| |
|
 |
|
A Rangitikei farm walk with a difference....
a sit down, catered lunch!
Holtby Farm straddles the Rangitikei-Turakina catchments watershed along the Galpin
fault line. The front area is a dairy unit with a milking shed and cow races dividing
the flat to undulating land. On the highest point, there are views of Kapiti Island
and on some days, the South Island can be seen.
Walks $70 Basic - options can be negotiated according
to the type and size of group.
On the hill country, sheep and beef are farmed and this area has magnificent views
which take in Mount Ruapehu, Mount Taranaki and the Ruahine Ranges.
 The
Holtby homestead, where morning coffee is served and a map supplied, was built
in 1938 after a fire razed the original rambling wooden home. The bush surrounding
the homestead is covered by a perpetuity covenant and is recognised as a superior
example of Manawatu Lowland bush, full of native bird life. Other native bush
and wetland areas on the property are similarly protected by covenant and also
have an abundance of native birdlife.
The property has been in the family for well over 100 years and is being farmed
now by a fourth generation family member.
The morning walk takes you to a working woolshed and yards, where electricity
is supplied by a generator and lunch is provided. A table is set and fine dining
'a la real country' takes place in this unique setting! The afternoon walk through
the sheepfarm is gently undulating, a feature being a beautiful native bush track
which exits onto Ngaruru road. This links up to Galpins road, gradually climbing
to where a view back over the countryside in which the day has been spent, can
be enjoyed!
This road reaches the watershed and becomes sealed, eventually returning to the
Holtby homestead.
Bookings are essential so the walk is
not crowded and people can be catered for.
The walk season runs from Labour weekend to the last weekend in April. This is
because lambing ewes cannot be disturbed through the Spring and the weather is
not reliable through the Winter, the tracks being muddy and very slippery.
The minimum number of walkers is 5, though singles/couples may be able to join
an existing group by negotiation. Several groups could use the walk at the same
time but it can be secured exclusively. The maximum number recommended would be
14 for the table set lunch. Different options can be considered, such as packed
lunch for a very large group, and priced accordingly.
Other options include a person joining friends for the lunch if they are unable
to actually walk the track. Also, each section of the track is distinct so someone
in the group who could only cope with a half day walk, could elect to leave the
group after lunch or join the group after lunch.
There are hilly sections of the track, and all but the last hour is over farmed
countryside. The final part of the track is a long climb along a metal road where
the actual day's route can be viewed. This means a reasonable level of fitness
is necessary to enjoy the day.
Accommodation is available and can be looked for on the website rangitikei.com
The closest accommodation is offered by neighbouring farmers - Maureen and David
Smith own Holly cottage.
Also nearby is Andrew & Kylie Stewart's Rangitikei
Farmstay which can accommodate up to 22 people!
|
|
