Takaka Hill is a vast place to explore and deserves a holiday, rather that just a quick stop.
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. 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.
Hidden Valley Farm Activities are by appointment only. Most of our animals are gentle, well-handled, and enjoy spending time with people.
You may choose to rest and restore within the stillness of the Hidden Hamlet, or venture out to explore the beauty that surrounds you. The choice, as always, is yours.
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 you are quiet you may get to see wild deer.
Take a walk, get creative, and leave a little kindness behind. Choose a rock, decorate it with paints and pens provided, then place it somewhere along our Kindness Walk for future visitors to discover.
Your rock could be an animal, a message, a word or even a memorial rock for a pet or loved one. Come for the walk. Stay for the memories. Leave a little kindness behind.
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.
Please note that these experiences are subject to regional fire restrictions and seasonal conditions.
Hidden Valley Farm rests in a place of quiet beauty, where the rising sun and moon can be witnessed in their full, breathtaking presence. The sky itself offers some of the most incredible star systems and satalite viewing.
For those seeking a deeper experience, you are invited to join Terri on a Pilgrimage to the Sun or Moon. Wrapped in the calm of nature, this includes a picnic blanket, a nourishing snack and gentle beverage.
From the camping huts, the dawn unfurls across the hills in quiet beauty, but for those who wish to deepen the experience, a breathtaking pilgrimage from the Hamlet to the top of the hill offers something even more profound.
As the first rays of sunlight spill over the horizon, the world feels hushed — alive with possibility as the birds break the quiet with the dawn chorus.
All by appointment. Please get in touch and we’ll arrange it.
Our resident miniature ponies are perfect for little ones to enjoy a short guided walk around the farm. Adults aren't left out—we also offer pony or goat walking for a fun and relaxing experience.
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. Finish with a cosy story time with Farmer Terri or Claircrow.
While we don't offer adult or large-child riding, spending time with our horses is deeply rewarding. You can enjoy grooming, walking, singing too, or simply sitting quietly with them—a stress-free way to connect with these incredible animals.
“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.
Our Sanctuary is a true Haven for All Hearts—a place of calm, connection, and quiet joy. For those seeking a deeper journey, we offer thoughtfully guided therapy experiences. These include family sessions, small group gatherings, and one-to-one support.
Programmes can be arranged as immersive residential stays or as restorative day visits.
In collaboration with trained therapists, we run workshops that use our environment, horses and animals to help people explore positive relationships, build self-esteem, improve communication, and gain confidence. These can be a day or residence sessions.
For a more personal experience, we create tailored programmes to help you build confidence around your chosen farm animal companions. With a gentle, supportive approach, these sessions focus on breaking old boundaries and nurturing new courage. Options include day visits or residential stays.
By appointment only, between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm. Come and meet the farm pets, hear their stories, and spend a slow couple of hours on the hill.
We have 400 acres of wilderness, virgin forest, caves, and streams to explore. Our property is enjoyed by tramping clubs and indeviduales.
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With limited dog-walking options in the Tasman region, we're excited to offer responsible dog owners access to our 400 acres of beautiful wilderness for you and your furry companions to explore.
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.
To join we need your name, your dog's name, an email and a mobile number. By appointment only — 027 526 8771
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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.
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.
Four days and three nights with Terri and Renée, using the environment, the horses and the animals. Open groups, or a private workshop for your business, organisation or community.
See the workshops →Affordable, intimate, and unforgettable wilderness celebrations. Terri is a Registered New Zealand Celebrant and an award-winning event consultant.
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