Home to incomparable natural landscapes, unique wildlife and the finest drops of gilded grapes, Aotearoa invites exploration without limits — no matter the season. New Zealand is home to remarkable unique rural stays that lie among some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. New Zealand farm stays in particular have pushed the boundaries to what a country stay can look like, offering tailor-made experiences for both the energetic globetrotter and the relaxed vacationist.
In New Zealand, a farm stay will never be just one note, from a hands-on farming experience to luxury stays offering high-class retreats for a more catered experience. While the accommodation is an important factor when choosing a farm stay, the highlight for most guests are the experiences. “More and more visitors are seeking personalised experiences,” says Marijke Dunselman, Founder and CEO of Agritourism NZ, considered the industry body for agritourism in New Zealand. “Many farms offer other types of experiences such as fully catered multi-day walks and bike trails.”
Whether you’re looking to be wine and dined at one of the countries world-class vineyards, or want accommodation close to the rugged ski slopes of the Southern Alps, New Zealand farm stays caters far from the one-size-fits-all approach to country accommodation. Below, we’ve rounded up the best farm stays New Zealand has to offer, from boutique hideaways to romantic retreats, based on location, amenities, and recommendations from the agritourism experts.
Our top picks for farm stays New Zealand in 2025
- Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay (here’s why)
- Flockhill Lodge, Craigieburn Valley (here’s why)
- The Temple Cabin, Hopkins Valley (here’s why)
The best farm stays in North Island, New Zealand
01
Tunapo Escape, Paekākāriki Hill
Sleeps: Two
With panoramic views of endless sea, rolling hills and a snapshot of Kāpiti Island, Tunapo Escape offers an luxe off-grid getaway for two that is only 35-minutes from Wellington CBD. While set on a working farm, this stay is fenced off for ultimate privacy. Relax on sun lounges by the outdoor BBQ grill, or spend an intimate evening cosying up by the indoor fireplace, taking in the twilight sky with floor-to-ceiling windows from your bedroom.
“The place is secluded, peaceful, and sits on top the hills with a beautiful scene over looking the ocean. There are hiking trails right outside the location or the local town is a short drive away,” says one five-star reviewer.
Reasons to stay:
- Scenic ocean views
- Outdoor bath
- Indoor fireplace
- BBQ grill
02
Takapoto Estate, Cambridge
Sleeps: Two
Sitting on a 600-acre property lies a one bedroom cottage overlooking Lake Karapiro in the Waikato region. Perfect for couples, Takapoto Estate offers plentiful facilities for you to get most out of your stay. Wander the local vineyard, visit the market garden or spend the day at the world-class equestrian facilities. On the facilities, one five-star reviewer commented: “We felt very spoilt on our anniversary, enjoying a beautiful bottle of Takapoto Pinot Noir and homegrown meat and produce. We enjoyed riding bikes and exploring the vast estate. The Lakehouse was beautifully appointed with everything you could want for your stay.”
Reasons to stay:
- Lakeside and vineyard view
- Full kitchen facilities
- Stocked Kitchen with food produced and harvested from the farm
- Weber BBQ
03
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay
Sleeps: Two to eight
If food and wine are your raison d’être, Cape Kidnappers is the luxury lodge for you. Located on the coastal fringes of Hawke’s Bay — the nation’s famed food bowl — this whimsical retreat makes the most of its location, offering understated luxury on the doorstep of New Zealand’s second-largest wine region. Each generously appointed, open-plan suite offers open fireplaces, plush king beds and bucolic vistas to boot.
“Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is an elevated rustic property with pristine hospitality. Wine cellar and fitness room downstairs, and there is an onsite spa and pool with hot tub. Stunning views of Hawkes Bay on the north side of the North Island. A golfer’s paradise,” said a five-star reviewer.
Reasons to stay:
- Choose from one of 26 individually furnished rooms
- Enjoy a full-service spa
- Access to the on-site golf course
04
Kokomea PurePod, Te Horo
Sleeps: Two
For a retreat isolated in nature, PurePods glass structure showcases New Zealand’s natural scenery, providing the perfect backdrop for an intimate getaway. Just an hour north of Wellington, this quiet accommodation sits on a grapevine nursery high above the Kāpiti Coast. Take in stunning sea views from the privacy of your tiny home before immersing yourself in the local natural wonders.
“An absolutely beautiful build, thoughtfully designed, and comfortable. The pod is the perfect size for a weekend getaway,” notes one reviewer.
Reasons to stay:
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Views of Kāpiti Island
- One-hour drive to Wellington
The best farm stays in South Island, New Zealand
05
Cabot Lodge, Te Anau
Sleeps: Two to ten
This blissfully secluded Cabot Lodge is set within 2,000 acres of farmland overlooking the glistening waters of Lake Manapouri and bordering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, where you will encounter the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound. Offering a selection of four suites, you and your party will experience an array of inclusions such as a nightly dinner menu, complimentary breakfast and a bottle of wine on arrival to compliment this unforgettable escape.
“We had a lovely couple of nights at Cabot Lodge. We explored the Fiordland region during the day, and were warmly greeted when arriving home. The food and wine was sensational, and we loved spending time in the comfortable library overlooking the farm surrounded by snow capped mountains and lake. Honestly would give it 11/10 stars if we could,” says one guest who gave their stay a five-star rating.
Reasons to stay:
- Set within 2,000 acres of farmland
- Overlooks Lake Manapouri
- Borders the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park
- Nightly set-menu dinner
- Complimentary laundry service
06
The Temple Cabin, Hopkins Valley
Sleeps: Five
The Temple Cabin offers a luxe abode for the adventurous globetrotter. Set on a working sheep and beef station, taste true seclusion among the prodigious Southern Alps. 20 minutes away lies the Ohau Ski Field, a boutique field in the Southern Alps for the ardent skier, or hike and mountain bike the trails in the Temple and Hopkins Valley before retreating home for some rejuvenation by the wood-burning fireplace overlooking endless mountains and valleys.
“Our stay at The Temple Cabins was fantastic. The cabin itself is nestled in the mountains with absolutely breathtaking views, offering a private and peaceful retreat. The setting is a perfect mix of rugged nature and cosy accommodation. Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind in a beautiful, remote spot,” says one five-star reviewer.
Reasons to stay:
- Access to the National Park
- Mountain and valley views
- Indoor wood-burning fireplace
07
Flockhill Lodge, Craigieburn Valley
Sleeps: Two to eight
This extraordinary place combines the rough-hewn and the refined. Rugged snow-capped Southern Alps scenery encircles Flockhill Station, a 36,000-acre sheep station that was established in 1857. With only 36 guests here at any one time, there are 1000 acres to roam each. Secluded serenity indeed. The retreat’s restaurant, Sugarloaf, invites leisurely fireside wine sessions and exploratory dinners; other activities include whisky tastings, set to a vinyl soundtrack in the reclaimed miner’s cottage beyond the sunken firepit.
Reasons to stay:
- Easy access to Arthur’s Pass National Park
- Chef’s table experiences included
- Farm tours available
- Horse riding
- Guided hikes
08
Hapuku Lodge
Sleeps: Two to six
Contemporary country lodging just got more elevated. Settled amongst the tree-tops, Hapuku Lodge tree houses boast stunning views of Kaikoura and the Pacific Ocean, and sits within 500 acres of farm land. Choose between a tree house, lodge room or suite, which all include 3-course gourmet dinners and full breakfasts. Wake up to birdsong, sip coffee with treetop views, and experience Kaikoura’s unparalleled marine life and spectacular landscape before retreating to your private hideaway.
“Hāpuku lodge is beyond what we ever could have expected. There are so many added extra comforts and surprises. On top of the rooms was the incredible, personable service by all staff and friendly faces at the lodge. The meal at dinner and breakfast is one that we will remember for years to come,” wrote a guest who rated it five-stars.
Reasons to stay:
- Treehouse accommodation
- Air-conditioned suites
- Private bathroom
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Spa and wellness centre
09
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Lake Wanaka
Sleeps: Two to six
Situated on an alpine meadow at 3000 feet, Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most exclusive retreats. With just four private chalets surrounded by national parkland, staggering mountains and Lake Wanaka, the lodge can only be accessed by helicopter, perfect for discerning honeymooners seeking an unforgettable escape. Here, intimacy and indulgence take centre stage at Minaret Station — with hot tubs and stargazing among some of the finest activities in this country estate. Beyond the bedroom, once-in-a-lifetime experiences — such as scenic helicopter flights and expeditions to the glacier seracs of Aoraki Mount Cook — can be arranged at your whimsy.
Reasons to stay:
- Private hot tubs
- Scenic helicopter tours and expeditions available to book
- Situated in an alpine meadow at 3000 feet
What makes New Zealand’s farm stays unique?
With a growing interest in off-grid accommodations, farm stays are also having a positive impact on local communities and businesses by preserving New Zealand’s rural culture and agricultural heritage. As Marijke from Agritourism NZ explains, “Agritourism is a growing sector in New Zealand as it is a way for farms and stations to diversify their farm income and provide a new business on the farm for the younger generations. Many farms I work with are ‘Century Farms’; they’ve been in the same family for over 100 years. These families have a passion to preserve the farm/station for future generations.” Agritourism also helps provide employment for local communities to thrive and help “preserves rural amenities such as schools and healthcare.”
Historically recognised as a “farming country”, New Zealand offers a unique array of farm stays from high country stations to coastal farms on both the North and South Islands. “In the South Island, the countryside is more dramatic with its Southern Alps and lakes, in the North Island there are stunning coastal farm stays. The South Island tends to be more popular with international visitors, but both have unique and beautiful regions,” says Marijke.
What time of the year is best to experience a farm stay in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s variable climate offers a unique seasonal experience year-round. The most popular time to travel in New Zealand is during the summer months, with December and January as the peak season. During this time, the weather is warm and generally dry, although occasional rainfall can bring brief showers. “Most visitors tend to come to New Zealand in the warmer months between October/November and April, but many Australians love New Zealand for the winter season, skiing and staying in gorgeous lodges and farms with open fires,” says Marijke. If you seek the thrill of skiing in the majestic Southern Alps, and enjoy a cosy ambiance of staying in picturesque lodges and farms complete with open fires, then consider a winter escape to New Zealand for your next farmstay.
Related article:
- The best romantic getaways in New Zealand for starry-eyed luxury lovers in 2025
- The Walk Line: New Zealand’s Great Walks
- 13 of the best farm stays in NSW for a rustic escape
