A Day on the Farm at Totara Downs

The lovely people we are staying with in Carterton have extended family in Wainuiomata. Their sprawling farm is nestled into a valley and goes by the name of Totara Downs, just hidden away from the busy Wellington harbour. Close enough to get into the city easily, the farm feels a world away from the rest of civilization, where hundreds of animals are the only company needed.

Among the residents of the farm are five dogs, two rescue cats, ten horses (plus another fifteen boarders) including a majestic Welsh Cobb called Toby, a handful of goats, hundreds of sheep and hundreds of cows. A number of other animals are constantly in-and-out, too.

The animals are often rescues or have been rehabilitated from less-than-satisfactory conditions to regain their health and vitality. We were treated to a tour of the farm, an afternoon feeding session for 25 calves, cuddles with a baby lamb, the chance to feed Toby a carrot and a ride up to the ridge for a sunset view over the Wellington harbour in and among the wild gorse bushes.

I hope you enjoy these photos from a most delightful day.