Pull the gumboots out of the wardrobe and get your Swanndri ready because Ambury Farm Day is back this year.
Whether you want to try your hand at making your own butter or get your tamariki (children) to try out gumboot throwing, there is something at this year’s farm day on 30 October for everyone to connect with all things agricultural without leaving city comforts behind.
Entry and parking are free, along with most of the activities. There will also a supervised bike parking area if you cycle to Ambury Farm Day and you can get a free bike service while exploring the farm.
There will be plenty more for tamariki besides the gumboot throwing including a hay maze, Māori games, a mini bike pump track, farm rides and plenty of the ever popular animal petting.
For the adults, take in the incredible interactions between man and his best friend with the dog trials exhibition or appreciate the skills at the wood chopping and sheep shearing displays, or simply enjoy the vintage farm machinery from MOTAT.
Ambury Farm Day is also a perfect opportunity to get some feel-good Christmas shopping done early at the General Collective farmer’s market that showcase the wares of local creatives. Auckland Council’s natural environment team will also be on hand to help you learn how to manage pests (both plants and animals) in your backyard.
Unable to be held since 2019 thanks to COVID-19, Auckland Council park rangers are excited to see the farm day return.
“It’s a real team effort to make Ambury Farm Day happen and the event wouldn’t be made possible without the support of the many volunteers and vendors involved,” says Auckland Council Senior Park Ranger and organiser of the event, Bronwen Lehmann. “We are really thankful for their time and efforts to help so many Aucklanders enjoy a taste of farm life.”
Scott De Silva, manager of Auckland Council’s Regional Parks says it is great to have Ambury Farm Day back.
“This is a hugely popular event. It is a great way to connect the city with country life, so we are delighted to be back running it this year.”
Scott says that the day is also an opportunity to enjoy one of the best urban parks in the world.
“Ambury Regional Park won a silver award at the 2020 International Large Urban Parks Awards and was the only park in the southern hemisphere to be recognised.”
The silver award recognised Ambury as a piece of preserved farming country very close to the centre of Tāmaki Makaurau. It noted that Ambury gives Aucklanders an opportunity to exercise in open country and enjoy the culture of farming even when living in a major city.
Having Ambury Regional Park recognised in this way is something every Aucklander should be proud of according to Scott.
“Aucklanders can enjoy amazing parks any day and Ambury is just such an incredible place. The farm day is the perfect opportunity to not just take in farm life but also enjoy a world class park.”
What: Ambury Farm Day 2022
When: 30 October 2022, 10am-4pm.
Where: Ambury Regional Park, 43 Ambury Road, Māngere Bridge.
Visit at.govt.nz for public transport and cycleway options.
Children aged 5 to 15, using a registered AT HOP card, can travel free on Auckland Transport’s bus, train and select ferry services on weekends. Visit for more information.
