The paper reports the findings of a survey of non-traditional enterprises within 1 50 kms of Palmerston North in the southern region of the North Island of New Zealand. The results show a wide range of activities being undertaken including manufacturing, farm stays, horsetrekking, tourism, retail gardening, crafts and herb growing. The paper describes the enterprises, the reasons given for business initiation, the background of the proprietors, the level of financial assistance, the relationship to the farming business (if any), the gross value of output, employment generation, marketing and promotion.