Responsibly raised, exceptionally fresh

Every step of our process is focused on quality, sustainability and care, producing salmon that’s not only delicious and nutritious, but also responsibly raised with respect for the environment.

No antibiotics. No hormones.

From Hatchery to Harvest

Our journey begins at the Salmon Smolt New Zealand hatchery in Kaiapoi, where our salmon are hatched in a spring-fed stream. After six months, the young salmon, weighing around 30 grams, are transported to our farm. Here in Twizel, they grow for 17 to 27 months until they reach a harvest weight of 3.0 to 5.0 kg. This process ensures a high-quality product, with the constant flow of glacial water contributing to the salmon's firm flesh and clean taste.

Sustainable and Responsible Farming

Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We adhere to the New Zealand A+ Aquaculture Standards and maintain low stocking densities of 1.3% salmon and 98.7% water! This approach ensures optimal fish welfare and minimal environmental impact. Our water quality is monitored monthly, consistently meeting recommended levels, and the benthic environment beneath our farm remains unchanged, indicating a healthy ecosystem

The New Zealand salmon farming industry’s
commitment to sustainability has been recognised internationally, being rated
as the world's greenest by the Global Aquaculture Performance Index. NZ Chinook (King) salmon has received a "Best Choice" rating from the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch. Additionally, New Zealand Forest & Bird's "Best Fish Guide" endorses freshwater salmon farming in the Mackenzie District hydro canals as the most sustainable form of salmon farming.

At the 2021 Business Excellence Awards, High Country Salmon won the Environment Canterbury Sustainability and Environmental award. 

This recognition is validation that we are doing our best to protect the incredible environment in which we are so privileged to work.

Our salmon are fed a specially formulated diet produced by Skretting in Tasmania, Australia. This feed is sustainably made and contains all the necessary nutrients for healthy salmon growth.

The constant flow of water through our farm makes our salmon "fitter" than sea-run salmon, resulting in a firmer flesh and cleaner taste. High Country Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3s, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for any meal

Zero-Waste Philosophy

We strive for a zero-waste policy, aiming to utilise every part of the salmon. What we can’t sell is repurposed into pet food or turned into fertiliser, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

We also ensure that if you catch a fish through our Catch-A-Fish experience but don’t wish to take it home, you can choose to donate it to a local food bank. It’s a simple way to support the community while still enjoying the experience.