New Zealand offers much more than theme parks and rollercoasters for families to experience nature in New Zealand, from breathtaking mountain scenery and native animals, to geothermal phenomena like geysers or Waitomo glowworm caves.
Consider offering themed tours that show visitors different aspects of your farm. Activities like cooking demonstrations, tastings, hiking trails and farm tasks may help visitors form strong connections to it.
Accommodation
Sheep farming is an integral part of New Zealand culture and economy (there are approximately 10 sheep per person here!). Discover their way of life at Walter Peak Sheep Station where sheepdogs are trained and watch a live shearing demonstration; other high country farms also offer tours, including specialty farms that produce lavender, kiwis or prawns.
Staying in a rustic farm house made of rammed earth walls offers ample opportunity for relaxation and exploring nature. Such farmhouses often lie near some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural attractions like Mount Cook National Park or Lake Pukaki, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to soak up nature while taking advantage of your stay there.
Are You an Active Senior Seeking Adventure and Connection with Nature? Consider WWOOFing as an option! This international program matches volunteers with organic farms to teach sustainable agriculture practices while learning more. Not just suitable for those with extra time on their hands; options exist that accommodate travelers with disabilities or other limitations.
No matter where your next travel adventure takes you, New Zealand has accommodation options to make your experience unforgettable. Don’t forget your travel insurance! Many insurers provide coverage for pre-existing conditions and additional assistance services so you’ll always have help while exploring this beautiful country.
Meals
Meals are an integral component of a farm trip. In New Zealand, food reflects its diverse influences from Asia to Polynesia to Europe and includes world-class wines produced here such as Marlborough’s sauvignon blanc as well as Central Otago and Martinborough’s pinot noirs and chardonnays.
If you are an adventurous eater, why not join a Foodie GatG? Not only can you learn to prepare delicious dishes from locally sourced ingredients but you’ll also have an opportunity to participate in conservation volunteerism by working with wildlife and birds; plus don’t miss out on experiencing some of the famous mud pools or natural thermal hot springs on tour!
As more New Zealanders embrace agri-tourism, farms in New Zealand are adapting to accommodate it. A Lincoln University professor and co-author of several agritourism guides says farms may open themselves up to tourists for reasons other than financial benefits; such as making sure their land stays safe or training farmers how best to deal with visitors. She states activities like cycling trails, food foraging and star gazing are popular activities among rural visitors.
Guided Tours
New Zealand is home to stunning landscapes full of natural beauty and cultural history, from tropical islands surrounded by mist-covered fiords to vineyard-clad hills that lead to dramatic coastlines; from mountains spewing forth glaciers that flow over mountain passes before caving into glassy lakes; these breathtaking scenes showcase both nature’s majestic grandeur as well as human narratives of colonization and war.
Discover New Zealand at its finest with an escorted tour package led by knowledgeable Local Experts. Experience Maori culture, stunning landscapes and unforgettable adventures during this 19-day luxury journey. See Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier up close as your Guide cruises Milford Sound by catamaran; observe geothermal activity at Waimangu Volcanic Valley and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with ease; all this and much more awaits on this extraordinary luxury journey!
Begin your adventure in Queenstown, where a guided tour at Walter Peak High Country Farm will give you an education on high country farming. Once off of TSS Earnslaw, enjoy an exclusive look behind-the-scenes. After this visit, make your way to picturesque Swan Tarn for breathtaking alpine peaks and views of Southern Alps as backdrop, before strolling Forks Stream for some picturesque and peaceful walking paths.
As soon as your tour concludes, hop aboard a quad bike tour through native forest settings and around areas of New Zealand farms, or venture along scenic coastal roads for breathtaking views over Cable Bay from lookout points.
Transportation
New Zealand offers excellent road networks and campgrounds, making self-drive tours in this mountainous country particularly suitable. However, some drivers find driving on the other side of the road and navigating its tight turns stressful; many older adults prefer joining small group coach tours with professionals taking care of all driving duties for them.
Trafalgar Tours of New Zealand offer one such trip – the Contrasts of New Zealand tour – designed to give travelers a variety of experiences on both islands – including farm visits. You’ll stay in four- and five-star hotels while taking an easy and leisurely travel pace.
Farm visit components of this trip offer you the chance to learn about Maori culture during an interactive Discovery Series event in Rotorua as well as visiting hand-carved meetinghouses or marae and Maori villages. Also featured is a trip to a Kiwifruit farm, Waitomo Caves and an off-road four-wheel drive adventure on rural property.
Tranz Alpine train journey offers another chance for farm visits as it runs between Greymouth on the west coast of New Zealand and Christchurch, an English-style city on its east. Along this scenic ride are breathtaking sights including breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls lining Milford Sound’s fjord system.