A Small Farm With A Big Heart
Established by husband-and-wife team Daryn and Louise and nurtured for over a decade, Salty River Farm is more than just a farm.
Nestled on a tidal inlet of the Kaipara Harbour, this small, family-run farm and market garden has been supplying fresh, locally grown produce to the community for years. On the farm, cattle keep the paddocks in check, and goats patrol for weeds, while in the market garden, Daryn and Louise grow, harvest, pack, and deliver their produce with care. They also cultivate seedlings for sale, helping others bring a bit of Salty River magic into their own gardens.
While the farm may be small in size, it thrives on its close connection to the community. Being small means fresher, higher-quality produce and personal relationships with customers, which continue to motivate and inspire Daryn and Louise in their work. Everything is harvested and packed to order, with deliveries going directly to local shops throughout the week, and on Saturdays to their popular spot at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market.
While they grow and sell a range of salad greens and seasonal produce, Salty River Farm is best known for its signature salad mixes. These uniquely curated and award- winning blends include miner’s lettuce and rocket, a mixed lettuce leaf selection, and the ever-popular baby-leaf lettuce with edible flower petals.
Of course, farming hasn’t always been easy. With poor soil, reliance on rainwater, and extreme weather conditions, they’ve had to adapt, overcoming hurdles by adopting alternative growing techniques. Over time, they’ve embraced hydroponics, in-ground no- dig gardening, and grow bags, always using natural inputs to keep their produce at its best. As Daryn and Louise put it, "Tweaking crop varieties and how we grow them will always be part of our work." Each season brings its own challenges, but the couple have learned to stay open-minded.
Beyond the garden, Louise brings the farm to life through illustration. Every Sunday, she takes out her visual diary and draws, sketching the beauty of the produce, the animals, and the ever-present birdlife. Her artwork, which captures the essence of Salty River Farm, can be found on their social media and online store, with commissions available on request.
For those who know and love Salty River Farm, its story is one of passion, perseverance, and community - a small farm with a big heart, continuing to nourish the region one harvest at a time.