Farmstays

Farmstay Accommodation

Farmstays are a great way of getting to know real New Zealanders and to learn more about the farming lifestyle. Some farmstays offer you the chance to stay in the comfort of a typical New Zealand rural family home, while others offer self-contained accommodation.

You may get to enjoy home-cooked meals, and you will have the chance to join in with whatever is happening on the farm. Depending on the type of farm and the season, you could experience milking, shearing, lambing or harvesting kiwifruit and other crops.

Many farmstays are also conveniently close to a wealth of outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing and horse trekking. In some cases a range of activities may be available on the farm where you are staying.

If you are interested in farm activities, don't miss the A&P (agricultural and pastoral) shows. They are an annual highlight of rural New Zealand and take place in all provincial cities and towns.

Also, each June, one of the world's largest agricultural field days is held at Mystery Creek near Hamilton, centre of the rich Waikato dairying region.