
FAQs
HAVE A QUESTION BEFORE YOUR STAY?

It’s always best to be prepared! We have created this list of frequently asked questions, although if this doesn’t answer your question, please get in touch HERE.
The Homestead
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As we are a working farm, we unfortunately do not allow pets to stay. This protects your little guys from all the dangers of a farm and a foreign environment.
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Check in 2.30pm
Check out 10.30amWhile our times are firm to ensure we have the Homestead ready, if you would like an earlier or later check in/out time, please let us know when booking, and we will see what we can do.
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Please see our cancellation policy here.
To secure your reservation, we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is due 14 days before your arrival.
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We have made the Homestead as accessible as possible; however, due to the age of the building, there are smaller doorways within the Homestead. Please contact us to discuss further before booking if you have specific accessibility requirements.
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Since we would like you to treat the house like your home, your rules should align with or supersede these! But in case of differing opinions, we have a few house rules to ensure your stay is as wonderful as it should be.
The homestead is over 100 years old… Please take care of our grand lady! However, feel free to use all the items in the homestead as you would at home. Let us know if anything needs fixing or replacing. Any wilful damage will be charged.
While it is one of the safest places on earth, please keep the Homestead locked when leaving to explore. Remember to lock your car at night.
We have lockable storage for your boat/caravan/bikes or any other large items. Let us know if you need this space, and we will leave a key out.
Smoking is strictly outside only. This includes vaping. Our location is known for its strong winds, and summer can be incredibly dry. Please make sure each cigarette is put out completely.
Please use the ashtrays to avoid wildlife eating matches or cigarettes.
Drugs of any classification, with the exception of prescription drugs, are not permitted at Station Peak Homestead.
Please do not move the furniture around the Homestead unless you’ve checked with us first.
We are a working farm, so unfortunately, we do not allow pets to stay.
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Yes! Cleaning is included in your booking. We do ask you to do the following before you leave the Homestead:
Please leave the Homestead as you found it. Ensure the lights are turned off and the keys are in the lockbox.
There is no need to strip the beds or vacuum (unless very dirty) as we will take care of this. However, we do ask you to put all dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on. Please empty it if it finishes before you leave and wipe the benches and stovetop.
Housekeeping and bed linen changes will occur every four days for stays of five nights or more.
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Please contact us directly to discuss any changes to your bookings. While we will do everything we can to help, we cannot guarantee this.
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To secure your reservation, we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your arrival.
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During all public holidays, there is a minimum two-night stay.
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Great question!
The climate differs depending on the season. We are in a strong wind area, so it’s important that everything is tied down well (even the spa lid), so it doesn’t blow away.
The summers can be very dry and hot, and the winters are cold – snow cold. As in every part of the South Island, we suggest you pack for every weather eventuality, and then you will be well prepared!
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The Homestead has diesel radiators throughout the building. We set these to suit the season, so the Homestead is at a lovely ambient temperature. If you need to, you can change the temperature dial on the radiator. The thick stone walls of the building ensure it never heats up too much in summer.
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You are more than welcome to tent on the lawn. However, the maximum occupancy is a total of 10 people staying at any time. Please respect this, or you will be asked to leave immediately.
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Yes, we have unlimited Wi-Fi at the Homestead for your personal use during your stay.
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The Homestead is fully self-contained accommodation. On top of that, we have the following amenities:
Amenities
Quality linen and towels provided
BBQ (mains gas)
Sky TV
Smart TV
Wi-Fi
Tea and coffee making facilities
Coffee machine
Washing machine, dryer, iron and board
Drying rack and clothesline
Bathroom toiletries, hair dryer
Extra pillows and blankets
Spa
Lockable sheds
Bluetooth speaker
Outdoor speakers
Indoor and outdoor games
Books and reading material
Smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, first aid kit
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Our kitchen is a fully functioning kitchen with appliances and crockery. We have staple supplies of oil and spices etc., that can be used for free when you are staying. If there is a particular appliance that you need for your stay, please get in contact with us here.
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Yes, towels and bedding are provided. We are happy to supply extra if required at an additional fee.
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Yes! We would welcome the opportunity for Station Peak Homestead to host your unique occasion! For all event enquiries, please get in touch with us here to discuss your ideas.
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Station Peak Homestead was made for children. There is so much to explore, so much room to roam, and we have a collection of inside and outside games to keep everyone entertained.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times in the property and on the farm grounds. Station Peak accepts no liability for the actions of children whilst on the property.
Please be aware that most animals are farm animals, and we are not a petting farm. The ponies are very friendly and love to chat over the fence, but we ask that you please do not feed the ponies or enter their paddocks; this is for their safety and yours. If you do see Sophia out riding, please feel free to chat.
There are some other hazards to be aware of – please see our hazards FAQ.
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We can organise a porta-cot and highchair on request. There are plastic plates, cutlery, and cups available in the kitchen as well. Please bring with you any other infant equipment you require. If you are not sure, please feel free to get in touch before you arrive.
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· Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
· The road can be really busy, so be mindful of the traffic when arriving and leaving. If unsure, shut out the world beyond the gates!
· We have an open waterway by the reeds at the top end of the garden. This is not fenced off, so extreme care must be taken if you have small children at the Homestead.
· The fences surrounding the Homestead are safe; however, a reminder that this is a working farm and we have electric fences around. If there is a plastic attachment between the wire and the post, you can assume it is a live wire that will give you a tremendous jolt if you touch it! While it will hurt, it will do nothing more than blow the cobwebs out, but we would prefer you didn’t go through that experience! This is only really an issue if you go walk about.
· Those bunnies you may see around are cute…but they are great at making holes, so watch your footing! There are old tree roots that are also great at tripping you up at unceremonious times! You have been warned.
· Keep little (and big) fingers away from the ponies if you are visiting them.
· The kid's playground and jungle gym are fun places to play, but we recommend adult supervision at all times.
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With notice, you can order food from the following places for takeaway or dine in (please check):
River Restaurant and Takeaways -
There are no extra fees, unless by exception, for things such as breakages, extra linen, etc. This would be discussed in advance.
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Surrounding our homestead are the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s mid-South Island—rivers, lakes, mountains, and hills that beckon our active relaxers and thrill seekers. Whether it's hiking through trails, skiing on water or snow, or trying your hand at fishing, the Hakataramea Valley is a playground for fun and adventure, offering a treasure trove of activities for young and old.
Check out our ‘Places to Visit’ page here for inspiration!
Travel and Transportation
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Yes. We have lockable sheds for anything you would like locked away during your stay. Please contact us at the time of booking here.
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We are 7 minutes from Kurow.
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We are smack bang in the middle of our greatest cities of the South Island and only a short flight across the strait and the ditch. Some would say situated perfectly in the middle.
1 hr 15 mins from Timaru
3 hrs from Queenstown
3 hrs 20 mins from Christchurch
2 hrs 15 mins from Dunedin
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There sure are. One of the most famous walks around Kurow is the Kurow Hill Walk. If it is a nice day, make sure you take a small picnic and savour those views! 360° of stunning landscape.
The Waitaki NZ website also has some great biking and walking trails to check out:
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There are some spectacular places to eat and drink around Station Peak. Check out the below options while you are here: