Going where the grass is greener

Dairy farming is in fine heart in New Zealand, but a growing number of Kiwis are finding it is even better in Australia.

Debbie Cole hops into a white hatchback and tears up a hill towards a rotary milking shed, leaving a trail of dust in her wake.

Within minutes, husband Michael is following her on a four-wheel bike at the same breakneck speed. Dairy cows munch contentedly nearby on late spring pasture, which will soon need topping.

It could be a farming scene anywhere in New Zealand. Except it's not.

The former Waikato couple have transplanted themselves to Australia. Their home, bought three years ago, is a 162-hectare farm of 300 cows near Foster, Victoria, in gently rolling hill country.

From the milking shed can be seen the southern Gippsland coastline that is a popular fishing retreat for Melbournites. Outside the temperature is a pleasant 25deg. In summer this will rise to as high as 40deg.