We were searching for a quiet place away from it all and Adrian's farmstay exceeded expectations. Kakariki Cottage is situated on a small dairy farm at the very foot of the Tararua Ranges - a fair drive from civilisation so it's important to stock up on supplies before arriving.
The house itself is really nice and spacious with two good sized bedrooms, comfortable beds, a stack of DVDs and a fireplace to keep you warm if you need it.
A fresh jug of real cows milk was waiting for us in the fridge along with a large bowl of eggs from the farm's chickens. We also took our 3 year old to watch the cows being milked and was given a spontaneos little tour around the farmhouse by one of Adrian's sons.
Overall the hospitality could not have been better and, even though we could not make it, we were invited down to the river to join in the family's New Year celebrations.
A real off-the-beaten-track gem.