Premium tourism company Southern Discoveries is upgrading its Mt Nicholas Farm Experience to provide a more in-depth, unique, and personalised experience.
The announcement comes following the farm experience's fifty percent visitor growth over the past two years. The tour offers those seeking a memorable New Zealand adventure the opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic high-country farm lifestyle.
The trip provides insights into how a working sheep station operates, such as the ins and outs of sheep mustering and the start of the journey of New Zealand’s famous merino wool, and is suitable for the whole family.
Following a new investment in a commercial kitchen at the farm, guests this month will be treated to a delicious lunch with hot dishes or a freshly-baked afternoon tea in the woolshed. After lunch, guests can take a leisurely stroll along the new lakefront walk, soaking up the station's scenery.
Southern Discoveries also has added educational panels along the walk, offering historic and geographical information to help guests learn more about the area.
"We've listened to our customers and created an experience that allows guests to spend more time taking in Mt Nicholas' magnificent lakeside location in their own time, while providing a more substantial food offering that is in keeping with the high-country lifestyle," said Southern Discoveries CEO Tim Hunter.
"We will now have two tours a day, as it's important that groups are kept small to provide a personal and authentic experience. A key motivation for the introduction of hot dishes to our lunches is to increase appeal from certain international visitors, like the Chinese, who expect a hot meal component. We already offer a Chinese speaking guide on our tours so we are looking forward to continuing to grow this market."
Bryony Dalby-Ball, operations manager of Mt Nicholas Farm Experience, said the woolshed lunch and afternoon tea is a genuine reflection of life on a working farm and an insightful experience for guests.
“During the shearing season, workdays are long and all hands are on deck as up to 1,200 merino sheep are shorn daily," said Dalby-Ball. "A hot lunch and smoko break in the woolshed are vital for keeping the shearing gang energised and coming together to share food and a laugh is all part of the experience."
