Chasing greener pastures - New Zealand farm stays

Step outside the cities and away from beaches, and New Zealand’s productive green pastoral landscapes, punctuated with cute farm animals and agricultural activity are a big part of what any visitor to this country will see. 

If you've never set foot on a farm before, there are opportunities to stay on a farm – hosted by a farming family who will introduce you to their way of life and some of their animal residents. Throughout New Zealand you’ll find a great range of ‘farmstay’ accommodation on different types of farms and with options for all budgets from low-cost to luxury. 

While farming is a year-round activity with each season bringing its own highlights, there’s no denying the special attraction of new arrivals. For that, you might want to schedule a visit sometime between late winter and the months of spring (August to November) when cuteness is rampant down on the farm.  

Romance on the farm at Kamahi Cottage, Waitomo
Kamahi Cottage – New Zealand’s only five-star boutique farmstay – is a romantic, just made-for-two rural escape amidst rolling Waikato farmland. The cottage is on a part of the farm that hosts Evan and Liz Cowan thought was too special to keep just for themselves. The self-contained heritage cottage has an upstairs queen bedroom, with downstairs spacious living, kitchenette and bathroom. Guests arrive to freshly picked flowers, homemade baking and fruit schnapps distilled from the farm’s orchard fruit. The farm has several walking tracks to explore and there is a hectare of pristinely landscaped gardens to admire the new season blooms.

Travel tip: Kamahi Cottage is between the rural Waikato towns of Waitomo and Otorohanga - an hour by road from Hamilton Airport. Just 15 minutes down the road, there’s the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park where you can watch New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird having lunch; at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 30 minutes away, take a guided tour or try some thrilling black water rafting – a must-do caving experience.

Counting sheep on Rangitikei Farmstay, Marton
Tucked away in central North Island hills, Rangitikei Farmstay offers a glimpse of life on a 630-hectare hill country sheep and beef farm. Furry, fluffy and fleecy animals are the main attraction– meet working dogs, watch farmers muster sheep, or even try shearing one yourself.  When the frost melts away and the temperatures rise from late August, lambs are born and bring new life to the farm. Unique features to explore include the natural dam, waterfall and glow worms found within the farm’s gates. After an exhilarating day on the farm, rest your head at night in the comfortable farm cottage or bunkroom.

Travel tip: Rangitikei Farmstay is 2.5 hours by road from Wellington, deep in the Rangitikei district. The volcanic Central Plateau is within two hours’ drive, with some of New Zealand’s most popular ski fields and a great New Zealand day walk– the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Spray Point Station - Off the Mapp, Marlborough 
Spray Point Station is a 100-year-old farm settled across 2,200 hectares of beautiful varied landscape in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley. From this South Island vantage point, on a crisp and clear spring day you can see the last of the winter snow on the far-away mountains of the central North Island. At Off the Mapp - the farm’s lodging – you’ll feel away from it all. With four accommodation options, the property offers a retreat for all types of guests. Cob Quarters, a lovingly restored drovers’ cottage, is country bliss. Unwind in front of the fire or count the stars from the private gas-fired outdoor baths. Spray Point Station offers hiking, mountain biking, heli-touring, 4WD farm tours and bird watching – more than enough reasons to immerse yourself in the countryside.

Travel tip: Spray Point Station is located in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine growing region and is just an hour by road from Blenheim airport. Being so close to some on New Zealand’s top wineries, we recommend sampling the internationally renowned Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively take the 1.5 hour drive to Picton for a cruise into the Marlborough Sounds. 

Silverstream Alpaca Farmstay, Christchurch 
For a quirky rural home away from home, Canterbury’s Silverstream Alpaca Farmstay offers comfortable accommodation plus the company of the four-legged South American ex-pats roaming the surrounding paddocks. The family farm has more than 200 alpacas in all colours, and with the complimentary farm tour you can get up close and personal to these charming woolly creatures. During the birthing season, guests will see baby alpaca in the paddocks and may even see a live birth. The property has two self-contained cottages that sleep up to five guests each, within thoughtfully landscaped gardens that create a tranquil retreat.  

Travel tip: Silverstream Alpaca Farmstay is a 20-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, the gateway to the South Island. To keep your intrepid side in-check, activities nearby include fishing on the Waimakariri River and horse riding at Waimak River Horse Treks. Christchurch city is 30 minutes by road from Silverstream and offers a wealth of art, culture and history to explore.  

Flockhill Station, Canterbury 
Flockhill Station, on the scenic Great Alpine Highway, is an otherworldly place to break the journey. This dramatic landscape of jagged rock formations and deep canyons, which formed the backdrop for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, is a fantasy in itself. A 14,000 hectare high country sheep farm, Flockhill Station is a secluded retreat perfect for getting off the grid. Two types of accommodation – cottages and shepherds quarters – cater to independent travellers and groups. Explore the station on horse or mountain bike, and try the fishing. If your visit coincides with the winter snow season, you might like to explore one of the local ski fields or simply take in the view of the snowy peaks surrounding the property.

Travel tip: Flockhill Station is 90 minutes by road from Christchurch on Arthur’s Pass Highway. The drive is half the experience with constantly changing scenery. The iconic Southern Alps tower above as you drive over hills, cross rivers and pass ski fields and lakes. If venturing through to the South Island’s rugged West Coast, Flockhill Station is worth the stop along the way. 

Nokomai Station, Southland 
High country sheep and cattle farm Nokomai Station sits squarely across the South Island’s alpine vein. Originally named Glenfalloch – meaning hidden valley – in 1857, Nokomai is one of New Zealand’s largest farming properties. For the visitor, it offers fishing, hiking, mountain biking and farm tours exploring all four corners of the lush green property. There are four warm and inviting farm cottages where guests can either eat independently or join the hosts for a cosy meal in the original farm house. Top it off on a scenic flight of the dramatic surrounding Southern Lakes region with Nokomai helicopters.  

If you don’t have time to stay down on the farm, some of New Zealand’s main tourism resorts also offer farming experiences. From the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, take a day time excursion and cruise across to Walter Peak Station on the iconic steamship TSS Earnslaw or hop on the Spirit of Queenstown to visit Mt Nicholas High Country Farm. Only 10 minutes’ drive from cultural hotspot Rotorua is The Agrodome – a unique New Zealand farming experience that offers short action-filled farm shows and guided farm tours. 

Guest post: The curious case of Queensland

Queensland has such a dizzying variety of experiences that there is no one way to describe it. From wildlife to marine life, night life to culture, beaches to rainforests, this Australian State has it all. And, last but in no way the least, it is home to the Great Barrier Reef; the largest World Heritage site, and the only one that can be seen from outer space. Here are some of my favourite moments in the State.

Cuddle a koala

I know, I know… I speak about all these brilliant contrasts, and then I start with a marsupial! But the warm feeling that rushes through when you get to cuddle one of these fur balls is hard to describe - even though their claws dig in while they hang on to you for dear life! At the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, about an hour’s drive from Gold Coast’s Surfers Paradise, you can cuddle a Koala, pet the kangaroos, feed the emus, and even zip line over the open areas!

A change of scenery

In stark contrast to the popular beaches of Gold Coast, is a rainforest region tucked away a small distance from the coastal city in Mount Tambourine. A 4-wheel drive vehicle picks you up from the hotel, and drives you out to the rainforest, and you find yourself on a half day tour through nature that has stood the test of time, and whose significance to the Australian Aboriginals opens your eyes to their culture.

Soar High

Ever woken up at 2am while on holiday? Can’t imagine you’d want to. I sure didn’t! But then I was taken for a ride that made sleep unimportant! A car ambles into your hotel’s driveway at 3am, drives you out to an airfield where the pilot fires up the hot air machine(or whatever the technical term for it is), and helps you into a big basket, and then takes you off on the ride of a lifetime! As the Hot Air Balloon rises, so does the sun, giving you one of the most spectacular sunrise views you will ever see. If that wasn’t splendid enough, peak over the side of the basket, and you may just be treated to the sight of kangaroos peering curiously up at the balloon, or hopping about, content in their natural habitat.

Dive in! 

I thought it only fitting to follow a tale of air and sun with one of the sea. Cairns in Queensland’s Tropical North is home to The Great Barrier Reef, and the starting port for the Reef Cruises. There are various ways to experience the Reef, each more exhilarating than the last. Take a scenic heli flight over the Reef, snorkel through the magnificent marine life, dive into the deep blue sea, or get up close to the various fish in the waters during a seabed walker experience.

Didgeri-must-do!

Less than 30 minutes from Cairns is the Kuranda rainforest village, home to a great rainforest experience, as well as a host of Aboriginal activities. Take a skyrail cable car and soar over rainforest thickets to get to the other side for a day full of activities. On the way, hop off and get a glimpse of a magnificent waterfall and take a guided walk through the rainforest on the way. Once on the other side, hop into an army duck and take a tour of the rainforest through land and water, while the guide points out the curious plants and creatures that call the rainforest their home. Then meet the aboriginals who try and teach you their way of life, from spear and boomerang throwing lessons to Didgeridoo demonstrations. Judging from my tries at these activities, I am not entering their fold any time soon! 

At the end of the day, board the Kuranda scenic rail, a heritage train that trudges at a leisurely pace through the rainforest on the way back to Cairns, and leaves you wanting more of the scenery.

Not just child’s play

I cannot wrap up a piece about Queensland without talking about Gold Coast’s theme parks. The unofficial theme park capital of the country keeps the child in you alive like no other. You can have Superman push you out of harm’s way on a roller coaster in Warner Brothers Movie World or get propelled backwards at a dizzying speed on the Tower of Terror in DreamWorld. Water parks, petting zoos, photo opportunities – you can enjoy it all! Even cuddle a Koala! (yes, I did it twice!) Enjoy a day on the rides, and spend your evening at the Australian Outback Spectacular, a re-enactment of the cowboy culture in the Australian Outback, right from the large cowboy hat handed out at the entrance, to the horseback stunts the show has aplenty.

In the city

Cairns city is a quiet beachside town that lazes around all evening before retiring early. But there is one impressive bit I can’t not talk about. The promenade, all lit up at night, has lovely picnic tables laid out, with electric barbeque pits set up, all free to use! So, while in Cairns, a picnic in the evening should definitely feature in your plans.

Gold Coast, in stark contrast, stays up late, parties hard, and has long stretches of beachside roads peppered with bars you cannot just walk past! Another delightful sight at then promenades are the cycle rickshaw drivers, all dressed as superheroes (you can’t make this stuff up) ready to ferry kids around!

If you happen to be there on a day that the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market is set up, a stroll through these stalls is a must do to pick up the attractive trinkets and accessories that make for the perfect gifts for friends and family. After all, loved ones deserve more than bags from the airport souvenir shops, don’t you agree?

Maansi Sharma got fed up of all the free food and booze so she decided to leave journalism behind and earn more money to fuel her gadget obsession. If you enjoy LOTR/Harry Potter or similar trivia or have some technology-related query, you can contact her at ms.maansi@gmail.com.

Read her earlier post Simply Sydney here.

Contemporary Māori fashion is fabulous

Contemporary Māori fashion is about to make a grand entrance in a spectacular show set in an active geothermal landscape in Rotorua. 

Te Puia - New Zealand’s premier cultural and geothermal attraction, and the national centre for Māori arts and crafts – is set to host an inaugural fashion event featuring some of New Zealand’s top and upcoming indigenous designers.

Henare Jewellery is based in Rotorua and creates exquisite head pieces along with other adornments

The evening of contemporary Māori culture on 24 September, Tiki Ahua – Ka Mura: Set Alight – promises a spectacular show featuring fashion, design, music and dance extravaganza amidst the steam and swirling mist of Te Whakarewarewa Valley, an active volcanic field in Rotorua. 

The show will feature works by 22 Māori designers from throughout New Zealand, showcasing day, street, evening and avant-garde designs, jewellery and adornment including tā moko (Māori tattoo).

Henare Jewellery is based in Rotorua and creates exquisite head pieces along with other adornments

Local designers from Rotorua and across New Zealand will showcase their ranges on the runway, alongside other inspiring brands. An exciting part of this event is not only the incredible contemporary fashion, but also pulling through traditional Māori arts such as tā moko, pounamu and bone carving, which are then thrust into a pretty glitzy high fashion environment.

This event is more than a fashion show – it is the coming together of the indigenous culture and the stories of exceptionally gifted designers, fused with the buzz and high fashion spectacle of a New York or Paris runway. There is a five-year vision for the event to grow from a one-night spectacle, to a week-long festival.

Te Puia - New Zealand’s premier cultural and geothermal attraction will host Tiki Ahua which features some of New Zealand’s top and upcoming indigenous designers, like Mereana Ngatai

Concept behind Tiki Āhua – Kā Mura: Set Alight
Tiki Ahua draws inspiration from the unique history and environment of the local Te Arawa tribe, and their values and traditions of manaakitanga (hospitality), kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whanaungatanga (kinship). 
The theme, Kā Mura | Set Alight, is inspired by the history of the subterranean goddesses of fire, Te Pūpū and Te Hoata, who created the geothermal imprint from the east coast of the North Island to the mountains of the Central Plateau. Kā describes the act of setting alight, while mura is a flame. Together, they describe the fostering of life and creation.

Te Puia Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotorua
Te Puia - the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute based in Rotorua - was created in 1963 by the New Zealand Government to maintain and preserve Māori art forms, such as weaving, carving and cultural performance. Since then, the cultural institution’s carving and weaving schools have nurtured generations of budding Māori artists, as well as providing a space to showcase and sell authentic Māori art. At the same time, Te Puia - which sits at the entrance to Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley and overlooking the famed Pohutu geyser - has developed into one of New Zealand’s leading Māori cultural tourist attractions.