About us

Hello!  We are your hosts, Jae & Jodie Starling.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us and what we can offer you at our family farm, The Starling Homestead.
We were married here, under the olive trees on the front lawn in 2022.
Relaxed, joyful and intimate, this simple ceremony sparked the idea which has led us to where we are today, sharing our property with others for small country rustic weddings and elopements. ​
The Starling Homestead is an ever evolving project, from our roadside stand selling fresh produce, raising animals (and children) to hosting bed and breakfast guests & creating a unique rustic wedding venue. 

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The Starling Homestead is located 10 minutes north of the small township of Amberley & 45 minutes north of Christchurch, close to the Waipara River which divides Amberley from Waipara, in North Canterbury.
The area is also known as the hidden gem of the NZ wine industry with many award winning wineries in the surrounding area. 
The North Canterbury region is a glorious fusion of farms, beaches, rivers, ski fields and most predominantly, vineyards and we love living in such an abundant landscape. 

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The Homestead

The homestead itself is our family home, it was built in the American Barn style and its striking red exterior and turret make a dramatic first impression as you come up the gumtree lined driveway.

It was love at first sight when we found this property and made the decision for us to leave our old life in Wellington and head to the Christchurch countryside a very easy one. 

 
​Come and Stay!
The Stables  -a rustic stable & tack-room, lovingly restored, is now available as boutique accommodation for couples, offering guests a full bed and breakfast, farm stay experience.

All set within its own private paddock at The Starling Homestead.  
 

​Tie the Knot!

We offer several wedding packages, designed to suit a variety of budgets.
Those seeking a rustic wedding venue dripping with country ambiance will be spoilt for choice when it comes to ceremony & photography locations around the property.  ​​​   
We also work with North Canterbury Weddings, a wonderful collective of celebrants, photographers & vendors. 
Let us make make the process of getting hitched, go off without a hitch!

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Our Maremma's - Livestock Guardian Dogs

Interested in the breed?
We enjoy introducing people to our wonderful Maremma's, littermates Frank and Poppy. 

If you own a rural property and are considering a Livestock Guardian Dog, we welcome you to spend some time with our Maremma's prior to making your decision.