We’re very excited to be offered the opportunity to visit the pre-eminent ‘Farm to Plate’ beef and lamb operation in Hawke’s Bay. Patangata Station, owned and farmed by Duncan Smith, Annabel Tapley-Smith and their family, is a 1,750-acre sheep, beef and cropping farm that straddles the Tukituki River east of Otane. Duncan is the third generation of his family to farm in Central Hawke’s Bay and the property’s combination of gentle rolling hill country and fertile river flats is perfect for both livestock and arable farming. It was nearly 10 years ago now that Duncan and Annabel, keen to create a direct supply of their hormone-free, GM-free and antibiotic-free Angus beef and Suffolk-Texel lamb to retail customers, took over the legendary Waipawa Butchery from retiring long-time owner, Murray Stephens. The ‘Farm to Plate’ concept was revolutionary back then. And since then, all the beef and lamb sold at the Waipawa shop has come from their lush paddocks only 15 km from the shop. Our day begins with a stunning, scenic, springtime drive towards the banks of the Tukituki River and Patangata Station. Here, our hosts, Duncan and Annabel, will show us around the property and tell us their fascinating story. The 360-degree vistas across hillside and river are stunning in this picture-perfect part of the world. After morning tea in the woolshed, we drive the short 10 minutes to the butcher shop in Waipawa to learn about the retail end of things (and we’ll have chilly bins on hand to keep any purchases nice and cool). And what better way to end this story of fresh, local produce than lunch at the excellent Hatuma Café where Patangata Station beef and lamb takes pride of place on the menu.
After lunch, as a complete contrast, we’ll make our first visit in many a year to Tikokino Peonies on State Highway 50 to see these impressive blooms at their peak.
This Day Trip is another celebration of Central Hawke’s Bay and the diversity this region has to offer. Don’t delay in securing your place on what will no doubt be a very popular day out.
