyn leaves the hops to James but takes on another crucial role - harvest chef, cooking up morning tea, lunch, and afternoon spreads for a crew of 20.
Hop harvest is as much a community event as it is a business, with most of the team coming from Garston itself. That local support, James says, is what makes this work. He’s been encouraging other Southland farmers to give hops a go, believing the region has the right mix of climate and innovation to build something special. A craft brewery up the road in Queenstown is already convinced, brewing with Garston-grown hops, and James is certain this is just the beginning. There’s room to grow, and in Southland, when something is worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.
