Farm Stay Holidays & Camping
Gumboots at the ready! Camping style huts on a farm and enjoy the banter with the sanctuary animals.
Welcome to our Farm Stay Holidays
Welcome to our farm stay on Takaka Hill, tucked above the clouds with sweeping views over Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, and the Richmond Ranges. So if you’re after somewhere that feels a world away without actually being far away, you’ve found it.
A farm stay hidden on Takaka Hill
Because Hidden Valley Farm sits high above the highway, most people driving through to Golden Bay miss it completely. But that’s part of the charm. Once you turn off, you’ll find peace, real community spirit, and a few surprises along the way, the kind of farm stay that ends up being the highlight of the trip rather than a stop along it.
For nature lovers especially, there’s plenty to explore beyond the huts themselves. The valley opens onto the wider Kahurangi and Abel Tasman conservation land, so hiking, biking, and birdwatching are all within easy reach.
Access to the farm is off Highway 60 to Golden Bay and by appointment only.
The Sanctuary Experience
On arrival, our farm pet community welcomes you, each one with their own heartwarming story. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with the animals, and see a side of the Tasman region most visitors never find.
Every animal here has found their way to us for a reason, some given a second chance, others simply needing somewhere safe to call home. So spend an afternoon among them, and you’ll understand why so many visitors leave with a favourite they didn’t expect to fall for.
Something quietly special
Whether you’re here for a holiday or just passing through, the animals have a way of making you stay a little longer than planned, and leaving you a little more grounded than when you arrived.
Where you can stay
Starting prices below; we’re happy to tailor a stay to fit your group.
The Hamlet
The Hamlet is your private 1-2 hut camp, a short walk in from the parking area at the base of the farm – you’ll meet a variety of cheerful animals on your way.
- $245 – up to 7 people. Triple bunk and 2 single bunks, across x2 huts.
- $20 per day discount if you are not using Settlers Hut at all
- Tents can be added to exclusive bookings, limited space. $25 per tent, maximum two people per tent
- Both huts share a flush toilet and a single gas-heated shower
- Huts have a small gas cooking rig, kettle, camping utensils and pans, and a cold box. Ice bottles are free
- Cold running water with a camping sink and a bucket to collect the waste water
- Basic camp chairs and picnic tables
- An open fire pit for cooking and gathering under the stars
- All beds are supplied with a sheet, pillow and case. Sleeping bags can be hired, or bring your own bedding
- Firewood is supplied for the first night. After that, collect your own or buy it by the box from the farm shop for $10
- Minimum stay two nights. Changeover day Friday or Saturday
Enjoy the privacy of comfy huts in the Hamlet
Both share a flush toilet and a gas-heated shower.
“Pioneer Hut”
‘Pioneer Hut’ is cozy and characterful with mountain & sea views.
- Both huts share a flush toilet and a single gas-heated shower
- Huts have a small gas cooking ring, kettle, camping utensils and pans, and a cold box. Ice bottles are free
- Cold running water with a camping sink and a bucket to collect the waste water
- Basic camp chairs and picnic tables
- An open fire pit for cooking and gathering under the stars
- All beds are supplied with a sheet, pillow and case. Sleeping bags can be hired, or bring your own bedding
- Firewood is supplied for the first night. After that, collect your own or buy it by the box from the farm shop for $10
- Minimum stay is two nights, or really immerse yourself and stay longer. You will feel amazing.
“Settlers Hut”
‘Settlers Hut’ is snug and quaint with mountain & sea views.
- Sleeps 2 on a single bunk
- A cot or small camp bed can be added, but it makes it very tight
- Shares the flush toilet and gas-heated shower with Pioneer
- Gas cooking ring, kettle, camping utensils and pans, and a cold box
Tents, wilderness and park-ups
Tent Sites
$25 per tent.
Two simple campsites are available in the Hamlet with exclusive hut bookings only. Perfect for larger families or group booking
- $25 per tent, maximum two people per tent
- Two simple campsites, in the Hamlet
- Available with exclusive hut bookings only
- Suits larger families or a group booking
Wilderness Camping
$25 per night, 2 people
Tucked deep within the Hidden Valley, is a true bare-bones wilderness camping experience set across 400 acres of rugged hills, virgin forest, and mountain streams.
What we provide is simple and intentional: wilderness and a fire pit. What we ask is respect, for the land, the animals, and those who come after you.
- Leave the site exactly as they find it
- Follow all farm safety guidelines and the New Zealand Outdoor & Country Code
- Vehicles must be fully self-contained. No bathroom facilities are available
- All-terrain vehicles on request
- No rubbish or dumping facilities; take everything away with you
- Suitable food scraps may be fed to the farm animals
Self Contained Campers Only
$30 per van, 2 people.
We offer the only bare self-contained parking spot on Takaka Hill, perfect for travelers wanting to slow down and truly experience the area.
Choose a spot near the main farm entrance and enjoy spending a couple of peaceful days at the top of the hill, rather than just making a flying visit through to Golden Bay. Guests are welcome to explore 400 acres of private wilderness, wander the valley, and meet our friendly sanctuary farm animals who love a gentle cuddle and a feed.
- We have the potential for three lower farm park-up options
- Campervan guests are welcome to enjoy the rest of the farm on foot
- Campervans must be fully self-sufficient. We do not currently have services for them
- Extra people and children $10 per person per night
- No bathroom facilities are provided
- No rubbish or dump facilities, please take everything away with you
- Some suitable food scraps may be fed to the farm animals
A simple, peaceful park-up surrounded by nature, animals, and wide-open space, perfect for those who value quiet, connection, and the freedom off the road.
What's included, and what you can hire
Provisions included at The Hamlet
- Luggage transfers on the day of arrival & departure
- Shared flush toilet and hot shower.
- Bottom bed sheet, pillow, and case
- Basic kitchen utensils & cold box
- Ice bottles for the cold box, free to all campers
- A small shop for items you may have forgotten. Cash ONLY
- Charging point for small items
For hire or sale, eftpos or cash
- Bed & Bath Bundle, $20 per person
- Extra DIY beds, $20 per person per night
- Gas bottle hire, $30, one-off
- BBQ hire, $30, one-off
- Hot water bottle, $5 per bottle, one-off
- Firewood, $10 a box from the farm shop, free for your first night
- Refundable deposits required on all hire items
Pre-order, drinking water, milk, bread and butter. Breakfast & picnic lunch from $35 pp, dinner basket from $50 pp. Some items are available at our small camp shop.
Good to know
Our minimum stay is two nights, and we’d really encourage a holiday of six days or more; there is a lot here to experience.
Food can be pre-ordered, to include a continenal breakfast, Picnic lunch and Cook your own evening hamper or pre-cooked dinner. Prices start at $35 pp please get in touch to pre-order.
- Flush toilet & gas/solar shower
- Recycling
- Container room lock up for bicycles and gear (POA)
- Pioneer & Settlers huts have a covered kitchenette and basic utensils.
- Pioneer does have a wood fire run radiator.
- Fire wood available at the shop or collect your own (Conditions apply)
- Cooking pots, utensils can be hired
- Guests park in the designated parking area at the base of the farm.
- Bags will be transported to and from the Hamlet for free.
- Guests enjoy a short walk to the Hamlet, where they will meet animals on the way and start to relax.
- Push and mountain bikes are welcome.
- Airport Transfers — On Request from $100
- There is no public car access to the Hamlet and beyond. We provide transfers for your bags & equipment, on the arrival and departure day.
- limited cell phone reception
- WIFI available at the Farm Office — FREE
- Charge points available at the Farm Office.
- Sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting dirty
- Warm and waterproof jacket, and possibly trousers
- Rough clothes to get grubby in, if you want to interact with the animals
- A torch
- Fire lighters and a lighter or matches
- We provide basic kitchen items. Other items can be hired.
- A gas bottle can be hired.
- Firewood can be purchased from $10 box or collect your own from the ground only
- Fire, pots and utensils can be hired
- A small farm shop is available
- Motueka – 30 minutes
- Kaiteriteri & Marahau 35 minutes
- Takaka – 30 minutes
- Nelson 1 hr 10 minutes
- The farm has both typical and unexpected hazards to be aware of.
- Guests take part in a short safety briefing on arrival.
- A compendium is provided in Pioneer Hut with further safety and local information.
- If in doubt, ask first or don’t do it
The Hamlet is reached on foot, over uneven farm ground, and the huts and shared facilities are not set up for wheelchair access. If you have particular access needs, please do talk to us; we are open to discussing options regarding your needs and access.
- We run a small farm pet sanctuary with a wide variety of animals and sizes.
- Most are friendly, but we always advise you to err on the side of caution.
- They also poop everywhere, so tread carefully and take your shoes off inside the huts.
- Please wash your hands after handling the animals, antibacterial lotion is available at the ablution block and at the farm office.
- Well-behaved dogs; conditions apply. From $10 per day per dog
- A refundable $100 cash cleaning/damage deposit will apply
- All associated damage is the responsibility of the owner. Owners must supply their own doggy-do bags. Pets must be vaccinated, wormed, and flea treated. Pets must be kept under control and supervised at all times.
- $15. pd – sml $20. pd Lrg – Grazing fees
- limited riding at the farm.
- There are beach and forest rides in the Nelson and Tasman region.
- Conditions apply.
- Poo picking service applies or Do-It-Yourself
- Our water comes from a mountain stream on the property and from the sky.
- We advise you to bring your own drinking water.
- There are open bodies of water. Take care and stay safe.
- Please conserve water when showering.
50% deposit of the total amount is due at the time of reservation. The remaining amount is to be paid 7 days before arrival or in cash on arrival by pre-approval.
Cancellation Policy
- 100% of paid base rate fees are refundable when canceled 30 days before arrival or earlier, except in the high season when full payment remains.
- 50% of paid base rate fees are refundable when canceled 14 days before arrival or earlier, except in the high season when full payment remains.
- All pre-booked hire items are 100% refundable at all times.
Guests, belongings, and vehicles enter Hidden Valley Farm at their own risk of damage or loss in any capacity.
Make a booking
For stays in our Hidden Valley Camping Huts, please make your booking through our online booking system.
For all other experiences, including fully self-contained campervan park-ups, wilderness camping, dog walking, day visits, and workshops, please get in touch with us directly or complete this form and we will get back in touch with you.
All arrivals are by appointment so we can welcome you properly and keep you safe.
- 027 526 8771
- info.hvfnz@gmail.com
- 1356 Takaka Hill Highway, Motueka, Tasman 7198