Welcome to Moa Stone Estate
– Organic Flower Farm, Venue & Off-Grid Accommodation
Flowers are a reflection of both the love you put into them and the environment in which they bloom.
Alongside caring for our two acres of flowers with reverence, we’re grateful that the magic of the surrounding landscape is imbued in our blooms, too.
You’ll find our flower oasis at the foothills of ancient Mount Karioi, in rural Raglan Whāingaroa. We’re lucky to live on generational land that co-founder Josh’s family has cared for and farmed since 1850. He and his partner Mika began Moa Stone Estate together in 2015, farming organic food before transitioning to flowers and foliage. The organic processes remained, and now spray-free practices are a way of life here.
The slope we’ve picked for our plants, accommodation and venue looks out to the stunning vista of the mountain and green rolling hills. The bank is quite literally a cascade of flowers, and although our backs may resent us for our choice of incline, the paradise we’ve created over many years of hard work is well worth it.
Unearthing history: The meaning behind our name, Moa Stone Estate
The now-extinct Moa was a flightless bird native to Aotearoa New Zealand. With the largest species of Moa reaching a height of more than three metres, these birds were a majestic part of the history of this land.
We know they once roamed the slopes of our farm because, while landscaping, we happened across Moa stones. Like many birds, Moas ate stones to help them digest their food; while in their gizzard, these stones developed a polished effect. Once a bird passed away, these tiny remnants of their life were preserved in the ground.
We often find more Moa stones when topsoil washes away after heavy rain. We’ve collected some and put them in a display box so any visitors to Moa Stone Estate can enjoy these unique pieces of history.
“Moa Stone Estate is a safe haven. It’s peaceful and a place to be at one with nature.” – Mika, co-owner Moa Stone Estate
Meet Mika & Josh – Your flower farmers and hosts
Mika and Josh’s love blossomed over a shared passion for gardening and the outdoors.
Josh had grown up on the Cornes family farm in rural Raglan, while Mika was introduced to gardening in her home country, The Netherlands. Throughout the year, her mother would grow various flowers, adamant to have colour surrounding her. Mika applies the same principle; even in winter, Moa Stone Estate boasts with blooms from proteas, orchids, snapdragons, teleopa, ornamental kale and helleborus.
Josh’s life on the farm has brought him years of experience in engineering and construction. His upcycling and carpentry skills are evident throughout the property; you can buy his recycled rimu propagating vases in our shop or prepare dinner at handmade wooden benches in our lodge.
Moa Stone Estate’s mission is to share our hard work, joy and passion with others. We can’t wait to welcome you to our little oasis.
