On the first weekend in December, our family has an important ritual. It’s the first visit of the season to The Strawberry Farm in Mangere Bridge. But the day starts with a far more arduous task – choosing a Christmas tree. The journey to the Mount Gabriel Christmas Tree Farm is full of cheer with the kids remembering past adventures and asking if we can pleeeease get the upside down Christmas tree this year. As usual, we arrive at a nearly full car park (yes it’s popular so get in early!) and everyone leaps out to briskly walk around the paddock to find that perfect specimen.
Over the years, we have learned that if it looks good from one angle you have a winner. However, trying to get a consensus on the winning tree with all 4 family members requires a ridiculous amount of negotiation. There’s lots of walking backward and forwards between the finalists and a little bribery on the side. In the end, majority rules and there is always one child unhappy with the choice who mopes back to the car in protest. Hot and bothered we all bundled into the car to reward our efforts.
And with the sight of the very large pink swirling peak, everyone sighs and the tension melts away. There is peace in the world again.
The biggest attraction at this place is definitely the strawberry ice cream. Using the farm’s own strawberries, the ice cream is made fresh, right before your eyes. There is also a large selection of cheap veggies, plants and huge punnets of strawberries. The produce is picked fresh from the farm every morning- it doesn’t get much fresher than that!
The Christmas tree is decorated and taking pride of place so our next trip to The Strawberry Farm won’t have a frosty start!
Next job – presents.
TIP: remember to take CASH. There is no EFTPOS on site.
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