There is nothing like an escape to the country, especially when you can do it without leaving the city.
Visitors to New Zealand may think our country landscape is already close enough to urban areas as it is – just a 30-minute drive from most centres will take you somewhere rural.
But like the true hidden gems our country is known for, we also have oases of urban farms tucked into the most populated areas, too.
We’ve pulled together a list of ideal urban farm destinations well worth a visit. Here, you can offer a helping hand and may even be rewarded with something from the land.
CULTIVATE CHRISTCHURCH With four sites across Christchurch City, Cultivate turns two tonnes of food waste into compost each week. Removing waste from businesses in the CBD, Cultivate is also a program for young people not engaged in education Every Thursday is open day at their Peterborough St site, where visitors are encouraged to muck in and help cultivate. There is even a shared lunch about 1pm. ROEBUCK FARM, TARANAKI This small scale farm on the rugged west coast not only showcases the best of sustainable practices – but teaches them, too. Roebuck often hosts visitors from New Zealand abroad interested in sustainable production on small land spaces with limited resources. OTAGO LOCUSTS, DUNEDIN Recently taking out a novel food award for their “Skyprawns” this urban Dunedin shipping container operation is set to soar. Served at multiple restaurants around the country, the sustainable farming is a novel approach on pest control and food production. KELMARNA ORGANIC GARDENS, AUCKLAND Nestled into the central city is a thriving 4.5 acre farm. Kelmarna Gardens is an organic community – committed to a healthy community and promoting sustainable living. Frequently hosting community events, and with an exciting redevelopment underway, the gardens are a true community hub. Operating since the 19080s, the gardens feature a food forest, bee hives, vegetable plots, a worm farm, hens, a Welsh pony and grazing livestock. Heading to one of these urban oases? Let Snap Rentals get you there. Book a car today!