Taruna Farm, est. 1936, and home to four generations of the Gardner family.
We are a working farm; a dry stock unit of 288 hectares farming sheep and beef as well as providing dairy support and boutique accommodation.
The name Taruna is of Maori origin and means 'to be connected by family ties'.
We are a family-owned enterprise; the farm is run by a board of family members. Our farm is situated at the highest point of the French Pass Road, Whitehall 10km east of the beautiful town of Cambridge, New Zealand. The highest point of the farm is 383m above sea level at Pukemako (Hill of Bellbirds) on the northern boundary.
TARUNA FARM MANAGEMENT
Since 2020 management of Taruna Farm is in the hands of Amy (nee Gardner) and Cliff Beech.
Their contribution to the story of Taruna Farm has only just begun and already we see the appearance of a beef herd and Te Whare Taruna, the boutique accommodation on the property.
TE WHARE TARUNA
Our boutique onsite accommodation is inspired by the desire to share the stunningly beautiful environment we enjoy on a daily basis.
On the deck outside a deep, stone outdoor bath is perfectly positioned to take in the spectacular sunsets that fill the sky in the evening. The lights of Cambridge twinkle in the foreground while the setting sun silhouettes Mt Pirongia in the distance.
THE SHEEP
Taruna Farm winters a flock of 1200 high-performance Coopworth ewes and 350 hogget replacements.
Our second shear wool which was once one of our main exports has taken a back seat and we hope to help revitalise this amazing sustainable, renewable, biodegradable fibre that is currently underutilised.
THE BEEF
More recently the idea of a small beef herd has emerged.
Angus is an obvious choice for the farm. It is a hardy breed and will thrive on the hill country. The cows are highly fertile and make good mothers. The meat is lean and well-marbled with an excellent flavour.
In an ever-changing world the
only constants are our land, our family and our identity.
