32 | Pohatu Farm is opening a new chapter Julia and Tom Broughton have launched several new tourism experiences. Karen Phelps On the remote Wairarapa East Coast, where the hills spill into the sea and the night sky glows untouched by light pollution, Pohatu Farm is opening a new chapter. After taking over ownership of the family property in July, Julia and Tom Broughton have launched several new tourism experiences including popular bike and hike tours and a newly introduced Roar Tour, while continuing to run the property as a fully operating sheep and beef farm. Situated just minutes from Riversdale Beach, the 1,400-hectare farm has been part of Tom’s family for generations. “Completing farm succession has given us the clarity and confidence to expand what we offer here,” says Julia. Both bring international perspectives from working in Hong Kong for many years to their rural life. Julia grew up in Wellington before building a career in advertising and marketing and Tom worked in finance. “We loved Hong Kong but we were ready for a simpler life,” says Julia. “There is something quite precious and special about living here.” Their tourism business offers visitors access to landscapes normally seen only by those who work the land. The newest experience is the Roar Tour, designed for the autumn stag season, launching March/April 2026. “It’s a unique experience,” says Julia. “There is no hunting or shooting. People will be sitting in our pine tree forest with a hot drink and snacks, listening to the stags roaring and experiencing the rawness and powerful display.” She says the idea was inspired by their desire to reconnect everyday Kiwis and international visitors with nature. “When we were overseas our daughter Annabelle didn’t touch grass much. Our goal is to get people back on the land so they can reconnect with rural life. So the Roar Tour helps people do just that.” The recently launched Riversdale Beach Farm Hike and the Ridgeline Trail E-Bike Tour, both of which opened at Labour Weekend, have strong forward bookings. The 17-km hike is a catered day walk crossing both Pohatu and neighbouring Orui Station, offering coastal views, farmland landscapes and RURAL PEOPLE » Pohatu Farm rare access to the Whareama River mouth. The e-bike route follows the same terrain in reverse, giving riders a sweeping ridgeline experience. “The route is pretty unique,” says Julia. “People get so many different elements of the coast and land including seals, birdlife and parts of the river you usually can’t reach without crossing private farm4 Church St, Masterton 11 Jellicoe St, Martinborough P: 06 370 0000 E: legal@gawith.co.nz www.gawith.co.nz LAWYERS Get the best GAWITH BURRIDGE Looking afterWairarapa Farms since 1988 Cultivation | Direct Drilling | Bailing/Balage | Silage | Harvesting | Supplements Providing top quality agricultural contracting services to our clients giving themoutstanding results with the minimal environmental footprint. 027 498 7104 office@tullochcontracting.co.nz tullochcontracting.co.nz P: 020 4091 1007 | E: admin@orme.nz www.orme.nz ETS, Forestry and Land Use Consultants Orme & Associates are proud to support and congratulate Pōhatu Farm on their farming achievements
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