Our Story

The Gordon Family

The story of Clifton is a story of a family's deep love and connection to the land and their determination to hand the 800 hectares of land intact and thriving to succeeding generations.

Today fifth and sixth generation of Gordons, Angus and Tom farm the Station in partnership, a partnership which began when Tom was a young boy, small enough to fit on the back of his father Angus’s two-wheeler motorbike.

With the stations rugged cliff faces, rolling hills and panoramic views of Cape Kidnappers, Angus and Tom along with their wives Dinah and Lucia, and Lucia and Tom’s children Frankie and Jasper believe working the land and residing in Clifton Station’s original homestead and farm cottage is an immense privilege.

The Gordon family have always looked for ways to diversify their land and stamp Clifton Station with modern initiatives. Although each generation of Gordons have successfully maintained and improved the land in momentous ways, fifth and sixth generation of Gordons currently residing at Clifton are writing the next chapter of the Station’s history.

With a focus on innovation and diversification, the Gordons are transitioning from many traditional farming practices to a system of regenerative farming principles, raising Wiltshire (self-shedding) sheep, quality Angus cattle and growing certified organic pasture on the coastal flats. While also delighting guests from far and wide with Clifton Station’s luxury glamping tents.

Although the Gordons are always one step ahead planning for what is coming next, Angus a keen writer and local historian with a collection of published works looks to step back from the day to day running of the farm. Leaving Tom and Lucia along with their children set to take over the reins of running one of New Zealand’s oldest working farms.