Stories - Cross Hill

About Cross Hill

Nurturing people’s powerful connections to the area’s unique landscape and the people they cross paths with is at the heart of the team’s vision for Cross Hill Lodge and Domes.

Established by Richard and Sarah Burdon to complement their farming and accommodation operations, Cross Hill is a unique rural accommodation destination set in the foothills of Glen Dene Station.

Sarah and Richard’s paths crossed many times before they finally connected as husband and wife and now, along with their two children Georgie and Charlie, together they continue to call Glen Dene and Lake Hawea home.

The name Cross Hill also has many meanings. Symbolizing the crossing of Sarah and Richard’s paths crossing many years ago, it also nods to the crossing of paths that will inevitably happen with guests from around New Zealand and the world enjoying the Cross Hill experience. The logo for Cross Hill also resembles the crossing over between two mountains to represent the unique mountainous terrain where Cross Hill is nestled.

Dome story

Over the decades, domes have been successfully employed as relief tents, festival structures and winter shelters along with their extensive use as wilderness accommodation. Growing in popularity is geo domes as tiny homes and permanent homes for people across the globe. The chosen domes were sustainable, efficient, aesthetically pleasing and the company that supplied them, Pacific Domes in Ashland Oregon had values that reflected what Cross Hill meant for the Burdons.

As one of the original manufacturers of geodesic domes worldwide, Pacific Domes have explored and developed the qualities and award-winning building standard that made them ideal for New Zealand conditions. The floor to ceiling windows bring the outside in and once the planting is established you will feel that you are surrounded by nature on all sides. The dramatic mountain reminds you that you are on the edge of the mountains and the sky provides you with the temperament of the weather in real time, which changes constantly.