
Tussock Ridge Farm Tours
π Ohariu, Wellington
A 3.5-hour 4WD tour across three working sheep farms in Ohariu Valley, run by farmer Ward and his family. Wild Kaimanawa horses, sheepdog work, wind-turbine close-ups, and morning tea at a cliff-top shepherd's cabin overlooking Cook Strait.
Me and my family had an excellent time on the Tussock Ridge Farm tour, Ward was a fantastic guide being both jovial, positive armed with a wealth of knowledge in the farm and interesting facts about the wind turbines how they were installed and operate. My kids had a fabulous time with his friendly dogs, got up close with a wind turbine, we got to feed the wild horses his farm adopted, visited the cheerful cabin with a one of a kind view with treats to the best blueberry muffins baked by his wife. My kids even got the butted by Bumpy the sheep which was hilarious. And as a finale fed the wild eels for the first time and learned many interesting facts about them It was also really insightful discussing with Ward on the challenges faced by the farming industry in NZ, political landscapes and how the farmers work together to overcome them. Heartfelt thanks to Ward for the fantastic tour of his farm and cabin, the size and scale of his farm really takes ones breath away. Truly a one of a kind tour, Highly recommended!
π Family Action Verdict
Best for kids who'll enjoy a half-day on a working farm β feeding wild horses, meeting Bumpy the friendly sheep, and watching sheepdogs at work. Reviewers consistently call out Ward as a generous and knowledgeable host, and the cabin tea (with home-baked blueberry muffins by Ward's wife Alex) is mentioned as a highlight.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β33 Google reviews
SChan
2 years ago
βMe and my family had an excellent time on the Tussock Ridge Farm tour, Ward was a fantastic guide being both jovial, positive armed with a wealth of knowledge in the farm and interesting facts about the wind turbines how they were installed and operate. My kids had a fabulous time with his friendly dogs, got up close with a wind turbine, we got to feed the wild horses his farm adopted, visited the cheerful cabin with a one of a kind view with treats to the best blueberry muffins baked by his wife. My kids even got the butted by Bumpy the sheep which was hilarious. And as a finale fed the wild eels for the first time and learned many interesting facts about them It was also really insightful discussing with Ward on the challenges faced by the farming industry in NZ, political landscapes and how the farmers work together to overcome them. Heartfelt thanks to Ward for the fantastic tour of his farm and cabin, the size and scale of his farm really takes ones breath away. Truly a one of a kind tour, Highly recommended!β
HuiMin
2 years ago
βFANTASTIC experience! There is plenty to keep us busy during this private tour. We enjoyed seeing the wind turbines, feeding the pet sheep, wild horses and eels. The animals are very cute and full of character. Also got to pet his cute dogs and meet his lively family! The views are amazing and we even got to see a bit of the South Island despite the clouds and rain. Ward is very friendly and we had a great chat while waiting out the rain in his cabin, enjoying hot tea and delicious blueberry muffins while learning more about sustainable farming and general life in NZ. You can definitely feel his passion and love for the farm life, and for the animals. Would π―recommend πβ
Bonnie Lipomi
2 months ago
βWhat a FABULOUS day!!! Our day at Tussock was one of the highlights of our New Zealand adventure!! A stunning farm, an adventure ride, a chance to get up close and personal with wild horses, Black Angus Cattle, sheep and the untamed beauty of New Zealand! Ward was a professional and personable, we learned so much from him! We highly recommend this fantastic tour!!β
Breanne Scheerhoorn
2 months ago
βSome friends and I went on one of their tours and had a wonderful time! Met by the most wholesome family who were so happy to share info and history about the farm, we fed the wild eels and then went on our tour. The lunch at the cabin was perfect, and we ended with petting wild horses! We all loved it and would definitely recommend.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Tussock Ridge Farm Tours run small-group 4WD tours across three working farms in Ohariu Valley, just outside Wellington. The tour visits Wellington's newest wind farm (26 turbines, including a 111-metre giant you can stand under), a herd of around 20 wild Kaimanawa horses you help feed, and ends at a shepherd's cabin on the cliffs above Cook Strait with home-baked muffins and tea. Farmer Ward leads every tour personally; group size is capped to keep things personal. Pickup from Wellington Railway Station available.



