New Zealand
Private Stud Farm Tour
Exclusive private access to six of New Zealand's most celebrated thoroughbred stud farms across three days in the heart of the Waikato.
Strictly limited group size — private vehicle, private access
Behind the Gates of New Zealand's Finest Studs
The Waikato region is home to the greatest concentration of elite thoroughbred breeding in the Southern Hemisphere. Six world-class stud farms within a two-hour radius — each with its own character, stallion roster, and remarkable story. This tour takes a small, private group inside all six across two immersive days.
Unlike the Karaka Sales tour — which runs twice yearly around the sale schedule — this private stud farm tour runs independently of the sales calendar. It's designed for racing enthusiasts, investors, and those simply fascinated by one of the world's great industries who want genuine behind-the-scenes access regardless of when the sales fall.
Travel is by private vehicle throughout — not a coach — with a dedicated Designer Tours host, pre-arranged access at each property, and direct introductions to the people who run them.
Why This Tour Is Different
Private Access
This is not a public open day. Each stud visit is privately arranged — you walk the paddocks, enter the breeding barn, and meet the stallions with personal introductions from the stud team. The kind of access most people never receive.
Private Vehicle
The group travels by private chauffeur vehicle throughout — no coach, no strangers, no fixed departure times. The tour moves at the pace that suits your group, with flexibility built in at every property.
No Sales Required
The Karaka Sales run twice a year. This tour runs year-round. If you want to experience New Zealand's stud country without aligning to the sales calendar, this is the tour for you — and the access is arguably deeper.
Arrival in Auckland — Transfer to the Waikato
Fly into Auckland and your Designer Tours host will meet you at the arrivals hall for a private transfer south to your Waikato accommodation. The drive through Hamilton and into the heart of thoroughbred country sets the scene beautifully.
The evening begins with a welcome briefing dinner at your hotel — a relaxed introduction to the six properties you'll visit over the following two days, with background on each stud's history, stallion roster, and what to look for when you arrive. Hosted by your Designer Tours guide, with wine and a four-course dinner.
Six Stud Farms — Two Days
Private access · Personal introductions · No crowds
Cambridge Stud
Founded in 1976 by the legendary Sir Patrick Hogan, Cambridge Stud is one of the most celebrated thoroughbred nurseries in the Southern Hemisphere. The farm's hallowed Waikato turf has produced champions at the highest level worldwide and been home to multiple champion stallions. Today Cambridge stands a world-class roster including European champion Almanzor, the brilliant Chaldean, and World Champion Miler Charyn — a collection of international sires that rivals any operation in the world.
Waikato Stud
New Zealand's premier thoroughbred nursery and one of the most decorated breeding operations in Australasia. Spanning 840 hectares of prime Waikato pasture, Waikato Stud has bred 54 individual Group 1 winners and consistently produces 12 or more Stakes winners per season. The operation's commitment to world-class facilities, expert horsemanship, and elite bloodlines has made it internationally synonymous with quality.
Westbury Stud
A respected and progressive Waikato stud farm standing a quality roster that includes the outstanding Tarzino — New Zealand's Champion Racehorse and one of the most exciting sires in Australasian breeding. Westbury's commitment to superior bloodlines and professional farm management has built a strong reputation among breeders throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Rich Hill Stud
One of New Zealand's most accomplished thoroughbred nurseries, Rich Hill Stud has firmly established itself as a leading breeding operation with a stallion roster that draws breeders from across Australasia and beyond. Standing proven Group 1 sires including Proisir — a Champion Sire — alongside the highly regarded Ace High and international import Satono Aladdin, the operation combines world-class sire lines with the meticulous horsemanship that defines the best of Waikato breeding.
Haunui Farm
One of New Zealand's most respected family-owned thoroughbred operations, Haunui Farm has built a strong reputation for producing quality racehorses from carefully selected bloodlines. The farm's knowledgeable team offers genuine insight into the art of thoroughbred selection and development at an operation where relationships with clients and horses are central to everything they do.
Windsor Park Stud
A well-established Matamata thoroughbred operation with a proud history of producing quality horses for the Australian and New Zealand racing circuits. Windsor Park's experienced team takes genuine pride in the care and preparation of their horses, and a tour of the property offers an excellent comparison point — showing how different operations approach the art of thoroughbred breeding at a high level.
Depart Auckland
Following the final stud visit, your host transfers you to Auckland Airport for your return flight to Australia. A farewell lunch is included before departure.
What's Included
$3,500 per person · Flights not included
Included
Not Included
Group Size
This tour operates with a maximum of 8 guests. Private vehicle travel and the personal nature of stud access means we strictly limit numbers. Minimum 4 guests required to operate.
Scheduling
Unlike the Karaka Sales tour, this stud farm tour runs independently of the sales calendar and can depart year-round subject to stud farm availability. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are particularly recommended for visiting mares, foals, and yearlings.
Also Available
NZ Bloodstock & Karaka Sales Tour
Prefer to attend the Karaka Sales? Our 5-day NZ Bloodstock & Stud Tour includes the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock auction, race day hospitality, and stud farm visits — and runs twice a year in line with the sale schedule.
View the Bloodstock & Sales Tour →Register Your Interest
Places are strictly limited to 8 guests. Contact us to discuss preferred dates, group composition, and any bespoke additions to the itinerary.