Featuring garden views, Karetu Downs Farm Stay in Hawarden features accommodations, free bikes, a garden, and barbecue facilities. This property offers access to a terrace, tennis at the tennis court, free private parking, and free Wifi. Each room includes a balcony with mountain views. Each unit is fully equipped with a washing machine, a flat-screen TV, a sofa, and wardrobe, as well as a fireplace. There's a private bathroom with walk-in shower in some units, along with bathrobes, slippers, and a hair dryer. At the farm stay, each unit includes bed linen and towels. As an added convenience, the farm stay offers packed lunches for guests to bring on excursions and other trips off-property. Guests at Karetu Downs Farm Stay will be able to enjoy activities in and around Hawarden, like cycling, fishing, and hiking. The farm stay has a picnic area where you can spend the day outdoors. Christchurch International Airport is 43 miles from the property.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.8)

Free Private Parking Available On Site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 queen bed
1 king bed
Bedroom 1
1 queen bed
Bedroom 2
1 queen bed
Bedroom 3
2 twin beds
Bedroom 4
2 bunk beds
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.9
Cleanliness
9.9
Comfort
9.9
Value for money
9.9
Location
9.8
Free Wifi
10
High score for Hawarden

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • William&roberta
    United States United States
    Everything. Most relaxing and comfortable place we have ever stayed. The scenery, gardens and farm animals were wonderful. Hosts Karen and Bruce were exceptional
  • Gary
    United States United States
    Everything was fabulous. Great hosts, perfect stay. Even the drive there was part of the experience
  • Kathleen
    United States United States
    Lovely couple in the beautiful, quiet countryside.
  • Larry
    United States United States
    Beautiful setting with gorgeous gardens. Very clean comfy rooms. Awesome breakfast. The hosts did a great job of communication. We enjoyed our hikes and the sheep mustering & shearing demonstrations. Several local wineries nearby.
  • Rahe
    United States United States
    This was a unique New Zealand experience to stay on a sheep farm but in such lovely accommodations. The suite was beautiful in every way and Karen's hospitality in showing us around the farm was wonderful. Recommend to anyone wanting to experience...
  • Tobin
    United States United States
    A true highlight of our trip! Wonderful and beautiful room, the best and kindest hosts, Karen and Bruce. We learned much about the farm, helped feed the animals, had a wonderful breakfast.
  • Jennifer
    United States United States
    My husband and I loved the peaceful garden and having the opportunity to feed the farm pets. We spent almost all of our stay on site and found our room to be a clean and bright oasis. Bruce showed us the farm and answered all of our questions...
  • Stuart
    New Zealand New Zealand
    The breakfast tray full of provisions was amazing. The farm and gardens were lovely. The room was very spacious, the bed very comfortable, overall an excellent stay.
  • Price
    Australia Australia
    The owners Bruce and Karen were extremely accommodating and gave us an exceptional experience when staying at the cottage. The home was beautiful and had a brilliant blend of old and new, it captured our weekend perfect as we used this location to...
  • Katherine
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Surrounding - garden and animals Hospitality of owners Lovely food

Hosted by Owners: Bruce and Karen Forrester

9.9
9.9
Host Review Score
Host Review Score
Owners: Bruce and Karen Forrester
Our 100 year old Homestead B&B is the ideal romantic hideaway for the weary traveler. Our hill country farm is kiwi owned and operated and has belonged to the Forrester family for over one hundred years. We Offer comfortable private accommodation for tourists, travelers and families who want to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings of the New Zealand country side. The prominent feature of this 2000 hectare property is the hill country which rises to just on 3 thousand feet above sea level. The climb to the top of the farm along tussock tracks provide panoramic views of the Southern Alps, the east coast and to the South the views of Christchurch and surrounding areas are breath taking. The farm offers over 20 kilometers of back country tracks for you to enjoy at your leisure. 4WD tours available.
Bruce and I have farmed Karetu downs for the past 26 years after taking on the property from Bruce's parents. We love to show our guests around our farm and share with them our unique Kiwi lifestyle. Guests are welcome to book a sheep shearing demonstration or a 4 wheel drive farm tour of our hill country. Please ask when making the reservation. You can take a leisurely walk along the river to see the perfectly formed round concretions (rocks) in the Black Gorge or take a fishing rod and fish for brown trout, swim in the river or hike or bike the hill country. Meet the pet lambs, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks and Sid and Billy our resident goats. Karetu homestead has an extensive garden for you to sit and enjoy, you can even sit back and listen to the native bird life while relaxing in the spa pool (only available when you book the Musterers studio or Louisa suite the rooms are for couples only). The Karetu downs farm cottage is ideal for families with big or small children. Karetu cottage is a large and comfortable fully furnished house complete with a large garden. Come and join us and experience farm life like no other. We look forward to meeting you.
We are 20 minutes via car to the Waipara Valley vineyards and cafes including the well regarded Pegasus Bay winery. 10 minutes drive from Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park and 20 minutes from the Weka Pass Railway which is a fun activity for the kids. • Easy day trips to Whale Watching in Kaikoura and the Hamner Springs Thermal pools both wonderful places to take the children. • Amberley township is 20 minutes drive away with a good selection of shops and restaurants-check out the Brew Moon cafe with its craft beers and delicious pizza and the Little vintage cafe ideal for breakfast or lunch. Amberley farmers market is open from 9am-12pm Saturdays. • Pegasus, Amberley and Hawarden Country golf clubs are all close by. • Easy day trip to Mount Lyford ski field. The area is safe for travelers and overseas guests.
Language spoken: English

Area info

Amenities of Karetu Downs Farm Stay
Great facilities! Review score, 9.9

Most popular amenities

  • Free Wifi
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
  • Breakfast

Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Bedroom

  • Linens
  • Wardrobe or closet

View

  • Landmark view
  • Mountain view
  • Garden view
  • View

Outdoors

  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Sun deck
  • Barbecue
  • BBQ facilities
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Kitchen

  • Dining table
  • Cleaning products
  • Electric kettle
  • Washing machine

Room Amenities

  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack

Activities

  • Bicycle rental
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Bike tours
  • Walking tours
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Tennis court

Living Area

  • Dining area
  • Sofa
  • Fireplace
  • Sitting area

Media & Technology

  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV

Food & Drink

  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Internet
Wifi is available in the rooms and is free of charge.

Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

    Services

    • Private check-in/out
    • Baggage storage
    • Packed lunches
    • Ironing service
      Additional charge
    • Laundry
      Additional charge

    Front Desk Services

    • Invoice provided

    Entertainment & Family Services

    • Board games/Puzzles

    Safety & security

    • Fire extinguishers
    • CCTV outside property
    • Smoke alarms
    • Key access
    • Safe

    General

    • Electric blankets
    • Smoke-free property
    • Heating
    • Private entrance
    • Family rooms
    • Ironing facilities
    • Iron

    Accessibility

    • Entire unit located on ground floor

    Spa

    • Hot tub/Jacuzzi

    Languages Spoken

    • English

    House rules
    Karetu Downs Farm Stay takes special requests – add in the next step!

    Check-in
    From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
    You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
    Check-out
    From 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM
    Cancellation/ prepayment
    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
    Children & Beds

    Child policies

    Children not allowed.

    Crib and extra bed policies

    Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

    No age restriction
    There's no age requirement for check-in
    Pets
    Pets are not allowed.
    Accepted payment methods
    American ExpressVisaMastercardCash
    Smoking
    Smoking is not allowed.

    The fine print
    Must-know information for guests at this property

    Please inform Karetu Downs Farm Stay of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

    In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

    FAQs about Karetu Downs Farm Stay

    • Karetu Downs Farm Stay offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

      • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
      • Cycling
      • Hiking
      • Tennis court
      • Fishing
      • Bicycle rental
      • Tour or class about local culture
      • Walking tours
      • Bike tours
    • Room options at Karetu Downs Farm Stay include:

      • Suite
      • Studio
      • Chalet
    • Karetu Downs Farm Stay is 9.9 miles from the center of Hawarden. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • Yes, Karetu Downs Farm Stay is popular with guests booking family stays.

    • The prices at Karetu Downs Farm Stay may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

    • Check-in at Karetu Downs Farm Stay is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

    • Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Karetu Downs Farm Stay on this page.