Hunter Farm stay

The well-worn Southern beech timber floors of the Kononi homestead have seen many a footprint over the past 100 years. It's been 22 years since Graham and Pam Hunter purchased the home and surrounding 484ha farmland, and in that time, their four children have added eight grandchildren, and they have an extended family of farm-stay guests. “We're the caretakers of this land and the happy, well-fed animals who call this home. There's such a wide distance between urban and rural, and many overseas guests who visit the tourist spots never get to see this part of New Zealand.”

For visitors keen to experience an authentic Kiwi farm, there is no better choice. The Hunters are passionate advocates of sustainable, regenerative farming. Their focus is on careful grazing to build the strength and quality of their soil. They have 2500 sheep and 100 cattle on land that runs down to the Clutha Mata-Au River and includes native bush. “We're all about the experience. The farm tour shows shifting sheep with the dogs at work – they can observe how a farm operates.” There are two large rooms and a cosy sleepout on offer plus, for an additional cost (booked in advance), Pam offers a dinner that showcases their homegrown produce. Adding dinner is a good option as the farm stay is 20 minutes out of Lawrence, though the drive is one of the most scenic in the region. 202 Kononi Road, Lawrence. (03) 485 9567, hunterfarmstay. kiwi.nz

Pam and Graham Hunter