Farm Activities in New Zealand

From sheep shearing to stargazing, discover the hands-on activities that make farm stays unforgettable. Experience authentic rural New Zealand with these popular farm experiences.

Wildlife Viewing
Easy

Wildlife Viewing

Native birds, seals and glow-worms on working farmland

1-2 hours, often at dawn or dusk
Spring
Bush Walks
Moderate

Bush Walks

Native forest tracks that start at the farm gate

20 minutes to 2 hours
Spring
Animal Feeding
Easy

Animal Feeding

Hands-on time with the farm animals, usually at feed time

30-60 minutes, usually early morning
Spring
Scenic Walks
Moderate

Scenic Walks

Open-country walking for the view, on land the public cannot reach

30 minutes to half a day
Spring
Fishing
Moderate

Fishing

Trout rivers, farm ponds and coastline reached through the farm gate

Half a day or more
Spring
Swimming
Easy

Swimming

River holes, farm dams and a pool at the end of a hot day

As long as you like
Summer
Vineyard Tours
Easy

Vineyard Tours

Walk the rows with the person who grows the fruit

1-2 hours
Summer
Sheep Shearing
Easy

Sheep Shearing

Watch skilled shearers in action and try your hand at this iconic Kiwi craft

1-2 hours
Spring
Horse Riding
Easy

Horse Riding

Explore stunning farm landscapes on horseback through rolling hills and native bush

30 minutes to full day
Spring
Sheep Mustering
Moderate

Sheep Mustering

Experience authentic high country farming moving mobs across spectacular landscapes

2-6 hours
Spring
Cow Milking
Easy

Cow Milking

Learn the art of milking from hand techniques to modern dairy technology

1-2 hours
Year-round
Bottle Feeding Lambs
Easy

Bottle Feeding Lambs

The ultimate farm experience for animal lovers of all ages

20-40 minutes
Spring (August-October)
Farm Tours
Easy

Farm Tours

Comprehensive guided tours exploring all aspects of New Zealand farm life

1-2 hours
Year-round
Working Dog Demonstrations
Easy

Working Dog Demonstrations

Marvel at the incredible bond between farmers and their remarkable working dogs

30-60 minutes
Year-round
Tractor Rides
Easy

Tractor Rides

Climb aboard for a quintessential farm experience across paddocks and hills

20 minutes to 2 hours
Year-round
Egg Collecting
Easy

Egg Collecting

Hunt for freshly laid eggs and connect with where your breakfast comes from

15-30 minutes
Year-round (more eggs in spring/summer)
Vineyard Wine Tasting
Easy

Vineyard Wine Tasting

Sample estate wines and learn about viticulture on working vineyard farms

1-2 hours
Year-round (harvest in March-April)
Cheese Making
Easy

Cheese Making

Learn the craft of artisan cheese from farm milk to finished wheel

2-6 hours
Year-round
Farm Stargazing
Easy

Farm Stargazing

Experience pristine dark skies and the Southern Hemisphere's celestial wonders

1-2 hours
Year-round (winter has longer dark hours)

Ready to Experience Farm Life?

Take our quick quiz to find the perfect farm stay with activities tailored to your interests.

Find Your Perfect Farm Stay

Experience Authentic New Zealand Farm Activities

New Zealand farm stays offer visitors the chance to participate in genuine agricultural activities that have shaped the country's rural heritage. Whether you're watching skilled shearers remove a fleece in under two minutes, riding horses across rolling green hills, or collecting fresh eggs for your breakfast, these hands-on experiences create lasting memories.

Our farm activities cater to all ages and abilities. Families love bottle feeding orphan lambs in spring, while couples enjoy romantic vineyard tours with wine tasting. For those seeking adventure, joining a sheep muster across high country stations provides an authentic taste of working farm life.

Most activities require no prior experience - friendly farm hosts provide all the guidance you need. From easy activities suitable for young children to more active experiences for the adventurous, there's something for everyone on a New Zealand farm stay.