01 — The Family
Three generations above Golden Bay
Ellis Creek Farm has been in the Thorpe family since 1937, when Bob and Phyllis Thorpe bought the property from early settler Harry Ellis. For 50 years it was farmed by their son Richard and Leentje Thorpe — who are still actively involved on the farm in their eighties.
The farm sits on the hills above Clifton, overlooking beautiful Golden Bay. The Ellis Creek itself flows through native bush and fenced-off watercourses across the property, eventually reaching the sea at Motupipi Estuary.
“We wish to sell our produce to people who have an interest in eating local, ethically raised food grown in harmony with nature.”
02 — The Farm & Farming System
Low intensity, high integrity
The farm has always been run in a low-intensity way — a strong focus on animal wellbeing has been central to how this land has been managed for nearly a century. The current generation is building on that foundation.
Their goals are clear: healthy, contented animals and land that sequesters carbon, builds organic matter, and protects the waterways. They are actively working toward organic and regenerative farming practices.
- Environmentally sound practices
- Healthy and contented animals
- Quality nutrient-rich food products
- Transparency in all dealings with customers
03 — Harvesting
On-farm. Humane. Low-stress.
Ellis Creek Farm has recently commissioned their own on-farm mobile abattoir. Animals are harvested where they live — no long-haul cattle trucks, no large processing facilities. It’s the most humane and low-stress way to harvest an animal, and it’s a direct expression of the farm’s values.
The result is meat from animals that lived well and ended well — and you can taste the difference.
04 — What You Can Buy
Beef, lamb, hogget — direct from the farm
Ellis Creek Farm sells a range of cuts, boxes and whole animals. Everything is grass-fed, farm-harvested, and packed with flavour.
05 — Where to Find Them
Markets, delivery & free pickup
During summer, Ellis Creek Farm is at three markets each week. Come and meet the family, try a steak sandwich off the BBQ, and pick up your order in person.
Tākaka Village Market
Every Saturday morning · Library carpark (summer)
Winter: first Saturday of the month, or Telegraph Hotel carpark outside Bacca Bakery
Nelson Farmers Market
Wednesdays 8am–1pm
Next to the library on Halifax St, Nelson
Meat and eggs available weekly
Motueka Sunday Market
Sundays 8am–1pm
Decks Reserve Carpark, Port Motueka
Craftsman Cafe, Richmond
Wednesdays 9.30am–2.30pm
Bateup Rd, Richmond
Weekly delivery — Nelson region & NZ-wide
Orders sent weekly to any non-rural NZ address by overnight courier. Order by midday the day before the market for market pickup.
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