The leaders of a movement to halt the sale of New Zealand farmland to foreigners may have to eat their words as its internet campaign fails to attract support.

Save the Farms is calling for a moratorium on land sales to foreigners while a national debate is held on the issue.

The group was confident the ‘modern protest vehicle’ of the internet would galvanise the movement, but spokesman Tony Bouchier says the online response so far has been disappointing.

“We sort of feel that we need to keep this issue out there for discussion.

"Our website hasn’t been a success, we think it might have been too difficult for people to register on to.

Mr Bouchier says the group is considering its next move.

Our message, too, has been distorted by the media – we just want a discussion, we’re not racist or xenophobic – we’re just seeking a moratorium.”