Muriwai Beach and Farm Visit (with Lunch, 6 hrs)

Travel by way of the wine growing areas of Kumeu and Huapai, to Muriwai Beach on the rugged West Coast with private vehicle. On the cliff tops overlooking the beach take a short walk through the native plants to the lookout point to see the gannet colony. Leaving Muriwai through rural farming districts, you will come to Haumoana Farm (or similar ) — a 200-acre cattle farm situated on the South Kaipara Peninsula. You will be warmly welcomed by your hosts, Greg and Barbara Ross. The farm runs 300 Romney sheep for prime lamb and wool production, 200 cattle, and a small fallow deer unit. See the mustering of sheep by trained sheep dogs, a skilled shearing demonstration, which illustrates just how quickly a sheep can be shorn of its wool, and other typical farm activities. You will be invited to the house for morning tea. Your return drive to Auckland will be through the farming areas of Waitoki and Dairy Flat and on to lunch in the Parnell district of Auckland. Return to pier afterward.