The best of both worlds

NOTHING BEATS A FAST AND FURIOUS thrash through purpose-built, downhill mountain bike trails - except, possibly, capping it off with a touch of great outdoors glamping! It’s the perfect end to a day on the trails, and if everyone in your gang is not a fan of trail bashing then it’s the perfect alternative! And at Dirt Farm on the Kāpiti Coast, you can get the best of both worlds.

Located in the foothills of the Tararua Ranges, Dirt Farm is the brainchild of Carina Munro and Tim Browne. Tim’s parents bought the 155 acre block 20 years ago and planted it in a variety of exotic and native trees; fast forward 10 years and Tim - an avid mountain biker - set about following every fellow biker’s dream by turning the block into a dedicated downhill mountain bike park.

The accommodation - six glamping units and two cottages - was originally intended to compliment the trails, but over time has moved to the forefront of the business: each unit is named after a native bird, and the homes away from home feature an array of vintage items Carina has collected over the years; some have gas barbeques, and all have access to a communal dining area and a wood-fired pizza oven. There is also an alfresco hot tub, and all of this is situated in a fantastic natural setting that has been curated by the couple with passion and an eye for detail.

The two cottages each have a large main room, an adjoining bathroomand a veranda for stunning humble brag photo opportunities! - while the tents are insulated, light and airyand guaranteed to blow the minds of younger family members! Glamping is self-catered whilst continental breakfasts and wine and cheese platters are provided to cottage guests.

“We originally intended to just build a house,” says Tim, “but I was really into mountain biking and in my infinite wisdom decided to build a bike park! Over time we realised we loved having people stay and experience everything Dirt Farm has to offer, not just the biking. So we shifted our focus to the accommodation, revamping our trails to cater to a wider range of bikers, walkers, runners and nature lovers. I think part of the appeal is that you are totally off the grid, miles away from civilization, but still have all the creature comforts of home and are only a stone’s throw from Wellington and Palmerston North.”

In true Kiwi style, Tim and Carina have done much of the building work themselves - and there was an awful lot to do! - despite the fact that Tim’s background is in geology and IT and Carina has an applied arts degree. But also in true Kiwi style, they had a little help from their friends.

“We’ve been lucky and had heaps of helpfrom family and friends” says Tim. “This isa really connected, creative and supportivecommunity, so with the accommodation forexample, Carina and I will come up with an idea and then a friend or family member will come along and turn that idea into reality, creating something truly beautiful!

Some have worked in the film industry or theatre and are used to working wonders on a budget! They can take a five-year-old pile of timber and turn it into something really amazing – something high quality and unique.”

Dirt Farm’s motto of “More Than a Place to Sleep” is a classic piece of understatement; it’s a hidden wonderland where you could be on an African safari - without the lions - or transported back to a slower, less stressful time.

“Some people come for the biking or walking,” Tim says. “Others just to relax, read, hang out with friends and cook up a storm in the woodfired pizza oven. And then there are those that come to just sit under the stars!”

Which is something we all need to be doing once in a while.