A High Country Life

A high country memoir of life through the seasons on a large sheep station, with delicious recipes.


Life on Otematata Station, a 40,000 hectare high country station in Otago, is busy and varied. Philippa Cameron and her husband, Joe, who is the fifth generation to work the farm, help care for this vast tract of land with 30,000 merino sheep and 500 head of cattle.


It's a sparse environment completely at the mercy of the elements, bringing with it many challenges and seasonal demands. Told through the eyes of Philippa in her role as station cook, this is the story of mustering in autumn, lambing in spring, the freezing days of winter and the scorching heat of summer.


Along with looking after her two small girls, her garden and various animals, Philippa feeds the teams of workers. She collects and shares a selection of delicious, hearty recipes with other farm cooks on her popular Instagram page @whats_for_smoko. This book also features Philippa's most trusted recipes, tested on many approving musterers.