Ridge Top Farm

Ridge Top Farm

Manawatu/Rangitikei

Ridge Top Farm is a unique opportunity to combine the tranquillity of glamping with a true North Island 'Kiwi farm' experience.

Located at Tapuae, halfway between Wellington and Taupo and just 20 minutes from State Highway 1, Ridge Top Farm makes the ideal stop-over for people travelling the North Island. The 1500-acre sheep and beef farm has stunning panoramic views encompassing Kapiti Island, Mt Egmont and Mt Ruapehu - the perfect place to soak up the central North Island scenery.

The country-themed campsite is nestled into a sheltered spot on the scenic farm, right next to a pretty wetland with regenerating native bush. A luxury tent and hut, a camp kitchen and bathroom, and a dedicated campfire area create a social and relaxed space for a farm stay experience. 

Wake up between cotton sheets and under a cosy duvet, to the sound of magpies warbling in the early morning light. Start your day off on the right foot with a piping hot shower in the camp bathroom. Cook a meal on the campfire with the kids, or just lie back in the outdoor bath with a cold drink and a good book.

Luxury camping at Ridge Top Farm is an experience that everyone will love. From families and groups of friends holidaying together, to couples seeking a peaceful retreat and international tourists looking for adventure - this quintessential Kiwi farm offers an entertaining taste of true rural New Zealand.

FROM $270 p/n

  • Sleeps 10
  • 
            Children welcome
      Children welcome

A $50 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.

address
 

1027 Waituna Tapuae Road, Feilding 4779

directions
 

Ridge Top Farm is just 20 minutes from State Highway 1 just North of Hunterville and exactly halfway between Wellington and Taupo.

Directions from Wellington (drive time 2 1/2 hours):

Follow SH1 to Sanson.

At Sanson (end of Foxton Straights) go straight ahead onto Cemetery Road, follow this until the end, then turn left onto Halcombe-Mt Stewart Road, and follow this until you come into Halcombe (across the railway line).

Go straight through Halcombe on the Halcombe Stanway Road until it comes to the end, then turn right onto Makino Road, and follow this for about 4km. At the Stanway Church (on right), turn left onto Shorts Road (signposted to Waituna West). Follow this until the end, then turn left onto Dunolly Road. Follow this until the end, then turn right onto Williamson Road West. Follow this until the end, then turn left onto State Highway 54 (signpost to Waituna West and Taupo). Follow this approx 1.5 km into Waituna West then turn right onto Waituna Tapuae Road (just before the little bridge), follow this approx 10.2kms. When climbing up Waituna Tapuae Road at about 7.5kms you will come across a 'School Bus Route Sign' just after the sign make sure you follow the road around to the left and stay on the tar seal (don't turn off onto the gravel side road). About another 1km on, the tar seal stops and the last 1.5kms are gravel and our gateway is on the LEFT, number 1027 is on the fencepost just past the sheep yards.

Please note: If you would like to go through Feilding from Wellington (adds an extra 15mins to your trip and gives you a chance to stock up on your supplies or see the Farmers Market on a Friday). Directions are; At Sanson turn right onto SH1 / SH3, and follow this for approx 10mins until you come to a slight left turn onto Stewart Road (signs for Feilding). Follow this to the end and slight turn left again onto Awahuri Feilding Road and this will lead you all the way into Feilding (approx 5 mins) 

Directions from Taihape (drive time 1 hour):

After Taihape continue on SH 1 through Mangaweka (it's the one with the DC3 plane on the roadside) then go through Ohinigati (which only has a pub) then continue driving for approx 15 minutes until you see the sign on the left to FEILDING. Turn left onto this road (SH 54). You then stay on this road for about 20mins, over heaps of little bridges, thru Rewa, up a big hill and along some straights until you arrive in Waituna West. In Waituna West turn LEFT just after a little narrow bridge onto Waituna-Tapuae Rd. Follow this road for 10.2kms. When climbing up Waituna Tapuae Road at about 7.5kms you will come across a 'School Bus Route Sign' just after the sign make sure you follow the road around to the left and stay on the tar seal (don't turn off onto the gravel side road). About another 1km on, the tar seal stops and the last 1.5kms are gravel and our gateway is on the LEFT, number 1027 is on the fencepost just past the sheep yards.

Directions from Palmerston North/Feilding (drive time 50 mins from Palmerston North, 30 mins from Feilding):

From Feilding go North out of town on the Kimbolton Road towards Cheltenham for about 12kms. At Cheltenham (pub & diary) turn left onto the Cheltenham Hunterville Road (SH54, signposted to Taupo), follow this road for about 15mins until you come into Waituna West. At Waituna West turn right into Waituna Tapuae Road (just before the little bridge). We are up this road approx 10.2kms. When climbing up Waituna Tapuae Road at about 7.5kms you will come across a 'School Bus Route Sign' just after the sign make sure you follow the road around to the left and stay on the tar seal (don't turn off onto the gravel side road). About another 1km on, the tar seal stops and the last 1.5kms are gravel and our gateway is on the LEFT, number 1027 is on the fencepost just past the sheep yards.

Once you get there
 

Just head up the driveway to the main house where Sarah and Angus will greet you and show you to the campsite. At the campsite, they'll show you where everything is, and how everything works and brief you on any safety issues, such as making you aware of the Native Stinging Nettle (Ongaonga). 

Ridge Top Farm

What is the check in and check out time?

WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

WHAT ARE THE KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES?

IS THERE POWER?

IS THERE MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION?

WHAT SORT OF HEATING IS THERE?

CAN I HAVE A CAMPFIRE?

What is glamping like in Winter?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT RIDGE TOP FARM?

CAN I BRING MY DOG OR HORSE?

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS THE CAMPSITE?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

Is Ridge Top Farm suitable for Corporate events and Christmas parties?

CAN I BOOK FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY?

MINIMUM STAY PERIOD

RATES

ACTIVITIES

Glamp n Tramp

CORPORATE EVENTS AND CHRISTMAS PARTIES

GIFT VOUCHERS

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    Ridge Top Farm is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the BBQ and other facilities provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you would like to take a break from cooking, head into Feilding for a meal. The Strong Room, Focal Point Cinema & Cafe, Paper Plus cafe and Sushi House are all great options in the region.

    The nearest supermarkets are either the Countdown or New World in Feilding (30 minutes drive). The nearest store selling basics, is 15 minutes away in Cheltenham. You'll also be able to stock up on beer and wine at the Cheltenham Pub.

  • Things To Do

    There will be plenty to do to keep the family busy at Ridge Top Farm!

    You'll find plenty of ways to entertain the family, including board games, nearby animals to visit and the wetland to explore. Golf driving for the adults and hill sliding on sacks for the kids offers hours of fun. Relax in the double outdoor baths or spend some time socialising around the campfire - a glass of wine in one hand, and a toasted marshmallow in the other.

    Sarah and Angus also offer paid activities on the farm. Enjoy a ‘Glamp n Tramp’ over scenic farmland. More information can be found under the 'Rates & Extras' section.

    If you feel like exploring the local area, visit the Feilding Farmers Market, a 30-minute drive away (9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Fridays, only certain times of the year). The Rangitikei River is just 20 minutes away. Vinegar Hill is a popular river swimming spot. The Rangitikei River is also a popular fly fishing river - with Family River Adventures in Mangaweka only 30 minutes away. 

    The beautiful Cross Hill Gardens (a 30-minute drive away) feature 7 hectares of park-like gardens, including one of the world’s finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas. For a bit more action, have a round of golf at the Rangatira Golf Course.

  • Your Hosts

    Your hosts at Ridge Top Farm are Angus and Sarah Gilbertson and their three young children, Tom, George and Pippa. Part of the original family farm, 'Tapuae', Ridge Top Farm is 1500 acres of truly authentic Kiwi farmland.

    Angus grew up in nearby Fielding. After working on several large stations and mustering throughout the North Island, he bought into his mother's family farm 'Tapuae' in 1998, to begin farming his own family land.

    Sarah, originally from rural Masterton, met Angus when she was living in Auckland. They were married in 2008 and now very much enjoy their family life in this peaceful part of rural New Zealand.

    In 2012, Sarah and Angus came across glamping - and decided it was something they would love to try on their property and went about creating a unique farm-inspired glamping experience. With 1500 acres of rolling farmland, approximately 4,000 sheep, 300 cattle, free-range chickens, farm dogs, pet sheep and goats, plus loads of activities, there's no shortage of farm-style experiences to choose from!

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