Unlike farm stays in Australia, Te Manga Station is truly a farm and a hunting ground for some.

The farm I stayed when I visited Australia years ago was more developed and caters for many. This farm only serves one family at a time so we get all their attention.

Like any typical city girl, my first few hours there was miserable.

Paths were grass filled with poo.
I had to hop my way around just to “safe” my Nike trainers.

After about 4 hours’ drive, we arrived near noon.
We freshened up at our quarters and had a light lunch.

It’s time for some training and safety briefing for our hunting session.

Hopped on the back of the track until a point where we have to alight and start walking.

Route to the hunting block.

I have never really walked in a forest before.
Gosh, I had problems cutting through the forest, going up and down the slopes and keeping up with the rest.

So embarrassing as I was the youngest and I should be the fittest.

The only walking I ever do is shopping.
Jungle tracking?
Come on.

Glad that forests in New Zealand are free from snakes, leeches, creepy crawlies, bugs, tigers and lions.
That made life a lot easier for me, knowing I will not be attacked or eaten alive.

The last thing I want is to be on The Straits Times saying “Girl from Singapore eaten alive in New Zealand forest”.

I am glad I made it this far.
Doesn’t it look like the native bush in Twilight?
Beautiful.

Helen, Angie and I.

My first rifle experience.
By the time I adjust myself to get a clear view through the scope, my left hand is tired already.

The baby rifle is very heavy too.

I had a go, aiming at the target 60 meters away.
My first shot was real close to the bull’s eye. My second went further and a complete miss for the third.

It is difficult to aim and shoot I realised.
Even the slightest movement affects the accuracy.

The “adult” bullet and “baby” bullet.
One can kill you and one can only hurt you – maybe kill you too if shot at the fatal points.

Traditional hunting tools.
Bows and arrows.

Paul and his wife Wendy run this farm together.
Meals were all prepared by Wendy.
Healthy greens, fresh eggs, fish and venison filled our stomachs.

I met some real cool pets of the farm.
Let’s meet Fern.

She is only 2 but already a mama of 7.

She enjoys going for “car” rides.
So adorable.

Next, we have Cookie and Macy.

Meet Chip, the hunting dog.
She is beautiful.

Jason, Paul’s son was real nice to bring me for a ride the day before we left. He brought me to the peak of their land.

It is really windy but the scenery is beyond amazing.
Endless slopes of lush greens, clear blue sky and fresh air.

Refreshing.

Next, he showed me his little fully equiped hut.
And his little hunting block.

Spiders have invaded his space I guess.

Our last meal together.
From left, we have Ron, Helen, Jason, Me, Dad, Cathy, Chad, Wendy and Paul.

Angie was behind the camera.

This may be just a farm stay for some.
To me, this is the most memorable trip I have together with so many great experiences.

Not to mention Paul’s family were so nice and down to earth.

It was our pleasure to have found Te Manga Station.
Thank you Ron and Helen for making the right choice.

I learnt alot too.

I learnt that cows are real friendly.
They will come towards you, almost wanting to kiss me at one point.
Just kidding.

But they do, they come a lot closer than sheeps.
Sheeps tend to run away when you are approaching.

I learnt how to ride on this little bugger.

I tell you, this is the best ride ever.
It can go up steep slopes and into the pool without problems.

That’s me with my farm ride.

Read more of my trip to New Zealand.
15 Hours Of Travel
Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Thank you for reading.