Stewart Family Farm
Strong in history, the Stewart Family have been farming at Hiwinui on the outskirts of Palmerston North for over 120 years.
David Stewart was a displaced Highlander who decided to move his young family to New Zealand after contracting tuberculosis in the hopes the climate would improve his health. He purchased 80 acres of land at Hiwinui however, sadly soon after arriving to New Zealand died from his illness leaving his wife and two children behind.
Six generations later the Stewart Family remains in Hiwinui, farming 1500 acres of land and continue to have great respect for the land knowing it offers opportunities for family members to make a living off it. Modern-day farming with a strong history.
Today the Farm operates as a seasonal dairy farm, milking over 800 cows twice a day for around 300 days of the year. We also grow feed crops and have diversified into Argi tourism, offering Farm Tours and Accommodation with Hiwinui Country Estate, hosting both International and Domestic visitors as well as an exclusive venue for Weddings and Events.
With a strong connection to the land, we take great care in minimising our farming footprint on the environment by utilising data and technology, good management techniques, and regenerating the land through native plantings and wet land construction.
We capitalise on a good grass growing climate and high-quality pasture, turning this into premium quality milk.
We are proud to supply A2 milk to the Fonterra cooperative.
For more information regarding the Stewart Family Farm or to book a Farm Tour please contact us
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“People come and go, but the land remains forever.
We don’t own it, we just pay for the privilege to look after it” Dave Stewart
Looking after our Environment
The Stewart Family have a long-term ambitious and visionary goal to set new standards in agricultural practices to plant the farmland in contoured native woodlots to enhance an abundance of wildlife, create kidneys for the environment, complete with man made wetlands, sediment traps, nutrient interceptor beds and innovative ecological engineering for water flow harvesting that will create habitat breeding grounds.
The entire farm has an environmental plan, has regular open days and relationships with both environmental and Iwi groups. All these innovations will assist the Stewart Family in the quest to reduce our carbon footprint.
Over 12,000 native trees have been planted in sensitive catchments over the last 10 years alone.
Recently a wetland has been created and an original reserved bush block enhanced with a walking track cleared to enable an appreciation of what some of the pre European landscape looked like.
Award Winning Farm
Most recently, Stewarts, James and Debbie together with Jan and Dave have been recognised for thier commitment to farm stewardship, winning the Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Regional Supreme Award and the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award
Award Categories
- Horizons Regional Supreme Award Winner 2024
- Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
- DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
- Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
- NZFET Biodiversity Award
- NZFET Innovation Award
- NZFET Climate Recognition Award
- Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award
What our previous guests have said
Thanks for a fabulous stay. Great hospitality and the fire by the spa pool just topped it off beautifully!
Julia & Kelvin French, Hamilton
We absolutely loved every minute of the couple's package. Julia, Jan and Dave have made our 9 year wedding anniversary one to remember.
Adam & Daphne, Kapiti
Thank you so much for everything, it has been perfect. You are all so amazing and welcoming. We had the most amazing wedding day because of you!
Emma & Luke, Gold Coast, Australia