Our Story
Summerhill is owned by Summerhill Charitable Trust, founded by David and Cloie Blackley in 2014 with the aim of promoting recreation and education in the Pāpāmoa Hills.
The 126-hectare property was generously gifted to the trust, and all farm proceeds and donations are dedicated to maintaining and developing the land for the benefit of everyone.
In 1959, David and Cloie Blackley moved from a remote farm in Wairoa in search of a property they could develop near a growing town. The stunning views won them over, leading them to purchase an initial 100 hectares, later expanding with two neighbouring farms.
They raised their four daughters on the farm, transforming the land into what you see today.
In the late 1950s, with the advent of aerial topdressing, cobalt was applied to the nutrient-deficient soils, curing bush sickness in the livestock and greatly improving the land's health.
Today, the property supports around 550 sheep and 65 cattle across rolling hill country, with forestry established on the steeper terrain. Native bush and riparian areas have largely been retired, while a mix of timber species has been planted to diversify the forest estate.
Through a combination of projects to improve the environment at Summerhill, we aim to create a space for all the community to enjoy.
We invite you to explore, enjoy and experience the significance of the Papamoa Hills and be inspired by Summerhill.
Summerhill Charitable Trust
Forestry
Summerhill’s forests are a diverse mix of exotic and native trees grown for their beautiful timbers. The trees range from 5 – 40 years old and as they reach maturity, are hand selected to be milled and air dried with no chemical treatment.
Summerhill Charitable Trust, in partnership with Summerhill Timbers, has spent 40 years nurturing these beautiful timbers for enjoyment, both recreationally and for the purpose of sale. To see the beautiful finished product, visit Summerhill Timbers.
Management of these working forests follow the internationally recognised Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) guidelines to ensure the best environmental and sustainable management outcomes.
As part of the Trust’s long-term plan for the area, a Forest Shelter was constructed in early 2022. The vision for this area is that it will be somewhere for groups to gather in the forest to listen and learn about nature in a hands-on environment.
Walking, mountain biking or running in our forests will give you a greater understanding of mixed species plantings and forest biodiversity. Look for the different bark and branch structures, collect a variety of seeds, hear the kākā and kererū, and watch the pīwakawaka follow you along the trails.
Whilst these are forests grown for their timber, it is done in such a way that this is also a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.
Farm
Summerhill farm is managed by one full time farmer, who looks after 65 cows and 550 coopworth sheep, and supporting young stock. July to September is a wonderful time to visit as our numbers double in size during lambing and calving season!
Part of the purpose of Summerhill Farm is to give people the chance of on-farm interaction. This is a wonderful opportunity for school groups, and a focus for the farm is to breed animals that are calm and can be interacted with on a daily basis as many of the parkland walks will also bring you into contact with the animals.
Please remember that this is a working farm and for their protection and yours, please do not approach or touch any of our animals.
Dogs are not permitted at Summerhill.
This is a wonderful space to enjoy a bit of country, not far from the big city.