3 New Zealand Farms Your Family Will Love

New Zealand is a country near Australia that is made up of two islands—the North Island and the South Island. Beautiful landscapes and farmlands in New Zealand help provide meat, eggs, and more to others. Often, farms can be looked over when families plan trips together, but it is important to visit and show our appreciation and respect when we have the opportunity. In addition, children and adults benefit from the beauty and being a part of New Zealand’s farming life. 

Below we will talk about three amazing farms that are family-friendly and worth writing into your itinerary next time you travel to New Zealand. We will then offer some quick tips and advice to help you better prepare for a New Zealand farm visit. Next, we will discuss farm activities that are common and family-friendly, in addition to food and drink options that may or may not be available when you visit a New Zealand farm. 

Kauri Lodge Farm

At the Kauri Lodge Farm, families can take in the captivating views of the land that is only 13 km from Cambridge in the Karapiro farming district. Throughout the working dairy farm are gardens and Kauri Trees, a native tree to New Zealand. Kauri Lodge also offers accommodations where small families can spend the night. The studio apartment includes two bedrooms, children’s toys, and Wi-Fi. Families can barbeque in the evenings or visit some of the local attractions. 

Location

Karapiro, Waikato, New Zealand

Activities

Exploring the farm, visiting local attractions such as Cambridge, Lake Karapiro, and Hobbiton (movie set from the Lord of the Rings)

Food & Drink

The farm does not offer food and drink, but there is a full kitchen in the apartment and a BBQ outside.

Kiwi Valley Farm

Kiwi Valley Farm caters to families with children of all ages. In fact, they offer an annual family pass for year-round exploration of their 20-acre farm if you live nearby! With hands-on farm experiences, children will be thrilled to visit and revisit this popular New Zealand farm. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, like riding the horse or pony, taking a tractor ride, feeding the animals, running through the maze, or playing in the sandpits and on the playground. Kiwi Valley also allows families to see various baby animals up close and personal in the Nursery Shed. When it’s time to take a break, a licensed Cafe is available on the property.

Location

Henderson Valley, New Zealand

Activities

Nursery shed, maze, horse and pony rides, tractor rides to see Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island.

Food & Drink

Available Cafe

Karetu Downs Farm Stay

Another family-friendly New Zealand farm is the Karetu Downs Farm Stay on South Island. This gorgeous farm bed & breakfast is home to over 4000 Romney sheep and over 100 Angus cattle. So if you are looking for cattle farming in New Zealand or sheep farming in New Zealand, this farm has both. Families who want to stay the night can camp in a Campervan, book a room at the Bed & Breakfast, or stay at the 4-bedroom Karatu Cottage. The Homestead kitchen serves breakfast, tea, and coffee. If you have a horse, Karetu Downs offers self-guided horse trekking. Otherwise, there are plenty of serene scenes and sounds for the whole family to take in.

Location

Hawarden, South Island, New Zealand

Activities

Self-guided horse trekking (bring your own), hand feed sheep, chicken eggs collecting, bird watching & listening

Food & Drink

Breakfast in the Homestead, packed lunches are available upon request

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What to Expect When Visiting New Zealand Farms

Before you plan a visit to a New Zealand farm, make sure that you have gathered as much information about the farm as possible. You’ll want to know what to expect so that you can pack and prepare. Some farms have a variety of animals that can be fed, petted, and sometimes ridden. Other farms may have fewer animals but a more open landscape with captivating views. Closed-toe shoes or boots should be worn if walking around pastures and stables. Children should be told the farm rules before arriving so that they know how to interact with animals and respect farm property. 

Family-Friendly Activities at New Zealand Farms

Most New Zealand farms have plenty of hands-on activities for children and adults of various ages. Activities such as riding horses, feeding goats, collecting chicken eggs, and more are common activities at family-friendly New Zealand farms. Some farms even allow families to watch a demonstration of wool shearing. In addition, there are New Zealand farms that may offer guided tours or special educational opportunities for children and adults to learn more about the inner workings of farm life. 

Food and Drink at New Zealand Farms

Before making your way to a New Zealand farm, make sure to find out if the farm offers any food or drinks. Some farms will have a bed & breakfast, kitchen, or cafe on-site for guests and visiting families. Other farms will not offer food and drink but will most likely encourage families to bring packed lunches for a picnic on the farm grounds. There may even be areas on the farm where you can safely barbeque. While in New Zealand, you may be able to pick up a dozen Emperor Chicken Eggs from well-known Zealand Farms to fry up for breakfast. 

Conclusion

New Zealand farms are a fantastic way to be a part of farm life and show your little ones how to care for farm animals properly. We highly recommend visiting at least one of the three farms we mentioned above, whether visiting the Kauri Lodge Farm, Kiwi Valley Farm, or Kareuti Downs Farm. Make sure to take note of which farms offer accommodations and meals and which do not so that you can prepare well. Regardless of where you visit, you will surely have a memorable farm experience with your family in beautiful New Zealand.