We stayed in David's Shed and Breakfast for three nights. This is not your boring sleep-eat-relax accommodation but more of a hands-on lifestyle experience that will challenge your techno-based 21st century outlook on life. That is why you want to come and stay at Dave's.

David gave us clear instructions to his farm when we arrived in Otaio on State Highway 1, coming down from Timaru. Ten minutes later we met with David, an infectiously hilarious down to earth organic farmer that made us feel both at home and at ease at his authentic farm sheep and beef cattle farm.

We stayed in the original shed which houses a spacious living area, mostly occupied by exhausted and hard working farm dogs, Pop and Barley. There is a large upstairs kitchen and a dining area. Our bedroom was below with windows facing east and warm beds.

We never felt like guests but more like Dave's farming buddies, helping him with lambing, daily checking on ewes and lambs and Angus beef cattle. My daughter loved running off into the chicken coop paddock to collect the eggs and the highest daily count was 17.

Dave was a kind, generous, entertaining host with an extensive knowledge of farming life. We learnt a lot while working with him. The three of us digged up and planted a new herb garden. My daughter got to name three new born calves and a wee lamb called Lola.

Just about everything on the sheds is made by hand from simple natural materials. There is a large collection of items crafted by David and various previous stayers who all contributed to the unique look of the farm. You got to check out the greenhouse.

If you come from a city, you will love the silence and the quiet rhythm of nature that surrounds you on all sides. Be an early riser and join Dave for a hot drink, to see the sun rise out of the sea that you can see from miles away.

During our stay we all pitched in to make delicious farm-cooked meals. Dave showed us how to make cheese from scratch and we tasted some awesome slices from different aged samples.

Dave also treated us to a wee secret - Chocolate and Kumara gluten-free cake and a mystery ice-cream.

We are absolutely coming back, as this was the highlight of our trip across the South Island.

PS: Dave is finishing a more private and secluded accommodation in his second smaller shed. We had a short preview of that cozy and warm place with awesome views.