Waikaka Station & gardens/cafe

http://www.waikakagenetics.com

Nestled in NZ's lush green Southland region, Waikaka Station is a 5th generation family owned farm specialising in quality genetics through their renowned Hereford, Texel and Rombreed studs. A long term passion for these breeds has seen these animals on the Paterson property for over 100 years.

The farm, with its 740 hectares of flat to rolling pastures is home to Waikaka Genetics' Hereford herd which comprises 200 cows with calves at foot, 40 rising two year old bulls and 60 rising two year old heifers. The sheep flocks number 4000 breeding ewes, 1500 ewe hoggets and 150 ram hoggets. Farm tours are welcomed onto the property which enable people from all around the world to watch the farm at work, sheep being shorn, dogs working in the yards and fleece being handled.

In 1963 Lorraine Paterson began what is now the garden that covers several acres of land consisting of many rhododendrons, conifers and other beautiful trees. Sharon Paterson and her family are now restoring the garden back to its former glory to preserve it for generations to come. There are ponds, streams and hidden paths to explore and visitors are welcome to enjoy the peace and tranquility the garden offers.

Activities on offer:

- Farm tour
- Dog display
- Patting farm animals
- Latest farm technology
- Five ha conifer & reododrendron garden
- Lunches and morning teas provided along with farm history stories