Introduction

JAG Farms Lodge is a small, farm- and sea-inspired retreat, shaped by the land and people of Matakana Island, Aotearoa New Zealand.

It is where cream from John and Ave’s herd, fruit from Island orchards, vegetables from the lodge garden, fish from Tauranga Moana’s waters, recipes from both NZ and Japan, and stories from two cultures meet at a single table.

We are not a resort. We are a family lodge – simple, warm, and real.

What You’ll Find Here

• Small guest numbers – only a handful at a time, so everyone is known by name.
• Slow food – farmer and fisherman-style breakfasts, garden lunches, and dinners that honour both coastlines and cultures.
• Working land – gardens, small paddocks, orchards, sheds, a smokehouse, and prep spaces.
• Cultural bridges – Aotearoa and Japan woven together through food, music, stories, and shared work.
• Quiet corners – places to read, think, write, rest, or simply watch the sky change.

The Lodge Kitchen

The lodge kitchen brings together two culinary worlds: John and Ave’s Matakana Island home-style cooking, supported by David and Eiko’s Japanese and international influence.

Ingredients are sourced with purpose: lamb, beef, pork, poultry, fresh milk and cream direct from JAG Farms; seasonal Island produce; home-grown lodge vegetables; and tools from both traditions — smoker, grill, sashimi knife, and cast-iron pans.

“Simple food, fresh, homegrown, prepared and presented with care and flair.”

Guests can expect grilled fish breakfasts with eggs, greens, and fruit; morning and afternoon teas with lodge cakes topped with John’s cream and Island citrus; hearty farm lunches; and slow, communal dinners at a long shared table.

A separate Sample Week Menu showcases what a full seven-day stay might taste like.

Your Stay

While the lodge is designed with agricultural and horticultural clients in mind, all are welcome — hunters, fishermen, families, explorers, and those seeking rest and connection.

Each stay is designed for small groups: families, couples, or close friends.

A typical visit includes:

• Comfortable rooms with practical gear: drying racks, boot space, hooks, quality beds, and well-appointed ablution blocks.
• Shared breakfast and dinner at the lodge table.
• Access to gardens, land, and outdoor spaces.
• Optional time in the kitchen for those who want to cook, learn, or help.

Rates will follow simple, transparent packages:

• Bed & Breakfast
• Full Farm & Table (breakfast + dinner + selected activities)
• Course & Retreat Weeks (food + structured learning modules)

Experiences and Courses

JAG Farms Lodge is a place to learn and to do. Structured sessions may include:

• Farm & garden sessions – horticulture basics, composting, soil care, seasonal tasks.
• Fishing & water skills – surfcasting, harbour fishing, gear care, safe handling, filleting.
• Kitchen workshops – sashimi prep, smoking, baking, cake decorating with fresh cream and fruit.
• Story & music evenings – guitars, yarns, strong tea or coffee, quiet reflection.

Activities are run by lodge hosts and trusted local partners.

Outdoor Activities & Island Adventures

The lodge offers experiences shaped by the land, sea, and lifestyle of Matakana Island.

Coastal & Beach Activities

• Ocean-beach overnight camping.
• Surfcasting for snapper and kahawai.
• Harbour fishing sessions for families.
• Seasonal shellfish gathering.

Land-Based Activities

• 4WD / farm-bike Island tours through forestry, dunes, and lookouts.
• Horse-riding tours with approved operators.
• Guided coastal and forest walks.
• Bird watching and wildlife observation.

Mainland-Linked Partnerships

• Boat charters (fishing, diving, harbour cruises).
• Guided walks around Mauao and the Mount beachfront.
• Cultural experiences hosted by Tauranga Moana partners.

All outdoor adventures are weather-dependent and guided with respect for land, water, and community.

Hunting Experiences (Licensed Hunters Only)

For guests who hold a valid New Zealand game-bird licence, the lodge may arrange seasonal hunts with trusted local operators.

Duck Hunting

• Traditional wetland and maimai hunts.
• Guided sessions with experienced Island or mainland hunters.
• Strict safety and ethical harvest standards.
• Optional game preparation at the lodge.

Pheasant Hunting

• Walk-up hunts through forestry and farmland.
• Dog-assisted hunts where available.
• Seasonal access only.

All hunts require appropriate licences and permits, follow New Zealand game-bird regulations, honour tikanga, land, and wildlife, and emphasise ethical, food-focused harvest.

Provenance – Why JAG Farms Matters

Every plate at the lodge carries the fingerprints of:

• John and Ave’s 35+ years of Matakana farming.
• Māori trust land stewardship on the Island.
• Eiko’s Japanese family garden traditions.
• David’s life as a fisherman, hunter, and cook.

The lodge is the meeting point of: Horizon Coast (Japan) → Mauao Coast (NZ) → JAG Farms Ltd → JAG Farms Lodge.

This is where the full hierarchy becomes real — a living bridge between two coasts, two cultures, and one shared table.

Who This Lodge Is For

• People who value real food more than fancy décor.
• Families wanting their children to understand where kai truly comes from.
• Agricultural and horticultural professionals.
• Musicians, writers, and thinkers seeking quiet, honest space.
• Fishers, hunters, gardeners, cooks, and food lovers.
• Guests happy to slow down, roll up their sleeves, help with dishes, and embrace communal life.

Looking Ahead

JAG Farms Lodge is still in its development phase. Systems, menus, and courses are being designed; supply lines from JAG Farms Ltd are being mapped; and buildings, rooms, and communal spaces are being prepared.

As John and Ave send material from Matakana and as the lodge takes shape, the story will continue to grow. This page is the first marker. The real work has already begun.