Unique Kiwi Experience - Shenandoah Farm
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Port
Wellington, New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$190
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Overlooking the sparkling Pauatahanui Inlet and linked with Battle Hill (a significant Maori War site in the region), is your rural destination "Shenandoah". A working farm, hidden historical gem inside a native wild birdlife reserve approximately 20 minutes drive from Wellington City.
Be welcomed onto his station by Simon, a proud Kiwi who will take you on your magical tour. With his passion, storytelling and wealth of little known facts of the rich history of his property, Simon will captivate you with true memories of local history worth remembering.
Beginning as a Maori Fortress Pa for Ngati Toa in the 1800’s, the property has seen three different races of people over 150 years. After withstanding a major battle with English troops it became a Crown Fort to guard the stagecoach road from highway robbers. The first settlers to New Zealand made contact with the local iwi here, before the whalers and settlers transformed Pauatahanui into the thriving rural community of today.
Learn more about the property’s historical significance when Shenandoah was commandeered into a US Marine training base in World War II. The role it played in the prevention of a Japanese invasion of the country, and how it is still visited today by surviving US Marines, their children and grandchildren.
You won’t believe your eyes when you find what is behind Simon’s barn doors! His private museum not open to the public is filled with artifacts found on the property dating back over the last 150 years. Be enthralled not just with the wonderful items he has collected, or the very rare vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles restored over 40 years, but also the very moving personal stories of some of the original owners of these treasures.
There will be plenty of photo opportunities of the property and formal gardens, with fascinating facts and anecdotes along the way. You will also experience guided interaction with farm animals, wildlife and native birdlife.
A delightful homegrown, home-made morning/afternoon tea of this property’s specialties is provided, along with other locally-made produce from the Greater Wellington Region. Relax by the pond and jetty, on the verandah of the colonial homestead, or pick your choice of outdoor seating areas to take in the amazing inlet views while you enjoy a glass of New Zealand wine, beer, tea or coffee.
Simon’s passion and ability to enthrall makes this local kiwi tour experience genuinely unique and one that will stay with you long after you leave Wellington. It gives you time to relax away from the city, enjoy interaction with the property owner, be surrounded with scenic beauty and wildlife, and be surprised many, many times over.
Come to Shenandoah and you will see why "Pauatahanui" means "the place you never want to leave from."
Please note:
Minimum age is 5 years.