Neudorf Saddle
Aotearoa (New Zealand)
From Farm to Sanctuary
"This isn't just our project-it's a journey we invite you to be part of."
Kia ora!
Higgenz Farm sits perched on top of the Neudorf saddle in the heart of the Nelson/Tasman district - one of New Zealand's most celebrated food and wine regions. The farm commands a breathtaking 180-degree view that takes in Adele Island, D'Urville Island, and the snow-capped peaks of Mt Arthur - a backdrop that reminds you, at every turn, exactly why this land is worth farming carefully and protecting forever.
Our 24-hectare (55-acre) hill-country property is home to Wiltshire sheep, a large seasonal vegetable garden, and one of the region's most exciting native bush restoration projects - Higgenz Bush. Google Maps
We farm with regenerative principles but we are going further - giving a significant portion of our land back to nature, permanently.
Our hill-country Wiltshire sheep graze the pastures, helping to maintain the land while providing sustainable meat production.
We practice rotational grazing to improve soil health and pasture quality, ensuring our flock thrives in harmony with the landscape. Our sheep are an integral part of our regenerative farming system, enriching the soil as they graze.
Our happy free-range chickens roam the farm, foraging naturally and producing beautiful fresh eggs. They live as chickens should - pecking, scratching, dust-bathing, and enjoying the sunshine.
Their natural behaviour not only keeps them healthy but also helps control pests and fertilise the soil. The result? Rich, golden-yolked eggs that taste like eggs used to taste.
Our large vegetable garden is the heart of our farm-to-table philosophy. We grow seasonal vegetables using organic practices, with no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.
From crisp lettuce and heritage tomatoes to root vegetables and fresh herbs, our garden produces an abundance of nutrient-rich food.
Higgenz Bush Sanctuary
In 2018, we took a leap of faith. We fenced off and planted out 5 hectares (12 acres) of our farm. Our efforts, dedication and care have been recognised by the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII), which granted us a covenant, meaning our nature sanctuary-Higgenz Bush-is protected forever.
55 acres total farm size
12+ acres protected with QEII covenant
native trees planted
Our sanctuary showcases nature's incredible ability to bounce back:
- Tui and kereru have returned, their calls echoing through the canopy
- Indigenous plant species are flourishing once more
- The bush provides a sanctuary for us all to learn and connect with nature
We're not stopping there - we continue to expand our protected areas, planting hundreds of pioneer species each year and working with local businesses and community partners to grow the wildlife corridors.
Kārearea Falcon Trust
We are very proud to be sponsoring Olive, a rescued kārearea (falcon) at the Kārearea Falcon Trust.
Olive was found with a badly broken wing and was nursed back to health by incredible volunteers and staff at the Kārearea Falcon Trust in Marlborough.
Kārearea NZ Falcon wins bird of the year again in 2025!
We are now also proudly sponsoring Norm, who is part of the breeding program at the Kārearea Falcon Trust.
Norm was a chick from the breeding pair Dash and Wilson.
Norm entered into our breeding program after bonding with our female Tussock. They have successfully raised 19 chicks together since 2016, all of these chicks have all been released to the wild.
We believe in leaving the land better than we found it. Every decision we make considers the long-term health of the soil, the water, and the ecosystem. Our farming practices build soil, sequester carbon, and create habitat-regenerating the land for future generations.
Food connects us to the land, to the seasons, to each other. Whether it's a fresh egg from our chickens, vegetables from our garden, or watching tui return to our restored bush-these connections remind us what truly matters. We welcome visitors who want to experience this connection for themselves.
We're not just owners of this land-we're temporary caretakers. Our QEII covenant ensures that Higgenz Bush will be protected forever, regardless of who owns the farm in the future. This is stewardship in action: thinking beyond ourselves to protect what matters.
We're part of a growing movement of people who believe in protecting and restoring Aotearoa's unique ecosystems.
"This isn't just our project-it's a community effort to restore and protect a piece of Aotearoa for future generations."
Higgenz Farm is where food, land, and community meet - bringing together chefs, artisans, butchers, and foragers who believe in honest food and the land that feeds us.
We welcome visitors who want to see firsthand the transformation that happens when farming and conservation work together.
See the native trees we've planted, hear the tui calling, and learn about our regenerative farming practices.
Tours of Higgenz Bush are available by appointment.
