Big Bird provides a farmstay experience. The hosts started their business as a farm mainly with ostrich and have several other extraordinary animals. We had a tour of the farm and got to meet Victoria, the famous ostrich who is really beautiful and impressive! We also saw a 4 day old baby goat which was so cute, mini cows, Sophie the black sheep, an alpaga, a donkey etc... You really feel how much Ann (the host) loves her animals and you can tell that the animals are really happy in this farm.
They also have a cute chicken that would come at our doorstep to see if we had anything to give her to eat. Really fun.

Now comes the accomodation. There are 2 separate chalets/bugalow that are for guests. Don't come here if you are looking for a 3 star accomodation or more. The furniture is outdated and had an overall feeling that it was not clean, though it was clean! It really felt like being at your grandma's. The bathroom is tiny tiny. When you go to the toilets, you can hear the goat bleat^^. We got the bigger bungalow for only the 2 of us, when it can accomodate 5/6 people. So we had plenty of space.

We had our first breakfast with the hosts and the other guests in the kitchen of the hosts. It was good and fun to discuss a little bit. They opened a ostrich egg live for us and made a omelette. It is an extra 5NZD per omelette prepared.

I would recommend this place to a familly with young children to show them the animals. It is a good idea for a short week end getaway.

Ever walk into an establishment and think to yourself that you've some how been here before, even though you know it is your first visit? For me, it was like walking into my grandma's house in rural Oklahoma. Everything is dated with lots of nicknacks occupying every nook and cranny. Don't be looking for your flat screen TV with 200 channels. You should come here for the experience of life on a working farm and spend quality time with the warm and charming owners, Ann and Ross. They have assembled a menagerie of friendly exotic and routine farm animals, which she'll gladly share on a moment's notice. Victoria, the ostrich that loves humans, frequently peeked through the window of our bungalow. Henrietta, the chicken, Tina, the sheepdog, and Lilly, the calico cat, would cautiously take turns outside of our front door waiting for human contact. Doctor Doolittle would be pleased to share this delightful experience and Ann's extensive knowledge of "her animal friends."

We stayed at Big Bird for 2 nights during a 10 day holiday in the north island. We stayed in the Bungalow and there was lots of space for the 4 of us. To be honest the furniture is a bit dated and the cleanliness in places wasn't perfect the room also had a musty smell. However the beds were very comfortable - probably the best out of all the places we stayed (which included 5 star hotels!). The makings for a continental breakfast is provided in the bungalow and Ann also baked fresh bread which was just lovely. We didn't get to try the ostrich egg omelette as we were off too early in the mornings which was unfortunate.
If your kids are animal lovers they will have a fabulous time! my kids just loved it - particularly being able to have a mini pony in front of the bungalow to lead around and brush. Meeting Victoria the ostrich was a really wonderful experience too!! Ann is a very hard working lady and we appreciated her hospitality and advice on things to do and places to eat.

We were running late when arrived at big bird, it was Ann's dinner time! Yet we received a very warm welcome and a great accomodation. The room & place is clean & tidy and the heater keep us warm! Best is the farm tour, we've got to participate and experience it, love it!