The Farm Tour began at 10 am at Taylors before setting off along Watershed Road into Christopher Grace’s Mangapapa Station, continuing through the upper sections and into Otairi Station. Guests were treated to breathtaking views of the Hunterville and Turakina areas while learning about the history of the land, the current challenges farmers face, and the incredible work being done at the Otiwhiti School of Agriculture.
The highlight for Robertson Prestige Volkswagen was showcasing the all-new Volkswagen Touareg. Guests had the chance to experience its performance across diverse farmland terrain – from winding tracks to open paddocks – proving the Touareg’s comfort, power, and versatility in real-world rural conditions. The sunshine and clear skies made for the perfect backdrop, adding to the sense of adventure.
A true farm tour wouldn’t be complete without hearty food and good company. Lunch was served at the newly renovated shearers’ quarters at Otairi Station, where guests enjoyed whitebait fritters on bread and butter, lamb chops, and steak sandwiches.
The relaxed atmosphere was the perfect chance for networking, with drinks in the sunshine, speeches from attendees, and the always-popular Calcutta drawing plenty of excitement.
The Farm Tour is more than a day on the road – it’s about celebrating the people who keep our rural communities thriving. This year’s event brought together farmers from across the region, offering them an opportunity to share stories, connect with sponsors, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime away from the demands of the land.
Robertson Prestige Volkswagen is proud to support events like this, which strengthen community ties while showcasing vehicles built to handle New Zealand’s most challenging and beautiful environments.
A special thank you to Douglas Duncan and the Marton Jockey Club for hosting such a well-organised and memorable day.
And of course, thank you to everyone who joined us – your presence made the Farm Tour a true success.
We’re looking forward to next year!
19/09/2025 – Written by Letitia Pickford