At the northern tip of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula lies Port Jackson’s Pahi Coastal Walk, a private coastal trek that invites you to experience spectacular views, rich history, and heartfelt hospitality.

Owned and hosted by Cath and Zander Ward, Pahi Station is a place where relaxation, renewal, and connection come naturally. As fifth-generation farmers on this remote point, their passion for sharing their corner of New Zealand is palpable, and from the moment you are welcomed by Cath, you know you are in good hands.

After years of exploring the land with family and friends, Cath went to Zander with the idea of sharing their space with others. ‘I wanted to gift people that sense of relaxation and renewal that comes from walking these hills and coastlines,’ she explains. ‘We love sharing our property with others, and with farm diversification on the table, a farm walk seemed like the right option for us.’

Guests arrive at the farm’s homestead in Port Jackson having been transported by shuttle from Colville 30 km away. ‘It is a beautiful scenic coastal road,’ describes Cath, ‘but not very nice to drive so we take that stress away and have some home-made goodies ready and waiting for them.’

Over morning tea all questions are answered before walkers set off for Pahi Retreat, their accommodation for night one. The beautifully restored cottage overlooks Pahi Stream (featuring Cath’s favourite swimming hole), and has everything you need for a relaxing evening off those tired feet, before doing it all again the next day.

Night two is equally as full of character and testament to the history of the property, with guests staying at the Shearer’s Quarters – an authentic farmhouse property with uninterrupted sea views.

The three-day journey traverses a landscape that rises from sea level to 600 m, offering breathtaking coastal vistas at every turn as the route circumnavigates the farm; weaving through farm tracks, bush trails, and sections of Department of Conservation walkways. ‘This is part of New Zealand that not many people get to experience – the microclimate is magical and the location second to none,’ enthuses Cath.

‘Think of farm walks like a great walk – and remember one is never enough! Once you dip your toe in you will be hooked.’

Leaving all the prep work to Cath and her team ensures that guests are able to simply turn up with their day packs and relish time together in the outdoors. ‘We want our guests to enjoy the food but not the fuss,’ she laughs. ‘Being a fully catered walk means all people need to do is work up an appetite!’

The experience is peppered with thoughtful details, such as ice blocks at the end of a long day, hidden chocolates for that perfectly timed sugar hit and options for every fitness level. ‘We have distance options on both days, the ability to add an e-bike onto the end of the walk and even cater for non-walkers so that everybody can have the opportunity to come and be part of it.’

For Cath, the opening of their farm walk in 2022 has been about much more than just diversification; it has been a way to celebrate the local community and foster a sense of belonging. Whether that is through guests finding their own personal connection with nature, or a renewed sense of purpose for those the walk employs.
‘I love being on farm and working alongside Zander, but the walk has heightened that sense of contribution that I bring to the family. And being able to create jobs for local women has been really rewarding.’

Cath hasn’t stopped there, sharing her love for what they have achieved with others wanting to do the same – collaborating with fellow farm walk trails to share knowledge, enhance offerings and brainstorm ideas.

‘The benefit of the burgeoning number of farm walks in New Zealand is the diversity it is offering to those wanting to get out, explore and connect with our local backyard. They are a great way to get to know an area of the country as you get up close and personal with the landscape, the scenery and the locals.

‘Think of farm walks like a great walk – and remember one is never enough! Once you dip your toe in you will be hooked.’