Growing Together : A Wild Garden Exploration for Families

Mangaroa Farms

Fri, 27 Mar 2026
(4:00 pm to 5:00 pm)

Step into a wilder side of Mangaroa Farms and join us for a relaxed family session in our growing spaces. This is time set aside to explore the permaculture orchard and mixed pasture at a gentle pace, with room to notice, touch, and discover.

Many of us spend our days in built environments. This session offers something different. Families can slow down, spend time together, and share the experience of being on a working farm landscape. Children lead the curiosity. Adults get to reconnect too.

Expect practical, hands on moments woven with open play. We will dig into the soil and look for worms, learn to recognise a few useful plants, and move through the orchard and paddocks with simple games and shared activities. There is space to run, to ask questions, and to simply sit in the grass.

This session suits families with children of any age. Come as you are, dress for the weather, and be ready to get your hands a little dirty.

We keep the cost accessible so everyone can take part.

Some play. Some learning. Plenty of fresh air.

Join us and spend time on the land together.

Mangaroa Farms – orchard & paddock

More Food Week Events

What’s On

During Food Week

Upper Hutt

Upper Hutt Food Week features a packed programme of events running across multiple days and locations. Activities are designed to be welcoming, practical, and engaging, with options for all ages and interests.

You can expect:

  • Food markets and pop-up stalls
  • Cooking demonstrations and tastings
  • Foraging walks and wild food talks
  • Open gardens and local food trails
  • Workshops and hands-on sessions
  • Family and children’s activities
  • Community meals and shared feasts
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Local Kai, People & Places

What is Food Week?

A celebration of the people
who grow, gather, hunt,
make, and share our kai.

Why Join Us?

  • Discover wild, local flavours
  • Celebrate food traditions
  • Learn & share skills
  • Enjoy whānau-friendly events

Visiting Upper Hutt’s Food Spots 

Events take place across Upper Hutt at gardens, venues, cafés, schools, and outdoor spaces. Some activities are free, while others may require booking through external organisers.

Browse the full schedule to see what’s happening each day, where to go, and how to take part.