Farmstays
We have a range of farmstay properties (private family homes) that are available throughout the North Island and South Island in New Zealand. Most farmstay hosts can accommodate 4-6 guests, with a few larger properties available upon request.
It is a good idea to let us know what your travel plans and activities are during your trip. We can then look into the most suitable farmstay location within your itinerary.
Please note these are a small list of the areas available. If you are looking for a specific area, please contact us.
The pick up points for groups are shown in the details below. For people who are travelling by car, Rural Tours will supply the location details following your booking confirmation.
North Island Locations
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Cambridge Farmstays
Cambridge is a beautiful town in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. Situated 24 kms southeast of Hamilton, on the banks of the Waikato River, Cambridge is known for horse breeding, the cycling AvantiDrome, and rowing events on Lake Karapiro. The township has a number of statues, cafes, and shops.
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Matamata Farmstays
Matamata is a town residing underneath the Kaimai Range Mountains, on New Zealand’s North Island. Known for the Hobbiton Movie Set which was created for Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” films. Just outside of Matamata there is a popular walking trail that leads to Wairere Falls, with views over the township and Waikato.
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Waitomo/Te Awamutu Farmstays
Waitomo is a village on the North Island of New Zealand. It’s known for its extensive underground cave systems. Thousands of glow-worms light up the Glowworm Caves. Our farmstays in the area are mainly sheep farms due to the terrain in the region suitable for this type of farming.
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Rotorua Farmstays
Renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture, Rotorua is a hub of natural attractions and activities for all ages, located in the North Island. Walk through the Redwood forest, check out the lakes surrounding Rotorua or relax in one of many hot pools. So many adrenaline activities to do such as lugeing, bungy, zorbing and so much more.
South Island Locations
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Ashburton Farmstays
Ashburton is in the Canterbury region of the South Island, and is renowned for its salmon fishing. Ashburton, Rakaia, and Rangitata Rivers are suitable for fishing and upper reaches of the Rangitata are frequently kayaked and rafted. The Rakaia is known for jet-boating.
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Kurow Farmstays
Kurow is a small town in the Waitaki District. It is located on the south bank of the Waitaki River, 60 kilometres northwest of Oamaru. The land around the town includes summerfruit orchards, and increasing amounts of Pinot Noir are being planted in the limestone soils.
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Oamaru Farmstays
Oamaru is the largest town in North Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand. Famous for its penguin colony and limestone architecture of the Victorian Precinct. This rugged part of the South Island is a great pit stop if you are coming up from Dunedin and making your way back to Christchurch via the East Coast.
Farmstay Pricing & Details
Our farmstays include dinner, accommodation, farm tour and breakfast organised by your host. Dinner includes a 3 course NZ meal of beef or lamb accompanied with a NZ beer or wine (non-alcoholic beverages available). There is an option of either cooked breakfast or continental style breakfast.
Rates as of 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025
Adult Single Basis NZ$319.00 per person per night
Adults Twin Share NZ$270.00 per person per night
Youth(9-11 years old) NZ$203.00 per person per night
Child (2 - 8 years old) NZ$155.00 per person per night
Infant (0-1 years old) NZ$105.00
Early Check In (includes lunch) NZ$75.00 per person
Late Check Out (includes lunch) NZ$75.00 per person
Return Transfers NZ$87.00 per vehicle (from local meeting point)
Middle Day Lunch (Applies to stays of 2 nights or more*) NZ$75.00 per person per night.
*The Farmstay Lunch fee applies for stays of 2 nights or more if you do not have your own transport.
If you have your own transport, you can choose to have lunch at the farm on the middle day for an additional charge, or leave the farm to go sightseeing, etc.
All prices displayed are inclusive of GST.
Bookings for individuals – 2 weeks notice is preferred
Bookings for groups – 3 weeks notice is preferred
Additional Details
Pricing:
All rates are on a per person per night basis and include 15% GST. All rates are quoted in New Zealand dollars.
Special Requests:
Rural Tours is able to cater for clients with a range of special requests, which include:
Dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, halal, no beef/lamb etc)
Allergies (e.g. pet allergies – no cats, non smoking hosts etc)
Special Interest requests (e.g. staying with Lions Club members, Staying with Teachers)
Disability requests (e.g. paraplegic facilities, single level home)
Farm Type (e.g. dairy farmers from overseas wanting to stay with dairy farmers in New Zealand)
Booking Lead-Time Requirement:
Bookings for individuals - 2 weeks notice is preferred
Bookings for groups - 3 weeks notice is preferred.
Farmstay Documentation:
For guests travelling by rental vehicle, Rural Tours provides a map with directions and related information.
Transfers:
Transfers to farmstays are not available in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin or Queenstown. Christchurch – upon application.
Child Policy:
Youth, Child & Infant rates are available only when accompanied by an adult.
Host Family Information:
Due to the law governing the New Zealand Privacy Act, the amount of information able to be advised about individual host families in advance is limited. Information given by Rural Tours covers the key points about the farmstay destination and host family. Of course, the host families will want to talk about themselves in detail while guests are there.
Early Arrivals/Late Departures:
Early arrivals (prior to 3pm) requiring lunch and addtional farm activities are available on a case-by-case basis. Please advise at the time of booking.
Late departures (after 10am and before 1.00pm) requiring lunch and addtional farm activities are available on a case-by-case basis. Please advise at the time of booking.
Farmstay Inspections:
Rural Tours staff visit all farmstay properties to ensure an appropriate quality of accommodation, service, and overall experience.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation policy will apply if notified up to 72 hours prior to booking to receive 100% refund, otherwise no money will be refunded.
Payment & Privacy Policy:
Rural Tours is a tour operator located in New Zealand. We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Under no circumstances will the details of guests be shared amongst individuals nor be distributed to third party organisations without consent.
Payment is available by bank/wire transfer, details will be provided upon confirmation of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the limitations of host families during farmstays?
A farmstay experience should not be confused with staying in a hotel. Guests are staying in a real life family home and hosts are opening their home to allow overseas visitors to enjoy the opportunity. Hosts are not staff who are expected to look after guests 24/7.
What type of farming activities are there?
Due to health and safety issues, the farming activities will be limited to light work. This can include the feeding and moving of stock, watching the milking, farm tour on back of tractor, visiting neighbouring farms or even a visit to the local horse racing track. Each Rural Tours Farmstay will offer a different experience and this will very much depend on the type and size of the farm as well as the season.
Can I obtain detailed information about my farmstay hosts in advance?
Due to the law governing the New Zealand Privacy Act, the amount of information able to be advised about individual host families is limited. Information given by Rural Tours covers the key points about the Farmstay destination and host family, but cannot be elaborated on further Rural Tourser due to the Privacy Act. Similar Acts cover Privacy around the world.
Why do farmstay hosts sometimes suddenly change before I arrive?
Rural Tours farmstay hosts are all from the local farming community. The reasons for cancellation or amendments are nearly always personal reasons, such as sudden illness or family reasons. Rural Tours respects the privacy of the host family, so it is sometimes not possible to provide such details to the client. .
It is important that the tour organisers and/or schools are advised at the time of planning and during the briefing to parents that such changes do occur and are unavoidable. They should also be advised that any replacements hosts will offer the same wonderful farmstay experience to their guests.
Can you provide transfers to the farm?
Return transfers are included for all coach groups and we are able to arrange for our hosts to collect your group from inner city motels, hotels or from the local bus or train station. Please note that we do not guarantee transfers for the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin or Queenstown. Self drive guests are given all the necessary documentation to ensure they find their farmstay with the minimum of effort.
Is a farmstay expensive?
At first glance a farmstay may appear to be expensive, however it does include accommodation, all meals, refreshments, transfers (group tours only), and activities. Most people find that by the time they add everything up, a farmstay is very good value.
Do I get a farm tour for bed and breakfast booking?
Farm tour is not guarantee for bed and breakfast booking because we utilise a mix of residential, lifestyle and farm properties.
*Bed and breakfast is only available in Matamata area.
How much time is required to book farmstays?
Individual Bookings: 2 weeks notice is preferred.
Group Bookings: At least 3 weeks notice is required for group farmstay bookings.
Will we have our own bathroom?
In most cases, you will be the only guests at your farmstay, however we cannot guarantee this. Most hosts have their own separate bathroom, and you will have use of a second bathroom.
How long would you recommend staying on a farmstay?
Rural Tours recommends two night stays if possible. This way, you have plenty of time to enjoy a range of activities and experiences with your hosts. Of course, one night stays are also possible.
What about dietary requirements?
Provided you let us know in advance this in not an issue. We simply notify our hosts of the dietary requirement and they can cater accordingly.
What type of farm will I stay on?
The type of farm will vary greatly depending on region, time of year, host availability. Not all farmstays will be on dairy farms with cows or sheep farms. There are many farm types with various animals. The farm type and description of their animals will be advised upon confirmation. Rural Tours does not guarantee farm types.
Do I need to be good at speaking English?
Minimal English ability is required. Our hosts are experienced in hosting people from around the world. Body language is very universal..! A smile goes along way no matter where you are from.
Why do people in New Zealand become farmstay hosts?
The key reason for becoming a host is that the hosts genuinely enjoy meeting people from other cultures, and are happy to share their homes so that overseas visitors get an insight into New Zealand everyday life on a farm.
Is early check in or late check out possible?
Early Check In is available from 11:30 am on the day of arrival.
Late Check Out is available up to 1.30 pm on the day of departure.
These are not guaranteed and are subject to availability at time of booking.
