Regina Bernbeck

Dear Shepherdess,

Growing up in a small village in Bavaria, Germany, my end-of-year holidays used to be filled with the  magic of winter. I would wrap up in layers to enjoy a warm mug of mulled wine at our local Christkindl market and visit friends, bringing along a plate of homemade Christmas cookies. The cosy, quiet winter holidays were a cherished tradition for me. But life looks very different now that I live on the other side of the world in New Zealand. And instead of mittens, it’s rugby shorts!

Fifteen years ago I moved to Mount Nicholas, my partner’s remote family-owned high country station, and holidays became full of adventure, especially with three energetic kids! Summer days here are all about camping under the stars, cooling off with a swim in the lake and spending afternoons jumping off rocks into the river to drift downstream. Some nights we’ll stay in huts, while other evenings end with a simple barbecue and maybe a bonfire by the water as the kids run free in nature’s playground.

The last few years, we’ve also had plenty of visitors over Christmas and New Year – family and friends who are just as adventurous as us. It’s become the highlight of the year, especially for our kids, Amelia, Heidi and Oskar, when their friends join in. I grew up in a house where visitors were always welcome, and I carry that tradition on here at the station. Our house is full of life and laughter.

One of the special moments we look forward to is our Christmas concert. I take out my hammered dulcimer, a stringed instrument from my German roots, and we all join in, playing and singing Christmas carols like “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells” along with traditional German numbers. Even though I sometimes get a little homesick for the white Christmases of my childhood, being surrounded by family and friends always helps fill the gap.

Running an apiary on the family farm also keeps me busy during the holidays. There’s always work to be done with the hives, but I often have an extra pair of hands, as our visitors and our children love getting involved and learning about the bees. After a hot day in the bee suit, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a cold glass of home-brewed mead, made
by Dave, my partner. It’s the perfect reward after a long day.

Before I know it, the holidays have come and gone, and I find myself already missing the action, the laughter of the kids, the buzz of visitors and the simple joy of sharing these special moments on the farm. It’s become a tradition I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Regina Bernbeck
Mount Nicholas Station, Tāhuna Queenstown

For our Summer 2024/25 Edition, we wanted to hear about how you like to spend your summer days. For Autumn 2025, we’d like to hear about a four-legged companion that’s stolen your heart. Whether your mate works with you on the farm or sleeps beside your bed, we’d love to hear about your bond. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.

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This letter appeared in our Raumati Summer 2024/25 Edition.