Summerhill
Summerhill Farm is owned by a private charitable trust established by David & Cloie Blackley in 2014. The land (126ha) has been unconditionally gifted to the trust and all farm proceeds and donations are used to maintain and develop the land for all to enjoy.
Our mission is to facilitate recreation and education in the Papamoa Hills through enabling the public to experience and enjoy a working farm and forestry environment.
The combination of views, forests and open pastureland has created a beautiful and diverse farm environment, which has attracted many visitors since the gates were opened to the public in 2004.
There are extensive mountain bike and walking trails through the forests on both sides of Reid Road and good walking access across pastureland to the neighbouring Papamoa Hills Regional Park.
We invite you to explore, enjoy and experience the significance of the Papamoa Hills and be inspired by Summerhill.
What we do
Recreational Trails
If you are a mountain biker or a hiker, there is a trail suited to you
The trails at Summerhill are amid a working beef and sheep farm, in the Papamoa Hills. Because of this, we ask you to please leave your dogs at home.
Whether you would like a gentle walk with breathtaking views, or a more strenuous hike there are trails to suit all ages and motivations!
Our mountain biking trails are perfect for intermediate riders. The terrain varies from rolling trails to steep terrain amidst diverse native and exotic forests. It's a great place to explore and offers opportunity for play for all ages.
Forestry
Summerhill’s forests are a diverse mix of exotic and native trees grown for their beautiful timbers. The trees range from 5 – 40 years old and as they reach maturity, are hand selected to be milled and then air dried with no chemical treatment. Summerhill Charitable Trust, in partnership with Summerhill Timbers, has spent 40 years nurturing these beautiful timbers for enjoyment, both recreationally and for the purpose of sale. To see the beautiful finished product, please visit -
http://www.summerhilltimbers.c...
Management of these working forests follow the internationally recognised Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) guidelines to ensure the best environmental and sustainable management outcomes.
As part of the Trust’s long-term plan for the area, a Forest Classroom was constructed in early 2022. The vision for this area is that it will be somewhere for groups to gather in the forest to listen and learn about nature in a hands-on environment.
Walking, mountain biking or running in our forests will give you a greater understanding of mixed species plantings and forest biodiversity. Look for the different bark & branch structures, collect a variety of seeds, hear the Kākā and Kererū, and watch the Pīwakawaka follow you along the trails. Whilst these are forests grown for their timber, it is done in such a way that this is also a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.
Farm
Summerhill farm is managed by one full time farmer, who looks after 65 cows, 550 coopworth sheep, and supporting young stock . July to September is a wonderful time to visit as our numbers double in size during lambing and calving season!
Part of the purpose of Summerhill Farm is to give people the chance of on-farm interaction. This is a wonderful opportunity for school groups, and a focus for the farm is to breed animals that are calm and can be interacted with on a daily basis as many of the parkland walks will also bring you into contact with the animals.
Please remember though that this is a working farm and for their protection and yours, please do not approach or touch any of our animals. Dogs are not permitted at Summerhill.
This is a wonderful space to enjoy a bit of country, not far from the big city.
Where we are
319 Reid Road, Papamoa.
Summerhill is 11km southwest of Tauranga. Leave Tauranga on Welcome Bay road in the direction of Papamoa Beach. Turn right at Reid Road and climb 3km along the road, Summerhill will be on your left. Look for the Summerhill sign and carpark.
