| A farmstay can be an enjoyable experience for | | | | Depending on the farm, you may be entitled to |
| kids and adults alike. Depending on the | | | | fully self-contained cottages where you can |
| nature of farms, some specialize in rearing | | | | cook your own meals, while others include a |
| sheep and chickens, while others have cattle, | | | | hearty farm breakfast for you. Some farmstays |
| horses, calves and goats. A farmstay provides | | | | allow you pitch your own tents and have a |
| an abundance of learning activities and | | | | camping experience. You may wish to find out |
| memorable hands-on opportunities. | | | | the facilities and amenities available at the |
| | | | farm. Different rooms may have different bed |
| Things to Do at the Farm | | | | configurations. Not all rooms come with |
| | | | ensuite facilities; you may have to share the |
| You stay can include : | | | | bathroom with other guests. Usually, your |
| | | | hosts will have a check-in time. They may not |
| 1. Feeding and caring for animals | | | | be able to accommodate early arrivals as they |
| | | | may have to spend the day preparing for your |
| 2. Learning about breeding horses | | | | stay. Farmstays do have their own |
| | | | cancellation policy; some require 14 days |
| 3. Planting and harvesting organic vegetables | | | | notice. |
| | | | |
| 4. Gathering the horses | | | | Things to Bring |
| | | | |
| 5. Milking the cows and collecting eggs | | | | You should pack your shoes and clothes |
| | | | according to the activities of the farm such |
| 6. Feeding out the hay | | | | as bushwalking, horse riding. You may wish |
| | | | to bring along your sunblock, insect |
| 7. Riding on a tractor | | | | repellent, camera, hat and sunglasses. |
| | | | |
| 8. Shifting stock | | | | Things to Note |
| | | | |
| 9. Watching sheep dogs at work | | | | 1. As many of the farms are located in the |
| | | | mountain regions away from the city, it is |
| 10. Learning about haymaking and sheep | | | | best to find out how you can get there. Find |
| shearing | | | | out from the hosts if they can offer you a |
| | | | pick up or drop off service. |
| 11. Making country wines and jam from wild | | | | |
| berries | | | | 2. You may wish to note if there are any |
| | | | restrictions on pets. |
| 12. Making wild craft from berries, teas, | | | | |
| mushrooms, dyes | | | | 3. Not all farmstays are suitable for |
| | | | children. Do find out their child policy. |
| Other Activities at the Farm | | | | |
| | | | 4. Take note of the types of animals reared |
| Besides enjoying activities at the farm, your | | | | at the farm if your kids are likely to be |
| hosts may offer a drive around the farm with | | | | sensitive to some animals. |
| a visit to view the animals reared. Your host | | | | |
| may also bring you for a farm walk. Some | | | | 5. Find out if there are special activities |
| hosts are likely to organize sidetrips for | | | | for the kids. |
| you, guided tours or other fun activities | | | | |
| such as scuba diving, trekking, forest walks | | | | 6. Some farmstays do offer long stay or child |
| etc. There are also hosts who are keen to | | | | discounts. |
| conduct workshops on fun with wool or other | | | | |
| simple crafts with materials gathered around | | | | 7. Don't forget to bring a little gift to |
| the farm. | | | | thank your hosts for their warm and kind |
| | | | hospitality. |
| Accommodation | | | | |
| | | | Have a blessed and wonderful vacation. |