A Mother asks, "We have an 8-year old son, and we'd like to know what activities/animals we can expect to do/see during the specified period.

We answered:            May1-04
Kia Ora,
    At 8, he can be a young man or an older child...  You really do need two or three nights (= 2 full days) to have time to do some of the items I will outlined for you below.

ON the farm

    We can take you (all) around the farm on the 4-wheel-drive and he can experience driving (sitting in front of me) this if you agree.  There are cattle, sheep, poultry (he can feed) and lots of bird life -- some wild goats possibly.
    Most times of the year anyone can experience milking one of the house cows. Our current milking cow, Justine, is expected to calve in late June.
    He can also learn how the milk also provides cream, butter, yoghurt, ice-cream, cheese... We have had guests who came specifically to learn how Nicholas develops our wonderful meals.
    If his interest extends to it, there are marvellous bird and insect life here -- we encourage the understanding of the 'food chain'; how every creature is part of the never-ending cycle.
    And my wife has "green fingers" so gardening and related horticultural interests can be fully expanded.
    We are totally dedicated to the 'gentle treatment of animals' which, apart from hand reared pets, are part of OUR food chain.  Any healthy interest in this side of farm production (How some animals become food  without any stress -- can be dealt with but only if parents approve). We believe we should all be aware that our food source is the farm, not a supermarket.
    There are of course the trampoline, games and trees to climb -- all though directly under your supervision only.

OFF the farm - just a little of what's available...

    I would presume he is not an experienced horse rider. We have found that anyone unsure of horses is better to go to a Riding 'School' down the road.  They are experts and fully capable of encouraging a young rider rather than giving an experience that deletes any further interest in the most delightful sport there is (in my opinion). 
    [Our horses are totally safe but older now and I don't want them used by inexperienced riders.]
    Apart from lots of places to visit each afternoon (we are not then available) there is a canoe hire centre in the township.  This is also excellently run and you travel one way on the tide and are picked up and returned to your car.  Hours are dependent on tide.
    There are daily shearing demonstrations (only three times a year on a working farm), boating trips, museums and of course, great beaches -- all in easy distance.  Zoo visits etc in the city are easy day trips from us.

All meals on the farm (including drinks at all times) are not charged for -- nor is your son.  We believe in supporting parents to travel with their children so the tariff is the same, with them or without.

Should you want to have an evening out at a restaurant together, we are totally happy to 'babysit' -- we are grandparents.

I hope that answers your questions
Arohanui
Peter

"Kia Ora" is the Maori Greeting from Aotearoa (New Zealand); it is full of
warmth and Aroha (friendliness).
"Arohanui" means "warmest wishes in friendship".

Peter E Rodgers T.T.C., Dip.T.,B.Soc.Sci.(Psychology)
Principal director *COFCAL Developments for a Better World Ltd
   (based on friendship, not religion.)
[*Circle of Friends Centre for Alternative Learning]
Postal address:
"Our Farm-Park", RD3 Kaukapakapa, Auckland 1250, New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Phone & Fax [64] 9 4220 626
E-MAIL: ofp@friends.co.nz
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