Top Things to do in Darfield
What to do and see in Darfield, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Darfield, New Zealand including Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides, Washpen Falls, Homebush Stables, Middle Rock Sheep Farm Tour, Polkadotcom.
Restaurants in Darfield
1. Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 248 reviews
Escape to a world of peace and tranquillity. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating across an ever changing landscape. Come fly with us!
Reviewed By leom1994 - Guam
-Probably priciest experience in my 8 day itinerary
-Schedule heavily dependent on weather (temperature)
-Experience heavily dependent on weather (clouds)
-Great pilots (Communication, lots of pictures)
-Hands on experience setting up and taking down (Some may take this as a negative, but not most of us)
-Drinks and snacks for a final celebration, quite fun
-Great views but more of the rural farmlands rather than the landscape
-Roughly around 4 hours due to set up and take down
-Flying does not constitute a majority of the time
-You will receive a call day before regarding status of flying based on weather
-If you do not receive a call, you're expected to call.
-I did not receive call but company insisted I they reached out three times but I dispute their claim
-Company sent a message day of flight that I didn't read which caused me to be a few hours early for the event (my fault)
-Another group from Singapore were in the same situation but I genuinely believed they never received the notification.
2. Washpen Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Nicola G
I originally went here quite regularly with my six year old and would drag other people along with us. Even though it was very slippery and not very well sign posted, miss six loves this walk. In April, I wrote a Facebook review which reflected how I felt about the owner being really rude to me upon a visit whereby, he told me he did not believe that I would pay the extortionate fees online - which I had every intention of doing. He demanded that I do it right there and then and show him the payment on my statement. I also asked if there was a sign up discount for locals as I felt paying $25 per trip was a bit steep and felt it would encourage more locals to walk the track if a discount was available. He was still rude and said no. This was fine - it was merely a suggestion on my part. Today, I have been banned from the track after being accosted by the owner again. He came out specifically to have a go at me in front of my daughter about my previous review. He was not interested in listening or talking, just wanted to have a go. I am not used to this sort of behaviour and felt very intimidated by the ensuing tirade I received. It was very unnecessary. Especially following me to my car after I told him it was obviously just a difference of opinion. It is a lovely walk but dangerous.
3. Homebush Stables
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Mario D - Brisbane, Australia
We stopped off at this farm for afternoon tea and we were well taken care of.
Its about 45 minutes from Christchurch. We just loved the history dating back to 1870. It still has the old brick buildings including the horse stables as the place is named.
If you love museums then you will enjoy the extensive collection of domestic, farming and local artefact's. We noticed collection of Bob Deans 1905 All Black Rugby memorabilia. So if your into rugby this will certainly be of interest to you.
There is a restaurant, souvenir shop, farm animals and the Gardens are great and plenty of it.
We wish we had more time to explore, but if you are in the area it's certainly worth a visit.
4. Middle Rock Sheep Farm Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
One hour’s drive west of Christchurch. A comprehensive sheep farm tour viewing 7,000 sheep and seasonal farming activities -sheep dog mustering, sheep handling, lamb feeding (in season). A visit to Middle Rock offers the opportunity to be guests of a New Zealand farming family in a non-commercial environment amidst the stunning high country scenery of the Lake Coleridge area. There is no minimum number and family groups are a specialty.
Reviewed By haylaura - Cary, North Carolina
NZ is known for sheep, so to get a true NZ experience, we booked a morning to experience at the Middle Rock Farm. I highly recommend this. The Nell family is so kind, friendly and knowledgeable. The things you see and do on your tour will vary based on what's going on at the farm - this is a working sheep farm. Lyn gives a great history of the farm and the sheep economy in NZ. We were lucky in that the sheep were getting sheared while we were there - the efficiency is incredible! We also got to see Charlotte (their daughter) and her sheep dogs. It was so great to see them respond to her whistle calls. After touring the farm by vehicle, we got to have tea and finger foods back at their home. Thank you all for sharing your farm life with us for a morning.
