32 | An undiscovered gem at Tiniroto Sally and Simon Of cer offer three different accommodation options on their working sheep and beef farm at Mahaanui. Russell Fredric Situated in the heart of beautiful Gisborne hill country, Mahaanui Farmstay Experience offers three different accomodation options on a working sheep and beef farm. Mahaanui is less than an hour’s drive from either Gisborne or Wairoa to what its owners Simon and Sally Of cer describe as a largely undiscovered gem at Tiniroto with an interesting family and regional history. Hangaroa River, which winds its way through the farm in a rough u-shape, is one of the many features of the farmstay’s location. “Not many people know about Tiniroto, it’s a very rural community” Sally says. The farmstay was started 10 years ago after Sally’s parents-in-law, who were living in the farm cottage, moved to Gisborne. Dubbed Mahaanui Cottage, it was subsequently renovated into a lovely fully furnished country cottage offering accomodation for up to eight guests or 11 with an additional sofa bed and single bed. RURAL PEOPLE » Mahaanui Farmstay Experience Four years ago the shearers quarters was given a makeover and offers modestly priced accomodation, while the most recent addition is River Cabin, a newly built, private boutique retreat in a secluded totara glade beside the Hangaroa River. Built from recycled and sustainable materials, the cabin is completely off-grid, eco-friendly, insulated, warm and cosy. This variety of accomodation provides a neat, fun holiday for families, groups or couples needing some chill time or a romantic getaway. Simon and Sally offer guided farm tours, shearing and mustering demonstrations. Simon loves sharing his knowledge, as well as interacting with children and adults along with answering questions about farming practices. There are two marked walking tracks for guests to enjoy during their stay, one along the river and another that ventures through the paddocks and towards the back of the farm. Two kilometres from the homestead is Donaraille Park, which includes a popular pinic and swimming spot on Hangaroa River. “It’s beautiful with big, old trees. It was where the original homestead was for the property. It’s great for our guests, they love it there. “They really love the rural location, a lot of them have never been to a farm before.” Children can play in shallow rapids or swim in a deep water hole; the farmstay has three kayaks and provides lifejackets. For some exhilaration, a popular water feature nearby is Rere Rockslide, an impressive 60 metre long natural water slide over smooth rocks on the Wharekopae River. In addition to having the company of sheep and cattle, animal lovers can enjoy Mahaanui’s Kunekune pigs, donkeys, alpacas, horses and dogs. The farm covers 600 hectares of rolling to steep hill country and supports a 2,500 Romney breeding ewes and two-tooths, 500 hoggets and 430 Hereford Hereford/Angus beef cattle of which 200 are breeding cows. An extensive fencing programme completed this year after 20 years has seen 15 kilometres of the river being fully fenced. Last year, 2.5ha of steep faces were planted in manuka and totora, riparian plantings were completed on a small creek and this year there will be another 9.5ha of native plantings. Simon and Sally enjoy the opportunity to share their corner of paradise with others and look forward to hosting new and return guests for some warm, friendly Mahaanui hospitality and an unforgettable experience. “Not many people know about Tiniroto, it’s a very rural community.” Mahaanui Farm & Farmstay Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram is one of New Zealand’s leading experts in Agronomy. As an experienced environmental farm consultant he is committed to helping New Zealand farmers get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more proficiently and be sustainable while still increasing the farm profitability. Proudly supporting Mahaanui Station. GORDONRAJENDRAMSOILSCIENTIST.CO.NZ RAJENDRAM@XTRA.CO.NZ 021 466 077 9 KAKANUI AVENUE, HILLCREST, HAMILTON
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