High Country Holiday & Activities
Our High Country Holidays at Hidden Valley Farm offer a gentle journey back in time—evoking cherished memories for our baby boomer guests, while inviting a new generation to discover the simple joys of country life.
Here, children and adults alike can experience meaningful connections with the animals of Hidden Valley Sanctuary. Our friendly, domesticated farm animals welcome gentle interaction, offering moments of closeness, curiosity, and quiet delight.
Set across 400 acres of weathered Tākaka Hill marble, the land tells its own ancient story. Shaped by time and hidden cave systems beneath, the landscape reveals striking natural features that invite exploration and wonder.
Wander into the cool embrace of the forest, where dappled light filters through trees, shrubs, and tall ferns. These living canopies draw water from the earth and release it gently into the air—a natural process known as transpiration—creating a soft, refreshing atmosphere that soothes both body and mind.
Birdsong drifts through the trees, calling you inward. To step into the forest, find a quiet place upon the moss, and simply sit and listen… this is a rare and peaceful gift.
This is a holiday shaped by your own rhythm. You may choose to rest and restore within the stillness of the Hidden Hamlet, or venture out to explore the beauty that surrounds you. See below for some options available on and off the farm
The choice, as always, is yours.
Here, children and adults alike can experience meaningful connections with the animals of Hidden Valley Sanctuary. Our friendly, domesticated farm animals welcome gentle interaction, offering moments of closeness, curiosity, and quiet delight.
Set across 400 acres of weathered Tākaka Hill marble, the land tells its own ancient story. Shaped by time and hidden cave systems beneath, the landscape reveals striking natural features that invite exploration and wonder.
Wander into the cool embrace of the forest, where dappled light filters through trees, shrubs, and tall ferns. These living canopies draw water from the earth and release it gently into the air—a natural process known as transpiration—creating a soft, refreshing atmosphere that soothes both body and mind.
Birdsong drifts through the trees, calling you inward. To step into the forest, find a quiet place upon the moss, and simply sit and listen… this is a rare and peaceful gift.
This is a holiday shaped by your own rhythm. You may choose to rest and restore within the stillness of the Hidden Hamlet, or venture out to explore the beauty that surrounds you. See below for some options available on and off the farm
The choice, as always, is yours.
.jpg)
Plunge in our Stream
A 40 minute easy walk through our farm land and into the wilderness of the Hidden Valley brings you to the Tannin & Crystal streams where guests can plunge to escape the heat. Children can spent hours enjoying the hill country holiday vibe, while parents relax with a picnic and beverage. If the season allows it you can also hold an open fire evening and walk by moonlight to the cosy camping huts. If you are quiet you may get to see wild deer.
Wilderness Guided Walks
“Among the farm’s rolling land and rugged hills lie pockets of untouched woodland, lush green vegetation, and meandering streams, where a chorus of birdsong will mesmerise you.” Our guide can offer easy to more challenging hikes on the property or you can self guide after a safety briefing.
Our forest is seldom touched and we do not use 1080 poisoning to manage vermin, yet our birdsong has been hailed as some of the most enchanting experiences our visitors have ever had while in New Zealand.
.jpg)
Dog Walking
“Well-behaved family dogs and their responsible owners are welcome to enjoy the farm, both on and off lead where appropriate. As we have animals roaming freely, some conditions do apply. Please contact us before booking so we can make sure it’s a safe and happy experience for everyone — including your dog.”
.jpg)
Explore the Kindness Walk
Take a walk, get creative, and leave a little kindness behind.
Our Adopt a Rock activity is a wonderful experience for children, families, couples and individuals of all ages. Choose a rock, decorate it with paints and pens provided, then place it somewhere along our Kindness Walk for future visitors to discover.
With a choice of walking tracks suitable for all ages and abilities, you can enjoy a gentle stroll through the sanctuary or venture a little further to discover peaceful picnic spots, native bush, virgin forest, streams and beautiful valley views. Along the way, you may even meet some of our rescued farm animals.
Your rock could be an animal, a message, a word or even a memorial rock for a pet or loved one.
Every painted rock becomes part of a growing collection of kindness, creating smiles and connecting visitors through simple acts of creativity and compassion. While on your walk take a photo of your favourit quote or picture and share it on our facebook page with #hiddenvalleyfarmnz tag, so we can find your post and comment and lets see what conversations you create.
Come for the walk. Stay for the memories. Leave a little kindness behind. Enjoying an easy walk (or be a little more challenging) through our farm land and into the wilderness of the Hidden Valley brings you to the Tannin & Crystal streams where guests can plunge to escape the heat. Children can spend hours enjoying the hill country holiday vibe, while parents relax with a picnic and beverage. If the season allows it you can also hold an open fire evening and walk by moonlight to the cosy camping huts. If you are quiet you may get to see wild deer.
Therapy with Horses
Our Sanctuary is a true Haven for All Hearts—a place of calm, connection, and quiet joy. Guests are invited to share simple, meaningful moments alongside our gentle and friendly farm animals, experiencing the peace that comes from being present in nature.
For those seeking a deeper journey, we offer thoughtfully guided therapy experiences. These include family sessions, small group gatherings, and one-to-one support, all held with care and intention.
Programmes can be arranged as immersive residential stays or as restorative day visits. Please reach out to explore what might best support your path.
For those seeking a deeper journey, we offer thoughtfully guided therapy experiences. These include family sessions, small group gatherings, and one-to-one support, all held with care and intention.
Programmes can be arranged as immersive residential stays or as restorative day visits. Please reach out to explore what might best support your path.
Caving
The farm is home to a number of fascinating cave openings, offering a sense of mystery and natural wonder. These caves are accessible to experienced cavers only. If you have the appropriate skills and would like to explore further, please get in touch.
For a more accessible experience, our neighbours offer guided tours through Ngarua Caves. These family-friendly tours provide a safe and memorable way to discover the beauty beneath our land.
Located just a three-minute drive from the farm, this makes for an easy and enriching off-farm activity.
For a more accessible experience, our neighbours offer guided tours through Ngarua Caves. These family-friendly tours provide a safe and memorable way to discover the beauty beneath our land.
Located just a three-minute drive from the farm, this makes for an easy and enriching off-farm activity.
.jpg)
Open Fire Pits
The property features several rustic open fire pits, inviting you to gather, unwind, and share simple moments under the open sky. Both camping huts have their own recycled fire pit—perfect for relaxed evening meals, storytelling, or quiet celebration.
Please note that these experiences are subject to regional fire restrictions and seasonal conditions.
Please note that these experiences are subject to regional fire restrictions and seasonal conditions.
Our friend Peter offers an exciting range of climbing adventures on and around Marble Mountain on Tākaka Hill. Just a short distance from the farm, these experiences make for a perfect off-farm activity.
Whether you're seeking a gentle introduction or something more adventurous, Peter’s guided climbs offer a unique way to connect with the landscape and enjoy the natural beauty of our region.
Whether you're seeking a gentle introduction or something more adventurous, Peter’s guided climbs offer a unique way to connect with the landscape and enjoy the natural beauty of our region.
.jpg)
Sun & Moonrise Viewing
Hidden Valley Farm rests in a place of quiet beauty, where the rising sun and moon can be witnessed in their full, breathtaking presence. These are moments to pause, to breathe, and to reconnect—whether from the stillness of your deck or the sacred vantage points on top of the farm.
For those seeking a deeper experience, you are invited to join Terri, your host, on a Pilgrimage to the Sun or Moon—a mindful journey of reflection, intention, and connection with the natural rhythms of the land and sky. The sky itself offers some of the most incredible star systems and satalite viewing.
Wrapped in the calm of nature, this experience includes a picnic blanket, along with a nourishing snack and gentle beverage to sustain you as you take in the serenity.
For those seeking a deeper experience, you are invited to join Terri, your host, on a Pilgrimage to the Sun or Moon—a mindful journey of reflection, intention, and connection with the natural rhythms of the land and sky. The sky itself offers some of the most incredible star systems and satalite viewing.
Wrapped in the calm of nature, this experience includes a picnic blanket, along with a nourishing snack and gentle beverage to sustain you as you take in the serenity.
Pony time
Join in with our daily pony activities! Help with grooming, enjoy a gentle pony walk, or—if you’re small enough—experience a special little pony ride.
We also offer magical birthday party options where you can bring your own picnic and cake. Enjoy table activities, dress-up fun, and more, all set in a relaxed farm environment.
Finish your visit with a cosy story time with Farmer Terri or Claircrow—a perfect ending to a memorable day.
We also offer magical birthday party options where you can bring your own picnic and cake. Enjoy table activities, dress-up fun, and more, all set in a relaxed farm environment.
Finish your visit with a cosy story time with Farmer Terri or Claircrow—a perfect ending to a memorable day.