New Zealand Farmstays

Accomodation in farmstays

Whilst you journey throughout New Zealand, you will probably notice the seemingly endless collection of open fields housing immense farms, vibrant orchards and sun drenched vineyards.  The farms of New Zealand produce a high quality of food and beverage to people all over the world;  some of the country’s quality exports include meat, dairy and, of course, the wine’s for which the nation is famous.  The isolated farming regions of New Zealand are a beautiful and colourful area in which to stay.  If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, you should go online to peruse the various farm stays available to tourists.

A farm stay is similar to home stay accommodation but with one big difference – instead of being placed in the suburban home of a New Zealand family, you are placed on their farm.  Farm stays are a fantastic opportunity to experience rural life and live an authentic farming lifestyle.  Farm stay families are especially screened to ensure that they are sensitive to foreign cultures and in limited circumstances you may be placed with a family that speaks your language.

New Zealand’s farms are plentiful and diverse.  While sheep, cattle and dairy are the most common, you could also be placed on a farm that rears horses, pigs or even llama.  Other unique experiences include bee keeping and salmon farming.  Most New Zealand tourist sites provide a list of farm stay options which means you can choose anything!

On farm stays, you are not only encouraged but expected to help with the jobs and tasks carried out day to day.  In this authentic environment, you are given the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.  You could be milking cows, shearing sheep or herding animals, depending on the farm you choose.

In nearly all cases, you will be provided accommodation on the farm.  A few farm stays offer self contained off site accommodation.  You will also enjoy large, home cooked meals – essential after a hard day of work.  In your spare time, you will be able to partake in outdoor recreational pursuits such as fishing, water sports and horse riding.  If you choose to stay at a farm while studying, your farm stay family or school can help you arrange transport.

You will also have the chance to join in with whatever is happening in your host family’s life.  Agricultural and pastoral shows are the annual highlight of rural New Zealand and can be great fun.  A and P shows give farming families the chance to show off their produce and also provide live music and entertainment.  For residents of the North Island, the world’s largest agricultural field day is held in June at Mystery Creek in the middle of Waikato’s dairy farming region.

Farm stays provide an authentic, once in a lifetime opportunity for travellers who wish to enjoy a rural farming lifestyle.  The life of a farmer is hard work, but the experience is also very rewarding.