Celebrating 30 years, the Tora Coastal Walk stands as a testament to rural innovation and family perseverance. Not to mention an unsurpassed experience.

When Jane and Ed Elworthy opened the gates to their farm with a dedicated walking track, they were one of the very first farms to do so. It was a bold venture that has transcended generations and been a ‘wild ride’, laughs daughter-in-law and current custodian Kiri Elworthy.

Thirty years ago, the private walking experience was far from the agritourism concept we know today. ‘The concept came about when Sally and David Handyside, who had just opened the Kaikōura Coastal Track in the South Island, came to stay and said to Jane and Ed, “Why don’t you do what we are doing with our neighbours?” Which was to bring together groups of like-minded people and provide them with a walking track, accommodation and food. It sounded simple!’

So in 1995, Jane and Ed, along with neighbouring families the Barghs and Doyles, opened their farms for locals to traverse nature and experience a working farm. ‘It was a modest operation,’ recalls Kiri. ‘They charged just $95 for three days of accommodation and meals and the demographic was largely nature enthusiasts looking for something new.

‘It was what got us going, and we are incredibly grateful for the support in those early days; this was well before technology and social media and word of mouth was all we had to go by.’ What they lacked in marketing, however, they made up for in authenticity and personal commitment. A feat that has seen the walk transformed from a small family project, hosting a couple of hundred guests annually, to a professional tourism operation welcoming around 2,000 walkers each season.

Kiri is contemplative as she reflects on the changes that have occurred over the last 30 years, including the opportunity the walk has provided for her and husband James to purchase the neighbouring properties.

However, it is collaborating with others on Tora that
has been a real highlight, shares Kiri. ‘We have an amazing team who understand the delicate balance between authentic hospitality and top-notch service – the guests and their needs have to come first. And with that comes a level of expectation and quality.’ Which they are exceeding at every turn.

With up to 40 walkers out on the trail at any given time, Kiri – and her team, which now includes son Guy and partner Abi– are dedicated to providing an experience people will never forget. ‘All people need to do is turn up and be prepared to walk – we handle the rest.’ Even the transportation of non-walkers, if needed.

Despite having walkers on farm for only a portion of the year, the farm walk is a full-time job with track maintenance and curation undertaken in the off-season. ‘People might enthuse about the accommodation and the food, but they are there to walk,’ concludes Kiri. ‘So getting the track right is really important and the coast is our pièce de résistance. We are curating an experience for people and the track is an important component of that.’

Today, Tora remains a pioneer. Its success isn’t just about beautiful scenery, but about storytelling, family commitment, and creating meaningful connections between guests and the land.