Sunday 1st March
Arrive Auckland
Arrive at Auckland International Airport this morning and clear customs. Transfer to your hotel, and have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight Auckland Airport.
Monday 2nd March
Auckland – Hamilton
Meet your English-speaking NZ Agricultural guide who will be with you the duration of the tour. We depart south to the Waikato region where 58 percent of land use is pastoral farming. Visit a farm in Ohinewai – Roger Hancock, Rosemoor Ayrshire. The stud was established in 1969 when Roger was gifted a registered heifer calf. Today the stud has 140-150 registered Ayrshire cows run on 88 effective hectares. Annual production of 350-370kgms per cow, however, this changes depending on the season and the weather pattern. The herd genetics are based on the traditional New Zealand Ayrshires, with some modern overseas sires used.
Next, visit a property in Te Aroha, Kaihere Milking Shorthorns. The herd was founded in the 1920s. On Kaihere they milk 150 cows with a spilt calving pattern on a 50ha milking platform. All young stock is retained and finished to slaughter.
Lunch on farm.
This evening check into our hotel with a welcome dinner.
Overnight Hamilton.
Tuesday 3rd March
Hamilton – Rotorua
Following breakfast depart Hamilton and visit a property in Ohaupo – Zane Kite, Kiteroa Stud. Established in 1961 by Wally Kite and is farmed today by Zane (son), Marie and family. Today the farm runs 190 purebred Ayrshire cows averaging 480-510kgms per cow annually. Kiteroa Stud uses outcross bulls from NZ or overseas genetics over top cow families and use their sons. The stud has bred top sires of Bonapart, Bo Pepperoni, Bonny Governor and Bonny Blue Silver who have produced many top daughters on Production and Type.
Visit the Ayrshire farm of Vince Steiner and family. The Brookview herd was established in the 1970s by Vince Steiner who is a 50/50 herd owner sharemilker. Their herd is a total of 550 milkers, with 260 Ayrshire and balance being of Holstein, Jersey and Brown Swiss. Their breeding focus is to chase great cow families and develop them further. Brookview is well renowned in the industry having won the Premier Exhibitor banner 11 times at New Zealand Dairy Expo.
Continue to Tirau for another farm visit with the Baxter family. In 1990, Peter and Heather Baxter founded Shardville Ayrshires, focusing on breeding top-quality Ayrshire cattle. They carefully select superior Ayrshire semen to enhance the milk production and confirmation of their cows, emphasizing functional udders. Their son, Jamie, along with his partner Caitlyn, runs Stenvale Ayrshires. They’ve gained acclaim in the show circuit, clinching the Supreme Champion Ayrshire title at the 2024 New Zealand Dairy event with their cow “Stenvale Burs Jem.” Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Jamie and Caitlyn aim to buy the herd and operate as 50/50 sharemilkers on the farm.
Lunch on farm.
Continue through the Waikato and over the Mamaku Range to Rotorua known as the ‘thermal wonderland’. This is a region of thermal activity, Māori culture, and forestry.
This evening immerse yourself in Māori culture at a local village with dinner.
Overnight Rotorua.
Wednesday 4th March
Rotorua – Taranaki
An opportunity today to see how important tourism is to the New Zealand economy and
to learn about Māori culture and development.
Visit Te Puia – the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute where you will see the Māori carvers at work and then explore the Māori buildings. As you are guided around the Reserve you will see boiling mud pools and the mighty Pohutu Geyser. There will also be the opportunity to see the rare “Kiwi bird” – New Zealand’s national symbol.
Continue to New Plymouth with lunch on the way.
Visit Miraka dairy factory. Miraka is the world’s first dairy processing company to use renewable geothermal energy, giving one of the lowest manufacturing carbon emissions footprints that there is globally.
Arrive in New Plymouth this afternoon and check in to your hotel. Dinner in hotel this
evening.
Overnight New Plymouth.
Thursday 5th March
Taranaki – Palmerston North
Taranaki is a well-established dairying region along with many sheep and beef farms in and around the hill country. Visit properties in Stratford and Kaponga today. Farmed by Ross & Joanna Soffe since 2012, Wee Brae Farm is 200ha, milking 350 dairy cows on a 140ha milking platform. The herd contains 80 milking shorthorns, with the balance made up of Holstein Friesian, Crossbred, Ayrshire and Guernsey with an annual production of 140-150,000 milk solids.
Next we visit Kapanga Sanrosa Stud. Gordon and Jonathan Glentworth farm 120 effective hectares, milking 270 cows with an annual production of 600kg of milk solids. Milking through a 50 bale rotary, they feed 1-1.2kg of concentrate per milking during the season. The herd is made up of 85% Ayrshire and 15% of Crossbreds and Friesians. The herd is mated to a selection of the best Ayrshire genetics from NZ and Scandinavia. The Kapanga Sanrosa stud was established in 1977 and Gordon is a two-time president of Ayrshire New Zealand and has chaired its marketing arm, Semayr Breeding Services for more than 20 years. Gordon is a Senior Judge and Traits other than Production (TOP) inspector.
Continue to the Manawatu, home to many rural communities and the leading region for agri-food education and research in New Zealand. Check in to hotel this afternoon.
Overnight Palmerston North.
Friday 6th March
Palmerston North
Depart the hotel after breakfast and travel a short distance to Bunnythorpe. Northbrook was founded over 90 years ago, and today farmed by David & Johanna Wood and the family. On Northbrook they milk 280 cows on a 124ha milking platform, with production averaging 100,000kg/ms. Northbrook bulls are often selected for the NZMSA Red Breed Genetics scheme.
Next, we visit the Feilding Saleyards for a guided tour with a local farmer. Learn the fascinating history of selling livestock, one of New Zealand’s oldest traditions dating back to the 1800s. Wander through the 300 sheep pens and watch the auction in action, while seating in the state-of-the-art cattle rostrum and view the latest computer technology on hand.
This afternoon, visit Fonterra Research & Development Centre. They have been at the forefront of pioneering advancements in dairy technology, driven by their unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable value from New Zealand’s world-renowned milk. They focus on all ages and stages of life while also tackling some of our biggest sustainability challenges and ensuring we produce high quality safe dairy nutrition.
Return to central city hotel with some time at leisure.
Conference Program Starts
Participants arrive at Palmerston North. Meet and greet participants. Transfer to hotel with time to refresh. This evening, attend the Conference opening dinner with country reports.
Overnight Palmerston North.
Saturday 7th March
Full Day Conference – Palmerston North
There will be morning and afternoon tea breaks with time to mingle along with lunch.
Gala buffet dinner and drinks included this evening.
Overnight Palmerston North.
Sunday 8th March
Palmerston North
Following breakfast, depart to farm visit brothers Brian and Geoff Hill located in Rongotea Village. View their Wakefield herd, established in 1932. 175 cows being a mix of approximately 80% Ayrshire genetics and the remaining balance mostly Holstein-Friesian. The farm is run on a relatively low input system with all supplementary feed being produced by the owners as part of their wider farming operation.
Next, visit the Tocker Brothers herd, where Zac and Russell low order share milk on their 380-hectare family farm at Tiakitahuna, with one third of the farm being on the Manawatu River floodplain. They milk 720 dairy cows on a traditional NZ spring calving low input grazing system. Quarter of their herd are of Ayrshire and milking shorthorn breeds. They also run a dairy beef system of 300 head and another 300 head of heifers for dairy herd replacement.
Return to the conference room for formal business meetings (International Red Dairy Breeds
Federation Board). Finish approximately 4pm.
Closing buffet dinner.
Overnight Palmerston North.
Monday 9th March
Palmerston North – Christchurch
Fly from Palmerston North this morning to Christchurch. Domestic flights included.
Known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and innovative urban regeneration. The vibrant city centre showcases a harmonious mix of historic architecture and modern developments, a testament to the city’s resilience and creativity following the 2011 earthquake.
This afternoon visit Glenmore Farm, home of Donald and Anne Green. They milk around 1700 cows – two thirds Ayrshires and the rest a mix of crossbreds, Friesians and Friesian cross. The farm is supported by a 140ha lease block located eight kilometres away.
Dinner in your hotel this evening.
Overnight Ashburton.
Tuesday 10th March
Ashburton – Twizel
This morning visit Red Cow Farm owned by Mark and Jenny McDonald. A 600-cow Milking Shorthorn farm in Mid Canterbury, New Zealand. Mark, has been breeding Milking Shorthorns since 1987, making him one of the most prominent breeders of red cattle in New Zealand.
Travel via Geraldine and Fairlie, and over Burkes Pass into the McKenzie Basin. Sightseeing stops include Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog Memorial site.
Dinner in your hotel this evening.
Overnight Twizel.
Wednesday 11th March
Twizel – Queenstown
This morning visit High Country King Salmon. Discussion with the manager around the farming of the Salmon. Travel through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown, set on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the dramatic Southern Alps. Lunch and wine tasting enroute.
Enjoy the evening at leisure in Queenstown.
Overnight Queenstown.
Thursday 12th March
Queenstown – Te Anau
Majority of the day is at your leisure to explore Queenstown. There are many activities that can be prebooked (at your own expense) that include:
- Shot Over Jet
- Bungy Jump
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola & Luge
- Onsen Hot Pools
- Remarkable Helicopter Flight
- Winery Tours
- Queenstown Gardens
Later in the afternoon depart for Te Anau. Dinner in hotel this evening. Optional excursion Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, additional expense.
Overnight Te Anau.
Friday 13th March
Te Anau – Doubtful Sound – Te Anau
A day to discover magnificent Doubtful Sound. Travel by coach a short distance to Lake Manapouri followed by a catamaran cruise from Pearl Harbour to the West Arm. From here you board a coach for a trip over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where you embark on another very comfortable catamaran for an unforgettable cruise on Doubtful Sound taking in the beautiful alpine scenery. Travel back over the Wilmot Pass to West Arm and return across Lake Manapouri and then by coach to Te Anau.
Dinner at your leisure this evening.
Overnight Te Anau.
Saturday 14th March
Te Anau – Queenstown
Travel back to Queenstown this morning. We visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure in Queenstown.
This evening, embark on a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the T.S.S. Earnslaw steamship, a farewell BBQ dinner at Walker Peak High Country Station.
Overnight Queenstown.
Sunday 15th March
Queenstown – Depart
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Sunday 1st March
Arrive Auckland
Arrive at Auckland International Airport this morning and clear customs. Transfer to your hotel, and have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight Auckland Airport.
Monday 2nd March
Auckland – Hamilton
Meet your English-speaking NZ Agricultural guide who will be with you the duration of the tour. We depart south to the Waikato region where 58 percent of land use is pastoral farming. Visit a farm in Ohinewai – Roger Hancock, Rosemoor Ayrshire. The stud was established in 1969 when Roger was gifted a registered heifer calf. Today the stud has 140-150 registered Ayrshire cows run on 88 effective hectares. Annual production of 350-370kgms per cow, however, this changes depending on the season and the weather pattern. The herd genetics are based on the traditional New Zealand Ayrshires, with some modern overseas sires used.
Next, visit a property in Te Aroha, Kaihere Milking Shorthorns. The herd was founded in the 1920s. On Kaihere they milk 150 cows with a spilt calving pattern on a 50ha milking platform. All young stock is retained and finished to slaughter.
Lunch on farm.
This evening check into our hotel with a welcome dinner.
Overnight Hamilton.
Tuesday 3rd March
Hamilton – Rotorua
Following breakfast depart Hamilton and visit a property in Ohaupo – Zane Kite, Kiteroa Stud. Established in 1961 by Wally Kite and is farmed today by Zane (son), Marie and family. Today the farm runs 190 purebred Ayrshire cows averaging 480-510kgms per cow annually. Kiteroa Stud uses outcross bulls from NZ or overseas genetics over top cow families and use their sons. The stud has bred top sires of Bonapart, Bo Pepperoni, Bonny Governor and Bonny Blue Silver who have produced many top daughters on Production and Type.
Visit the Ayrshire farm of Vince Steiner and family. The Brookview herd was established in the 1970s by Vince Steiner who is a 50/50 herd owner sharemilker. Their herd is a total of 550 milkers, with 260 Ayrshire and balance being of Holstein, Jersey and Brown Swiss. Their breeding focus is to chase great cow families and develop them further. Brookview is well renowned in the industry having won the Premier Exhibitor banner 11 times at New Zealand Dairy Expo.
Continue to Tirau for another farm visit with the Baxter family. In 1990, Peter and Heather Baxter founded Shardville Ayrshires, focusing on breeding top-quality Ayrshire cattle. They carefully select superior Ayrshire semen to enhance the milk production and confirmation of their cows, emphasizing functional udders. Their son, Jamie, along with his partner Caitlyn, runs Stenvale Ayrshires. They’ve gained acclaim in the show circuit, clinching the Supreme Champion Ayrshire title at the 2024 New Zealand Dairy event with their cow “Stenvale Burs Jem.” Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Jamie and Caitlyn aim to buy the herd and operate as 50/50 sharemilkers on the farm.
Lunch on farm.
Continue through the Waikato and over the Mamaku Range to Rotorua known as the ‘thermal wonderland’. This is a region of thermal activity, Māori culture, and forestry.
This evening immerse yourself in Māori culture at a local village with dinner.
Overnight Rotorua.
Wednesday 4th March
Rotorua – Taranaki
An opportunity today to see how important tourism is to the New Zealand economy and
to learn about Māori culture and development.
Visit Te Puia – the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute where you will see the Māori carvers at work and then explore the Māori buildings. As you are guided around the Reserve you will see boiling mud pools and the mighty Pohutu Geyser. There will also be the opportunity to see the rare “Kiwi bird” – New Zealand’s national symbol.
Continue to New Plymouth with lunch on the way.
Visit Miraka dairy factory. Miraka is the world’s first dairy processing company to use renewable geothermal energy, giving one of the lowest manufacturing carbon emissions footprints that there is globally.
Arrive in New Plymouth this afternoon and check in to your hotel. Dinner in hotel this
evening.
Overnight New Plymouth.
Thursday 5th March
Taranaki – Palmerston North
Taranaki is a well-established dairying region along with many sheep and beef farms in and around the hill country. Visit properties in Stratford and Kaponga today. Farmed by Ross & Joanna Soffe since 2012, Wee Brae Farm is 200ha, milking 350 dairy cows on a 140ha milking platform. The herd contains 80 milking shorthorns, with the balance made up of Holstein Friesian, Crossbred, Ayrshire and Guernsey with an annual production of 140-150,000 milk solids.
Next we visit Kapanga Sanrosa Stud. Gordon and Jonathan Glentworth farm 120 effective hectares, milking 270 cows with an annual production of 600kg of milk solids. Milking through a 50 bale rotary, they feed 1-1.2kg of concentrate per milking during the season. The herd is made up of 85% Ayrshire and 15% of Crossbreds and Friesians. The herd is mated to a selection of the best Ayrshire genetics from NZ and Scandinavia. The Kapanga Sanrosa stud was established in 1977 and Gordon is a two-time president of Ayrshire New Zealand and has chaired its marketing arm, Semayr Breeding Services for more than 20 years. Gordon is a Senior Judge and Traits other than Production (TOP) inspector.
Continue to the Manawatu, home to many rural communities and the leading region for agri-food education and research in New Zealand. Check in to hotel this afternoon.
Overnight Palmerston North.
Friday 6th March
Palmerston North
Depart the hotel after breakfast and travel a short distance to Bunnythorpe. Northbrook was founded over 90 years ago, and today farmed by David & Johanna Wood and the family. On Northbrook they milk 280 cows on a 124ha milking platform, with production averaging 100,000kg/ms. Northbrook bulls are often selected for the NZMSA Red Breed Genetics scheme.
Next, we visit the Feilding Saleyards for a guided tour with a local farmer. Learn the fascinating history of selling livestock, one of New Zealand’s oldest traditions dating back to the 1800s. Wander through the 300 sheep pens and watch the auction in action, while seating in the state-of-the-art cattle rostrum and view the latest computer technology on hand.
This afternoon, visit Fonterra Research & Development Centre. They have been at the forefront of pioneering advancements in dairy technology, driven by their unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable value from New Zealand’s world-renowned milk. They focus on all ages and stages of life while also tackling some of our biggest sustainability challenges and ensuring we produce high quality safe dairy nutrition.
Return to central city hotel with some time at leisure.
Conference Program Starts
Participants arrive at Palmerston North. Meet and greet participants. Transfer to hotel with time to refresh. This evening, attend the Conference opening dinner with country reports.
Overnight Palmerston North.
Saturday 7th March
Full Day Conference – Palmerston North
There will be morning and afternoon tea breaks with time to mingle along with lunch.
Gala buffet dinner and drinks included this evening.
Overnight Palmerston North.
Sunday 8th March
Palmerston North
Following breakfast, depart to farm visit brothers Brian and Geoff Hill located in Rongotea Village. View their Wakefield herd, established in 1932. 175 cows being a mix of approximately 80% Ayrshire genetics and the remaining balance mostly Holstein-Friesian. The farm is run on a relatively low input system with all supplementary feed being produced by the owners as part of their wider farming operation.
Next, visit the Tocker Brothers herd, where Zac and Russell low order share milk on their 380-hectare family farm at Tiakitahuna, with one third of the farm being on the Manawatu River floodplain. They milk 720 dairy cows on a traditional NZ spring calving low input grazing system. Quarter of their herd are of Ayrshire and milking shorthorn breeds. They also run a dairy beef system of 300 head and another 300 head of heifers for dairy herd replacement.
Return to the conference room for formal business meetings (International Red Dairy Breeds
Federation Board). Finish approximately 4pm.
Closing buffet dinner.
Overnight Palmerston North.
Monday 9th March
Palmerston North – Christchurch
Fly from Palmerston North this morning to Christchurch. Domestic flights included.
Known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and innovative urban regeneration. The vibrant city centre showcases a harmonious mix of historic architecture and modern developments, a testament to the city’s resilience and creativity following the 2011 earthquake.
This afternoon visit Glenmore Farm, home of Donald and Anne Green. They milk around 1700 cows – two thirds Ayrshires and the rest a mix of crossbreds, Friesians and Friesian cross. The farm is supported by a 140ha lease block located eight kilometres away.
Dinner in your hotel this evening.
Overnight Ashburton.
Tuesday 10th March
Ashburton – Twizel
This morning visit Red Cow Farm owned by Mark and Jenny McDonald. A 600-cow Milking Shorthorn farm in Mid Canterbury, New Zealand. Mark, has been breeding Milking Shorthorns since 1987, making him one of the most prominent breeders of red cattle in New Zealand.
Travel via Geraldine and Fairlie, and over Burkes Pass into the McKenzie Basin. Sightseeing stops include Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog Memorial site.
Dinner in your hotel this evening.
Overnight Twizel.
Wednesday 11th March
Twizel – Queenstown
This morning visit High Country King Salmon. Discussion with the manager around the farming of the Salmon. Travel through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown, set on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the dramatic Southern Alps. Lunch and wine tasting enroute.
Enjoy the evening at leisure in Queenstown.
Overnight Queenstown.
Thursday 12th March
Queenstown – Te Anau
Majority of the day is at your leisure to explore Queenstown. There are many activities that can be prebooked (at your own expense) that include:
- Shot Over Jet
- Bungy Jump
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola & Luge
- Onsen Hot Pools
- Remarkable Helicopter Flight
- Winery Tours
- Queenstown Gardens
Later in the afternoon depart for Te Anau. Dinner in hotel this evening. Optional excursion Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, additional expense.
Overnight Te Anau.
Friday 13th March
Te Anau – Doubtful Sound – Te Anau
A day to discover magnificent Doubtful Sound. Travel by coach a short distance to Lake Manapouri followed by a catamaran cruise from Pearl Harbour to the West Arm. From here you board a coach for a trip over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where you embark on another very comfortable catamaran for an unforgettable cruise on Doubtful Sound taking in the beautiful alpine scenery. Travel back over the Wilmot Pass to West Arm and return across Lake Manapouri and then by coach to Te Anau.
Dinner at your leisure this evening.
Overnight Te Anau.
Saturday 14th March
Te Anau – Queenstown
Travel back to Queenstown this morning. We visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure in Queenstown.
This evening, embark on a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the T.S.S. Earnslaw steamship, a farewell BBQ dinner at Walker Peak High Country Station.
Overnight Queenstown.
Sunday 15th March
Queenstown – Depart
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.