Down on the Farm – New Zealand Rural Experiences

When thinking New Zealand, idyllic green rolling hills as seen in The Lord of the Rings’ Hobbiton – and sheep – come to mind, and rightly so.

With a population of just under 4.4 million, New Zealand’s stunningly beautiful landscapes are peaceful and uncrowded (that’s if not taking the 40 million sheep into account!). And whereas New Zealand is also famous for adrenaline-pumping activities, many people flock here to experience a slice of rural New Zealand, to wind down amongst inspiring landscapes and to go back to basics.

The great thing about New Zealand is that travellers can readily experience life down on the farm. Kiwis are known to be friendly hosts who love to welcome visitors and let them take part in their daily life. With a New Zealand farm stay you can become a farmer for a day or two and get a glimpse of what it is like to run a Kiwi farm. A great option for the whole family, many farm stays offer tours and farm animal activities. You can help shearing sheep, feed the animals or get a taste of mustering after exploring the property by 4WD. After a day’s work out in the fresh country air, cuddle up in your room in the family farm house or a converted barn. The next morning, wake up amidst the tranquillity of the high country and enjoy a hearty farmers’ breakfast.

While some travellers choose to stay a couple of days at each farm and travel the country, others opt for a long-term farm experience. Organisations such as Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) offer full board in return for helping out on the farm – a great option for backpackers. With WWOOF you can learn about sustainable practices and skills such as companion planting, worm farming, composting and preserving, all while enjoying an authentic Kiwi lifestyle!

If your itinerary doesn’t allow for lengthy farm stays, you can still incorporate a slice of rural New Zealand into your trip. How about, for example, visiting one of New Zealand’s famous A&P (Agricultural & Pastoral) shows? Held in towns and communities all over New Zealand they involve livestock, shows, competitions and entertainment and are great fun. New Zealand’s biggest A&P shows include the National Fieldays in Hamilton (June) and the Canterbury A&P Show in Christchurch (November).

Other options to experience farming life include visiting shows such as sheep shearing (one of the most well-known examples is The Wrinkly Rams show), horse trekking across the New Zealand high country, shopping in an authentic country store (such as The Tin Shed in Geraldine) or joining a local guide for some fishing and hunting. Of course you can also explore the countryside independently with a walking and hiking adventure.

Prime New Zealand destinations for the ultimate rural experience include Mackenzie’s high country and South Canterbury’s boutique country villages in the South Island. In the North Island, the rivers and rugged hills of the Manawatu region, Eastland’s rural life by the sea and the rolling hills of the Waikato and Waitomo are must-see places.

Oh, and if you’re wondering why many Kiwi farmers such as the famous Billy Black from Billy Black’s Kiwi Culture Show always wear gumboots and black singlets, head to our Kiwiana section to find out more!