Glen Eden Farms
A Wairarapa farming family prioritising caring for their land
Winning awards is not what motivates Martinborough farming couple Mark and Susannah Guscott, although you would not think that looking at the number of national and regional accolades they have collected. Their key motivation is to look after their special part of the world, very much seeing themselves as kaitiaki – carers, guardians, protectors – of their nearly 1,500ha farm in the hills above the Wairarapa plains.
In over 20 years at the helm of Glen Eden Farms, Mark and Susannah Guscott have diversified the original sheep and beef operations to include arable farming and tourism – all the while with the belief that they are ‘just the caretakers’. Mark says: “We take a long-term view, balancing productive farming with environmental care, biodiversity and connections with our surrounding community”.
While he is the sixth generation of his family to farm this property, Mark traces his lineage back to a whaler who arrived in New Zealand in the 1830s and with his Māori wife, Te Aitū-o-te-rangi of Ngāti Moe, settled on her ancestral lands here. It is in respect of this whakapapa that Susannah says "We're just caretakers, really. Looking after this land and its heritage is pretty important to us".
Amongst the awards the Guscotts have won is the 2025 Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Award, recognising their environmental dedication, regenerative farming practices and care in creating a resilient business. Judges observed that Mark and Susannah are always prepared to question the status quo and try new things to evolve their business, taking a ‘strategic, structured approach’ to growth and succession with a diversified business model.
With three teenagers, the Guscotts say, although they would like one or more to eventually take up farming making for the seventh generation to farm this land, there is no pressure being placed on the next generation – ‘farming requires personal passion’, observes Mark.
A team of three employees supports daily operations on the farm where approximately 80 per cent of the annual income is based on sheep and beef, with the remainder coming from peas and maize grain. On the stock side the focus is mostly on finishing but includes Romney ewes and Angus cows with terminal sire genetics used over all of these traditional animals.
The current proportion of arable is significantly lower than in the past, mainly due to current margins, Mark says, adding this is likely to decrease further due to the closure of the McCains and Wattie’s plants. In the past, crops such as grass seed, clover seed, brassica seed, maize silage, sweetcorn seed, maize seed, squash and various other vegetable seeds have been sown. Forage crops for use on the farm are also grown.
Topping up earnings is the tourism operation, established with the building of the Whitimanuka Retreat visitor accommodation on the farm in 2019, followed a few years later by partnering with local company Star Safari to offer guests the chance to enjoy and learn about the sparkling constellations in the night sky above in a region known as one of the best places to stargaze in the world.
Sustainable practices are deeply ingrained in Glen Eden’s operations with the Guscotts being involved in what is called the Ponatahi Eco Zone to guide not only the eco management of their own land, including pest control, but also inspire the uptake of environmental values amongst their neighbours via discussion, knowledge sharing and other initiatives such as helping each other out on big planting days.
Management techniques such as deferred grazing techniques and precise nutrient management to protect and enrich soil health are employed on Glen Eden Farms, while the use of mixed species enhances biodiversity and protects pastures. As an Atkins Ranch lamb supplier, Mark says the uptake of sustainable farm practices are increasingly being recognized and rewarded by conscious consumers in North American markets.
In the Wairarapa climate zone where summers are dry and warm – temperatures regularly reaching the high 20Cs – water management is also a priority, with efficient use and careful monitoring ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Among the significant environmental investments the Guscotts have made are extensive riparian planting, the creation of two wetlands totaling 10 hectares, and their ongoing preservation of an 18ha QEII-protected bush block. “We’re committed to leaving the land, our business, and our community stronger for future generations,” says Mark.
“I've always thought the Wairarapa has been a bit of a leader especially in the sheep and beef sector. We've had a long history of farm discussion groups and good support from the regional council Greater Wellington.” He adds that the arable sector is another story though, with not much support or infrastructure as it is quite a small industry in the Wairarapa – ‘though moves are afoot to change this’.
With a number of support groups active in the area, Glen Eden Farms pays subscriptions to belong to three local discussion groups covering different topics. “As mentioned, the regional council is a useful source of support, other farmers are very valuable and the rural support trust do great work everywhere,” says Mark. “The local tourism agency, Destination Wairarapa, was very helpful in helping us get going with our tourism businesses and Star Safari has the support of Carterton District Council.”
The tourism part of the Glen Eden Farms business features Whitimanuka Retreat, high-end off-grid accommodation that guests have described as’ idyllic’ and the ‘ultimate unwind’ with its panoramic views out over farmland, protected native bush and across the Wairarapa plains. Whitimanuka features locally handcrafted furniture, a wood burner and a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom – although many a guest has preferred a soak in the outdoor bathtub under the night sky.
The retreat also embodies the Guscotts’ environmental values including being powered by solar energy and having a closed-loop wastewater system featuring native plantings to absorb nutrients so as to protect the surrounding land and waterways. A complimentary bottle of locally vinted Martinborough wine greets guests who can pre-order antipasto platters as well as their first evening’s meal which is prepared by local restaurant, 3 Little Words, and delivered out to the retreat. Other thoughtful additions include woollen rugs for guests to wrap up as they sit on the deck to observe the star-filled night sky through the special astro binoculars also provided.
As well as offering walking tours and trout fishing on the farm, and promoting the many attractions such as wine and cycle trails in the nearby Martinborough and Greytown areas, the Guscotts’ partnership with Star Safari gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate starry night experience. Combining their scientific knowledge and storytelling expertise Star Safari owners Hari Mogosanu and Sam Leske connect visitors to Glen Eden with the universe above.
The farm is located in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve and Star Safari has set up a solar-powered observatory not far away from Whitimanuka, equipped with powerful telescopes, also providing guests with tips on how to take high-quality photographs and video of the night sky.