Miranda’s farm cottage offered by far the best value of our entire stay in New Zealand (a beautiful but often very expensive country :). The cottage itself sits amid a picturesque landscape and while it seems remote, the shower was piping hot and the WiFi was fast. Miranda was very communicative and helpful. Highlight of the breakfast spread were two homemade jams Miranda made—plum and feijoa—with the latter harvested on site as well. But the true highlight was the optional tour (starting with cow milking at 6:30am): Miranda’s husband showed us the dairy production process from end-to-end—including opportunities to milk a cow both by hand and using modern, more-automated equipment—from collection to cooling to distribution. Then we fed and pet sheep and river eels (a unique and surprisingly fun activity!). The whole tour was fun and educational and led with pride and patience for us city-slickers. Totally delightful!