Excursion Waikawa valley farm experience tour at bluff

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary legacy and daily life at Rosedale Farm during this interactive, full-day farming and culinary excursion.

Waikaka Valley, Rosedale Farm

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the Waikaka Valley for a visit to Rosedale Farm, one of the most iconic properties in New Zealand. Upon arrival, meet the growers and producers from Rosedale; worldly hosts who have lived, worked and cared for this land for generations, and are so much more than breeders of top-performing sheep. With governance roles in both their local community and abroad, as well as existing agri-tourism ventures, this community-centric family brings 200 years of stories; stories of whanau (family) and clanship, meeting-and-growing over time, and moving from, and coming back to, the whenua (land).

Lush, Rolling Hills, Flowing Private River

From its lush, rolling hills to its flowing private river, this property ties together two cultures and almost two centuries of history. From this property sprang a village and community, still supported to this day by both the commercial operations and involvement of the property owners. This is a land with many stories. It is deeply local; a land where you stop and breathe. This is the heartland of the Southland.

Farm Tour, Lunch, Interactive Sheep-Shearing Demonstrations

Upon arrival, meet your growers and enjoy a hot beverage. Next, depart for a guided orientation tour of the farm and see a working animal display, then proceed for a farm-to-table-style lunch featuring lamb, artisan breads and home-made baked goods. After lunch, take in interactive, dog-and-sheep and sheep-shearing demonstrations. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Waikaka Valley, Rosedale Farm, Lush, Rolling Hills, River, Welcome Beverage, Farm Tour, Lunch, Interactive Dog/Sheep and Sheep-Shearing Demonstrations

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with three-five steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and four steps to access the restroom area. Walking at the Rosedale Farm is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. The coach supply in Bluff is very limited, coaches used are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of larger New Zealand ports.