Farm EXPERIENCES

Discover a side of New Zealand few visitors get to see.

Nestled high above Hawke's Bay, Te Aratipi Station is a privately owned 3,000-acre sheep and beef farm that has been cared for by the Palmer family for over 100 years. Named after the prominent peak that rises 600 metres above the Pacific Ocean, Te Aratipi — meaning "The Pathway to the Top" — holds deep cultural significance and offers some of the most spectacular views on the East Coast of New Zealand.

From rolling hill country and native bush to historic farm buildings and breathtaking coastal vistas, Te Aratipi is a place where farming, conservation and family heritage come together.

Whether you're seeking a glimpse into authentic rural life or a deeper connection to the land and its people, our private farm experiences offer a genuine insight into one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes.

  • Unique Farm Tour Hawke's Bay. Must-Do.

    Te Aratipi Farm Experience

    Step beyond the farm gate and experience authentic New Zealand farming life on our privately owned 3,000-acre sheep and beef station in the heart of Hawke's Bay.

    Hosted by fourth-generation farming family Ed and Ro Palmer, this exclusive experience offers a genuine behind-the-scenes insight into life on a working farm. Travel across rolling hill country by Can-Am (side-by-side), discover spectacular ridge-top views, meet our animals, and gain an understanding of modern farming practices in New Zealand.

    No two visits are exactly the same. Depending on the season and what is happening on the farm that day, guests may have the opportunity to observe or participate in aspects of daily farm life, from stock work and animal husbandry through to seasonal farming activities.

    Along the way, you'll hear stories of the Palmer family's farming journey, conservation projects and the realities of life on a modern New Zealand sheep and beef station.

    A highlight of the experience is a visit to our ridge-top cabins, perched 600 meters above the Pacific Ocean, where you'll enjoy farm-style refreshments while taking in panoramic views stretching across Hawke's Bay and beyond.

    Experience Highlights

    • Private hosted experience
    • Travel by Can-Am across our working sheep and beef station
    • Spectacular panoramic views over Hawke's Bay and the Pacific Ocean
    • Visit the historic woolshed and farm yards
    • Meet some of the farm's friendly resident animals
    • Learn about modern New Zealand farming and rural life
    • Insight into native bush regeneration and conservation projects
    • Generous Farm-style morning or afternoon tea with refreshments
    • Opportunity to observe seasonal farming activities where available

    Bookings essential and subject to availability.

    Pricing -

    • Up to 2 guests: $795

    • Additional guests: $195 per person

    • Children (5–15 years): $125

    • Children under 5: Complimentary

    Maximum 4 guests (larger groups by arrangement)

    Includes -

    • Freshly prepared farm-style refreshments and beverages.

    • Please allow approximately 3 hours for the experience.

    • Every visit is unique. As a genuine working farm, activities vary throughout the year and are dependent on seasonal farming operations.

    • A native tree will be planted through your visit, helping support our ongoing conservation and regeneration projects.

    See our payment details, T’s & C’s here.

    Location -

    Te Aratipi Station is located in Maraetotara, Hawke's Bay:

    • 25 minutes from Havelock North
    • 35 minutes from Hastings
    • 45 minutes from Napier and Hawke's Bay Airport
    • 10 minutes from Waimārama Beach

    Private transfers may be arranged by request.

  • Unique Farm Tour Hawke's Bay. Must-Do. Special.

    The Ultimate Te Aratipi Farm Experience

    An invitation to slow down, step behind the farm gate and spend an unforgettable day immersed in authentic New Zealand farm life.

    Hosted by fourth-generation farming family Ed and Ro Palmer, this exclusive experience offers a rare opportunity to experience the rhythms of a genuine working sheep and beef station while enjoying the warmth of true country hospitality.

    Travel across our privately owned 3,000-acre farm by Can-Am, exploring rolling hill country, historic farm landmarks, native bush and spectacular viewpoints rarely seen by visitors. Along the way, gain a deeper understanding of modern New Zealand farming, conservation initiatives and the stories that have shaped Te Aratipi over generations.

    With time on your side, this experience allows for a more relaxed and personalised journey. Depending on the season and what is happening on the farm that day, guests may have the opportunity to observe or participate in aspects of daily farm life, meet our animals, visit the historic woolshed and yards, and experience the ever-changing nature of a working farm.

    The highlight of the day is a leisurely long lunch at our private ridge-top cabins, perched 600 meters above the Pacific Ocean. Here, you'll enjoy generous farm-style cuisine showcasing seasonal and locally sourced produce while taking in panoramic views stretching from Mahia Peninsula to the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges.

    More than a tour, this is an opportunity to connect with the land, the people and the stories that make rural New Zealand so special.

    Experience Highlights

    • Private hosted experience with Ed and Ro Palmer
    • Explore a 3,000-acre working sheep and beef station
    • Travel by Can-Am through spectacular hill country landscapes
    • Access areas of the farm not normally open to visitors
    • Visit the historic woolshed and farm yards
    • Meet resident farm animals
    • Learn about modern farming practices and conservation projects
    • Morning tea and a generous long lunch showcasing seasonal Hawke's Bay produce and farm-raised meats at the Te Aratipi Cabins
    • Farm-style refreshments and beverages throughout the day
    • Native tree planted through your visit
    • Complimentary Te Aratipi cap for each guest

    Bookings essential and subject to availability.

    Private Experience Pricing -

    • Up to 2 guests — $1,495

    • Additional guests — $295 per person

    • Children (5–15 years) — $175

    • Children under 5 — Complimentary

    Maximum 4 guests

    Includes -

    • Generous farm-style morning tea, long lunch showcasing seasonal Hawke's Bay produce and beverages.

    • Please allow approximately 5 hours.

    • Every visit is unique. As a genuine working farm, activities vary throughout the year and are dependent on seasonal farming operations.

    • A native tree will be planted through your visit, helping support our ongoing conservation and regeneration projects.

    See our payment details, T’s & C’s here.

    Te Aratipi Station is located in Maraetotara, Hawke's Bay:

    • 25 minutes from Havelock North
    • 35 minutes from Hastings
    • 45 minutes from Napier and Hawke's Bay Airport
    • 10 minutes from Waimārama Beach

    Private transfers may be arranged by request.