Brochure 2024

AGRICULTURAL TOURS

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

Experiences g RealLife

When you choose to travel with Farm & Leisure Tours, you’re signing up for a delightful blend of fun, camaraderie, learning, and thrilling experiences, all while enjoying the safety and assurance that group travel offers. With our extensive expertise garnered over many years of conducting tours worldwide, we guarantee that your holiday will be meticulously organised, ensuring you make the most of each breathtaking destination.

Our tours are crafted to take you “off the beaten track,” with a focus on both the journey and the destination. Along the way, expect pleasant surprises and extraspecial events that enhance your tour experience. We handle all the logistics and planning, leaving you with the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the joys of your vacation or business travel. Let us take care of everything, while you savor every moment of your well-deserved getaway.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Each tour is customised to the country you are travelling to and the objectives of the programme. Our tours are designed so you experience the culture and customs of each country in the most authentic way.

Our agricultural tours will show you the farming practices and technology being used by those on the land in the countries we visit.

We have English speaking local guides, and our handpicked tour leaders are with you every step of the journey.

/ A U S T R A L I A

FARMING & INNOVATION IN TASMANIA

// SUN 14 APRIL - TUES 23 APRIL

Autumn in Tasmania is undoubtedly one of the most captivating seasons to explore the “Apple Isle”.

Meet inspiring families engaged in innovative agriculural and horticultural ventures. Experience regional produce straight from the land and abundant sea. Encounter traditional livestock operations, and delve into the world of whiskey, wine, oysters, bulbs and timber industries. This tour offers a glimpse into an island state that thrives on ingenuity and exploration.

NORTHERN TERRITORY CATTLE & CROPPING // AUGUST

If you’ve ever wondered how cattle stations and cropping enterprises in the Northern Territory operate, then this tour is for you. Commencing in the tropical and colourful city of Darwin, the tour travels through the Top End and finishes in Mt Isa, providing a unique insight into the workings of vast cattle empires - many are household names and the stuff of legends. Based predominantly around the Douglas Daly, Katherine and Barkly regions, you’ll be exposed to many aspects of cattle management – ‘Territory style’, including breeding, feeding, backgrounding, yarding and live cattle exports, on both family-run and large company owned stations.

It’s not all cattle though, there’s also the opportunity to visit some innovative cropping enterprises to hear the stories of the old days.

CATTLE & FARMING IN THE QUEENSLAND GULF

// MON 2 SEPT – MON 16 SEPT

Embark on a journey through the expansive savannah plains of far north Queensland, witnessing firsthand the untapped potential that could position Australia as the food bowl of Asia in the upcoming century.

This dynamic fact-finding tour begins in Townsville and concludes in Cairns, encompassing a diverse range of visits to some of the region’s finest cattle operations and leading irrigated cropping properties.

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

// THURS 16 MAY - WED 29 MAY

There’s no place more unique, diverse, and stunning than the Outback of Queensland!

The Channel Country is one of the most sparsely populated areas of Outback Queensland, but what it lacks in people, it makes up for in cattle. Fed by rivers, including the Georgina, Diamantina and Cooper Creek, the Channel Country is a region of braided channels that come to life after rain, producing rich cattle-fattening pastures. This is where Sir Sidney Kidman, the legendary Cattle King, carved out an enormous cattle empire. Visit renowned cattle stations, meet the people and get to understand their resilience, why this raw and unpredictable country is their life, and what makes the outback so special!

KANGAROO ISLAND

KIMBERLEY AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

// TUES 2 JULY - SUN 14 JULY

The rugged and ancient landscape of the Kimberley holds a mystical appeal for many Australians.

It’s a hidden treasure trove of spectacular waterfalls, gorges and even pockets of rainforest, but it’s the agricultural and horticultural enterprises that are a great surprise to many. From the pearling industry in the colourful town of Broome to vast cattle stations, the tour takes in some of the innovative enterprises in the Ord River Valley from sandalwood to mangoes and cotton. Experience the spectacular natural landscapes with a tour of the stunning Bungle Bungle Range and Geikie Gorge, and a cruise on the massive Lake Argyle. From pearls to diamonds, cattle to cotton, the Kimberley region is a great adventure and a real surprise!

AGRICULTURE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA & KANGAROO ISLAND

// WED 23 OCT – MON 4 NOV

The tour takes in a wide variety of agricultural visits that showcase how innovation has enabled farmers in the driest state on the driest continent to survive and prosper.

Explore the Flinders Ranges, stay overnight at Bungaree Station, one of Australia’s iconic Merino sheep studs, and enjoy the superb food and wine of the Barossa Valley. Finish the tour with 3 nights on Kangaroo Island.

RED CENTRE BEEF CATTLE

// SUN 7 JULY - FRI 19 JULY

Travel to the heart of the Northern Territory where you’ll meet people who call Australia’s Red Centre home.

Visit iconic and progressive cattle enterprises operating over vast tracts of land in low rainfall areas and learn about how innovative these cattle producers are in utilising the latest technology to improve management. Stay on a cattle station to experience station life and see how people manage day to day in these remote locations. With several nights in Alice Springs, you’ll see major sights, including the informative Desert Park, the historic Telegraph Station and the Road Transport Hall of Fame.

PILBARA CATTLE TOUR

// WED 5 JUNE - THURS 20 JUNE

Known as the awakening giant of Western Australia’s north, the Pilbara region has significant links to the world’s oldest continuous living culture.

If you’ve ever wondered about this part of Australia with some of the world’s ancient natural landscapes dating back three billion years and stretching over 500,000 square kilometres, why not join our fabulous tour to this remote region to see the contrast of old and new. Travel from Karratha to Broome visiting traditional cattle stations, advanced grazing properties that have increased production and carrying capacity through the introduction of irrigation, performance grasses and different breeds of cattle. Spend a day at Exmouth –the gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park – and finally relax in beautiful Broome with its rich history in pearling where you can reflect and unwind watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

SOUTHERN FRANCE // TUES 14 MAY – SAT 1 JUNE

Bordeaux, Provence – names that conjure up images of France that everyone wants to see.

This tour guarantees to immerse you in the vibrance of the South of France’s culinary delights, celebrated wines, and time-honoured agricultural traditions. Engage with local farmers, gaining insights into the age-old techniques that sustain the region’s beef and sheep production. Visit food producers, wander through vineyards that grow some of the world’s most popular wines, and explore the colourful world of flower cultivation. Don’t miss the opportunity to add on 7 days to the beautiful island of Corsica in the Mediterranean.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: CORSICA // SAT 1 JUNE - FRI 7 JUNE

FARMING IN IRELAND & UK // THURS 5 SEPT – TUES 24 SEPT

This classic tour of the British Isles is full of intriguing contrasts, fascinating rural history and a range of farming enterprises.

Enjoy Ireland’s lush landscapes, the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and colourful villages on the wild Atlantic coast. Soak up England’s diverse scenery of neat fields fenced in stone. Visit best loved towns and major sights in Dublin, Belfast, York, Bath and London. This tour has it all from historic castles and stately homes to quaint villages and spectacular scenery.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: SCOTLAND // TUES 24 SEPT – SUN 29 SEPT

CROATIA TO SLOVENIA FARMING HERITAGE

// SAT 1 JUNE – TUES 18 JUNE

Three countries in one tour stepping into a world of less explored, where the heartbeats of small village life come alive in these historic nations. Encounter a diverse range of agricultural experiences, engaging with farmers using traditional farming methods for dairy, sheep, beef cattle, oysters, olive oil and wine. Savour the essence of local flavours, wander through centuries-old cities and enjoy the historic and cultural sights.

Continue on an optional agricultural and sightseeing journey through Romania, with charming villages, cobbled streets and medieval fortresses. Visit age old farms using generations-old techniques, cultivating the land with deep-rooted wisdom that has stood the test of time. Get connected to the land and its people and enjoy their warm hospitality.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION:

ROMANIA // TUES 18 JUNE – MON 24 JUNE

MIDDLE EAST

ISRAEL AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

// TUES 5 NOV - TUES 19 NOV

Israel is a world leader in agricultural innovation. This one-of-a-kind tour will take you to the fascinating Middle East where you can experience its breathtaking beauty and ancient history.

Experience first-hand the close cooperation between farmers, the agricultural industry and the technological research which has made Israel’s agricultural sector a world leader. Visits will include kibbutz, private family farms, the Israeli Cattle Breeders Association, agricultural technology companies, drip irrigation, harvest machinery solutions and desert farming systems. Visit Tel Aviv’s busiest marketplace, the holy city of Jerusalem, the Bahai Gardens in Haifa city and Beér Sheva, where Australian and New Zealand horsemen bravely led the greatest charge in modern history.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION:

SOUTH AFRICA

// SAT 10 AUG – TUES 20 AUG

Immerse yourself in the wild and experience the luxury of South Africa!

A F R I C A

From Cape Town’s Table Mountain, to morning and evening safaris in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you will feel a great sense of adventure from the moment you arrive. Visit sheep, beef, dairy and game farms and learn how South African cattle farmers have diversified. See the incredible Victoria Falls in Zambia and cross the Zambezi river to Botswana. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible wildlife surrounding the Chobe River.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION:

BOTSWANA // TUES 20 AUG – SUN 25 AUG

JORDAN

CALGARY STAMPEDE & FARMING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

// TUES 2 JULY – MON 15 JULY

See some of Western Canada’s aweinspiring scenery and come to grips with Canadian agriculture as you travel through the spectacular Rock Mountains to Calgary. Commencing in Banff, visit Sulphur Mountain, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park. Travel east into farming and ranching country where visits include fodder and feed cropping, oil seed and grain, cattle, bison and dairy enterprises plus large equipment dealerships. Learn first-hand about many aspects of agricultural production in this fertile part of Canada. Finally, immerse yourself in the exciting atmosphere of the Calgary Stampede - the “greatest show on earth”, before ending your journey in the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver.

CANADA & USA AUTUMN COLOURS & AGRICULTURE

// MON 23 SEPT – TUES 8 OCT

Experience the enchanting beauty of autumn in the east of Canada and northeast USA.

This captivating tour starts in Toronto, offering scenic drives through lush farming regions and visits to diverse producers. From cereal crops and ginseng to soya-bean and vegetables, you’ll explore it all. Discover the St. Jacobs Farmers Market, dairy and poultry operations, orchards, vineyards and historic sites plus a Mennonite community in Canada and a Shaker village in the US. Enjoy a first-class rail journey to Quebec, a thrilling cruise to Niagara Falls’ base, a lunch cruise on Champlain Lake and a dinner cruise on the Hudson River. Concluding with two nights in New York City, an unforgettable experience awaits.

DEEP SOUTH AGRICULTURE & LEGENDARY SOUNDS OF THE USA

// SAT 13 JULY – SAT 27 JULY

Take a journey through the southern states of the USA and explore the fascinating heritage of country music and rock ‘n roll.

Visit some of the best farming operations and enterprises in the south of the USA, including cotton, peanuts, soybeans, timber, grain handling, cattle and dairying. Tour the port of New Orleans and visit colourful Bourbon Street. Visit Memphis, the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll and Graceland, home of Elvis Presley and Sun Studios. See where Gibson Guitars are made and relax in Nashville, the Country Music Capital.

AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA BEEF & AGRICULTURE

// SAT 21 SEPT - FRI 4 OCT

South America is a continent of surprises with spectacular scenery, vibrant cultures and cosopolitan cities.

If you are interested in beef production and general agriculture join us on this tour to Argentina and Brazil to see first-hand some of the worlds fastest moving beef economies and, at the same time, uncover the essence of these two Latin countries. Cultural and scenic highlights include Iguazu Falls, the vibrant and colourful seaside city of Rio de Janerio in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina - home of the Tango!

/ NEW ZEALAND

ALPS 2 OCEAN BY E-BIKE // SUN 14 APRIL - FRI 19 APRIL

At 312km, the Alps 2 Ocean is New Zealand’s longest continuous cycle trail, taking you from the base of the mighty Southern Alps to the vibrant coastal town of Oamaru.

From New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki/ Mt Cook, to the turquoise hydro-lakes and tussocklands of the Mackenzie Country and lush farmland of the Waitaki Valley, few cycle trails offer the diversity and variety of spectacular landscapes.

Farm & Leisure Tours are proud supporters of the RWNZ Adverse Events Relief Fund

RWNZ is a voice on health services, education, environment and social issues in the rural sector.

A donation is made for every RWNZ member who books on any of our tours.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s included on a Farm & Leisure Tour?

We like to make things easy for you to budget for your travels so our tours are inclusive of international airfares and airport and departure taxes (unless stated Land Only), accommodation, land travel (coach, boat or train), technical and farm visits, entrance fees to attractions, sightseeing, tips for drivers and guides and most meals. With Farm & Leisure Tours there are no hidden costs, it’s all included in the quoted price. When you travel for business purposes, tax concessions may apply.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is essential and you cannot afford to leave home without it. Should you need to cancel your tour before you travel, then a good travel insurance policy will cover you for specified cancellation fees.

When should I book?

We recommend you book as early as you can as our tours are popular and can book out more than a year in advance. Booking early allows you a stress-free lead-up to your trip and provides valuable time to arrange visas, travel insurance, currency and any extra travel arrangements. As late bookings require special administrative attention, any tour bookings made within 30 days of departure require FULL payment before the process of requesting flights and rooms begins. If we are unable to confirm the request, then a full refund will be made.

Will I need a visa?

Some countries require a visa. The responsibility for obtaining a visa for your tour lies with you, although we can assist and we will apply for visas to China on your behalf.

How many people will be on the tour?

Generally, our tours have between 12 to 20 participants. All tours have a required minimum number to operate and this is indicated on the tour brochure. Occasionally we operate tours with fewer than the required number, as we prefer not to cancel tours and disappoint our clients.

What’s the age group?

The average age is between 40 to 70 years; occasionally younger participants and occasionally older, but you can always be assured you’ll be travelling with like-minded people who share similar interests.

How fit do I need to be?

You will need to have the energy and fitness to walk around farms with uneven ground, villages with cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. In addition, you need to be fit enough to carry your own luggage and board and disembark your coach (and occasionally ferries and trains), several times a day unassisted. If you require a wheelchair or cannot walk unassisted and carry your luggage, then our tours are not suitable for you.

Which airlines do you use?

We use a number of airlines, depending on the destination of the tour, but generally Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Emirates, Air Canada, and LATAM Airlines (formerly Lan Chile). Prices are based on economy class airfares but upgrades to Premium Economy, Business or First-Class airfares can be arranged. Just ask our staff. Can I authorise Farm & Leisure Tours to make changes on my behalf?

Farm & Leisure Tours can only make changes to your travel arrangements if the original booking was made through us. If you book additional travel direct with suppliers yourself, then we are unable to make changes to those arrangements on your behalf. What standard of hotels can I expect?

Generally, we use good comfortable 3 to 5 star hotels with private ensuite bathroom facilities. Hotels in Britain, Europe and South America are often located in historic buildings and are not necessarily purposebuilt, unlike typical hotels and motels in New Zealand where most rooms are of a similar size and follow the same layout. They may have tiny bedrooms or alternatively rooms large enough for a party. Showers are often over the bath and plumbing standards vary greatly; however this all adds to the charm. In North America and Asia, hotel rooms are more standardised, although bathrooms can vary. In saying that, all hotels will be of a comfortable standard with private facilities. Accommodation costs are included in your overall tour cost.

What is a single supplement?

A single supplement is a charge applied when only one person is occupying a room. All tour prices are shown as per person costs but are based on two people sharing a double or twin room. The way to avoid paying the single supplement is to take a friend or find a fellow traveller to share a room with you.

Can I organise to stay longer after the tour?

Farm & Leisure tours offer great flexibility so you can extend your stay after the tour. In conjunction with our ticketing agent, we offer full retail travel services and can book any additional flights, cruises, tours, car hire, trains and accommodation etc.

Are meals included?

Most meals are included in your overall tour cost and are shown as in the itinerary Breakfast Lunch Dinner. Breakfast is always included daily and in many countries a full cooked (English or American-style) breakfast is served; however in some countries a Continental style breakfast is the norm. What happens if I have special dietary requirements?

If you have dietary restrictions and provided you let us know well before your tour departure, we will endeavor to ensure all airlines, hotels and restaurants are notified in advance to cater for your needs.

How do I know how much to tip?

We provide our Tour Leaders with funds to take care of tips for the group. When dining apart from the group, we suggest you follow the tipping guidelines in your tour booklet which is sent to you prior to departure.

Where are passengers from?

Most of our passengers are New Zealanders from rural and regional locations. Some tours operate in conjunction with Australian farm tour partners to provide an extended range of tours and tour departures.

Are any tours tax deductible?

Most of our itineraries are specialist agricultural technical programs planned potentially to be of direct relevance to businesses and producers involved in agriculture. If you operate an agricultural business these programs maybe fully or partly tax deductible, however we recommend you check with your financial adviser if you need clarification of taxdeductible eligibility for your own enterprise. Why deposits and are they refundable?

Early deposits are required as a measure of interest to join our tours and to assist us in planning and foreign currency management. Our Terms and Conditions included with each itinerary explain our refund policy in the event you have to cancel.