What is a farmstay?

There are many farmstays throughout New Zealand which offer visitors the chance to stay and totally immerse themselves in day-to-day life on a working farm. Depending on the type of farm and the time of year you could get involved with lambing, shearing, milking or harvesting.

The cheaper options can be equivalent to the price of a hostel and, as accommodation is often a room within the family home where guests join their hosts at meal times, they are a great option for lone travellers seeking company. There are also options for self-catering accommodation but these tend to become a little more expensive.

In addition to the normal farming activities many farmstays offer visitors a choice of activities including such things as off-roading in 4WD, fishing, canoeing and horse trekking.