We visited Lauder, Central Otago, to spend time with Gillian Swinton: homesteader, writer, and thoughtful advocate for a slower, seasonal way of life. From quiet mornings on her farm to the practical art of preserving, Gillian offers a glimpse into the daily rituals that shape her world. With the recent release of her debut book, she reflects on living more intentionally, the value of community, and what it means to create a self-sufficient life, wherever you are.
What inspired you to embrace the homesteading lifestyle, and how did your journey begin?
The journey began for me as a child, visiting my grandmother’s farm in the Western Isles of Scotland - here we would eat homegrown produce, gather cockles and pick potatoes. It wasn’t until later in my 20s I got a job as a station cook in Western Australia, that I really started to embrace living with the seasons, growing our own food and trying to build a self sufficient life. We now have our own lifestyle block in Central Otago where we are able to put our skills into action and have some fun with it.
Can you take us through a typical day on the homestead? What are some daily rituals or tasks that ground you?
Every morning, I have eggs on toast and a coffee at the kitchen table. I make a rough plan for the day: I work from home so I try to head out first thing, get the dogs and go for a walk around the farm. Here, I check the chooks and the sheep are where they are meant to be, top up any feed and try to remember to get something out of the big freezer in the shed for dinner. We have a road side shop too, so we make sure that that's fully stocked for the day. Another coffee, and I sit down at my desk to work. In winter I have to keep the fire going, so if I can, I will cook dinner on there too - it is so satisfying to have dinner stewing away on the fire while I work. The fireplace is where most of my pets are throughout the day until I have finished my work. I try to walk the dogs while it is still sunny, and work my way through the farm chores. These change season to season: in summer I would be heading out into the garden for the evening, but in winter, I am gathering firewood, tidying up some leaves or feeding out to the sheep. Right now, I am dehydrating some liver to make treats for the dogs - a job best done in the cooler months.
From preserving food to crafting handmade goods, what skills have you learned along the way that you’re most proud of?
Definitely preserving food, it’s not often you find a hobby that fills the pantry - and with this hobby I have learned so many new methods along the way. I love my pickles and hot sauces, but my favourite method has to be using the pressure canner. In the pressure canner, I can preserve low-acid foods like meat, potatoes and beans. These are the preserves we reach for more often.
What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards you’ve experienced while homesteading, especially in a rural New Zealand setting?
I think having access to resources can be really limiting, but the kiwi number eight wire mentality is where you learn to make do, or find an alternative. We have been lucky enough to find a community both in real life and online that we can learn and share with - more often than not this is where we learn most of our skills. Our neighbours are great as we share resources, equipment and skills… as well as the failures and “let’s not try that again” moments!
Your new book offers a glimpse into your homesteading journey. What motivated you to write it, and what message do you hope readers take away?
We have been living like this in some scale in rentals, farm accommodation, workers quarters… It is only in the last four years that we have had our own land to do it on. I wanted this book to find you where you are and remind you that you don’t need to own a farm to live a little bit more sufficiently. In 2025, I think we are all struggling with the cost of living, and growing and preserving our own food is one way we can help that. I want people to also know that being self-sufficient doesn’t have to be a lonely activity too, find your people and have fun with it.
What advice would you give to readers who feel inspired to live more intentionally and embrace a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle?
A great place to start is look at what you are repeatedly bringing into your home, and is there something you could do to replace that? When planning our garden, I always look at what we are buying from the supermarket and start there. Each season we grow something new too, and grow a little extra - that means we can trade with our friends and neighbours for something. It is about building your community, and a reminder you don’t have to do everything all at once.
And finally what’s on the horizon for you and your farm? Any new projects or plans you’re excited about?
We would love to build an in-ground walipini, a kind of glass house that is submerged into the ground. This is great for the central otago climate as it uses the heat of the earth to keep the plants warmer and protected from frosts (great at extending the growing season!). We are also looking to raise a few more birds for meat.
To learn more about Gillian click here.
Follow Gillian on Instagram @gillian.swinton
To get your hands on a copy of Gillian's new book "The Good Life', click here, or visit our Tarras Village store, or your local bookseller.
Images by Christina Grant
Gillian Wears: