DAY 1

9.20 am Welcome, introductions and karakia

9.20 am Agritourism Inspiration Keynote speaker: Dan Steel, Blue Duck StationThe station’s core values are to conserve its endangered wildlife, increase the health of native bush and rivers, and preserve the history of the area, while educating visitors about endangered native species and local history.

10.00 am Inspiration Panel Session on recent local innovations Be inspired by amazing examples of recent innovations by local farmers involved in hosting visitors on their properties.

11.00 am Morning tea 11.30 am Latest Learnings Panel Session 10 minute presentations then questions Recent research results and presentations from regional tourism organisations (RTOs) on their plans for Agritourism and how to get involved.

1.00 pm Lunch

2.00 pm Looking Forward Panel Session: 10-minute presentations then questionsHear from experienced tourism operators as they address what they think are the three main trends affecting Agritourism in the post-covid environment.

3.15 pm Next steps for Agritourism NZMarijke Dunselman will outline the exciting new Agritourism New Zealand network and how you can join (for free); and,Launch of the new information resource for farmers Agritourism in New Zealand A Guide to Successful Operation

4pm Symposium Close / Networking

Agritourism Dinner – V Bar, Lobster Inn – 9th June 5:30 drink for 6:30pm sit down

(Approximately $30 for meal and will be paid directly to V Bar on the night)

Dinner will be held at V Bar, Upstairs at Lobster Inn.

DAY 2: Field Tours – 3 tours to choose from

1. Tawanui Farm Tours, Glamping, Energyjet Jet boating and Meat boxes. 15 mins from Cheviot 11am to 1pm – Own transport required

Cost: $30 which includes Lunch. (paid directly to Tim)

Come along and see how Tim is taking best advantage of his property. Tawanui Farm is a working sheep, beef and deer. They have an amazing glamping site and offer ATV farm tours across their spectacular property for their guests. For the adrenalin junkies they also have jet boating.

Tim will show you around the property, his glamping sites, provide you lunch and talk you through how he operates. Unfortunately Jet Boating won’t be available on the day however Tim can talk to you about his operations.

2. Puhi Peaks Station – Luxury Lodge, Walking, Mountain biking, Hunting, and farming – 10:30am

$50 including Lunch (Paid directly to Nicky)

Puhi Peaks Station is the highest privately owned property in New Zealand, rising from 400m to 2600m. Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve is internationally renowned for its rare and endangered flora and fauna, with it’s most famous residents being the Hutton Shearwaters.

Nicky McArthur has over 17 years experience in Agritourism . Her depth of knowledge of the industry and the challenges it presents is second to none. She has managed the property through global financial crisis, Christchurch Earthquakes, Kaikoura Earthquake and now COVID-19.

She will share her knowledge, passion and journey of running a agritourism business from start-up to maturity including staffing, asset management, health and safety and her lessons learnt along the way.

3. Cycling and Walking Trail Opportunities Breakfast Discussion – Sime’s Kitchen – 8.30 am to 9.30am

Cost: $25 which includes breakfast (pre-ordering required)

This will be a working breakfast hosted by Craig Wilson with Mark Inglis, Shaun Monk and Rebekah Kelly speaking about cycling and walking opportunities for Agritourism.