We would like to welcome you to our country home to
stay.
Our Homestay/Bed & Breakfast (longer stays are
welcome and meals can be provided upon request) is situated in the small
village of Waikari in North Canterbury in the South island of New
Zealand.
We are in the heart of North Canterbury's wine country
where world class wines are produced. We have a warm, friendly and
comfortable family home including a visitors lounge with fabulous views
of the surrounding countryside, TV and pool table.
You may have your own twin room upstairs with private wc,
shower/bath facilities are downstairs or you could try one of our new
'detached' units with queen beds and ensuite facilities.
We have a "no smoking" policy and safe off
street parking. Downstairs there is the conservatory (solarium) where
you can relax, enjoy the sunshine and review the highlights of your day.
Location:
Our weather is 'temperate', that means warm summers,
cool crisp winters, and wonderful spring and autumn weather. Summer
temperatures up to 32 degrees Celsius and in winter we have morning
frosts but clear bright sunny days.
Waikari is only one hours drive from Christchurch the
"Garden City of the World" and 40 minutes drive from the
Hanmer Thermal Resort.
Things To Do:
We are ideally situated for you to spend a night as a
break whilst driving through to the wonderful West Coast via the Lewis
Pass.
Alternatively you can take a break with us on your way
through to Kaikoura and the Whale watch via the Alpine Pacific Touring
route.
Other ideas include...
Small Farm:
We have a small farm with our own sheep (including
Fred our pet black ram), Biddy the true collie sheepdog and the new
addition BC (short for black cat) who has wonderful green eyes. We
would be happy to organize a farm tour to one of the larger farms in
the district if requested. A days notice is required and a charge
applies.
Steam Train:
Why not try a day or two in Waikari during the summer
season, or any time of the year? The Weka Pass Steam Express runs the
first and third Sundays of each month throughout the year.
Trains also run on the Sunday and Monday of most long
weekends. Trains depart Glenmark Station Waipara for Waikari at about
11:30 am and 2:00 pm the return trip takes about 2 hours. You can take
a return trip from the Waikari Station to Glenmark and back also.
Trains are also available for hire throughout the
year. Trains will normally be hauled by steam locomotive A428 but
during the summer when total fire bans are in force in North
Canterbury, trains will be hauled by their historic Dg class diesel
electric locomotives.
Maori Rock Drawings:
You can follow the Weka Pass walkway up the hill
behind the village to the limestone outcrops, admire the fantastic
view of the valley and study the Maori rock drawings.
Village Craft Shop:
The Village Craft Shop is worth a visit. Wonderfully
made local handcrafts and expertly made recycled rimu furniture will
give you plenty to choose from if you are looking for gifts for family
or friends, or just something to remind you of your holiday.
Fishing:
We have in season some of the best fishing in the
world. Trout from Lake Sumner and Lake Taylor and salmon from the
Hurunui river. No crowds to contend with either. We are not far from
the coast, Gore Bay has a wonderful beach and surf casting from some
of the smaller bays around the coastline is worthwhile Fishing at Lake
Sumner and in the local Hurunui river is a popular pastime and we are
in an ideal spot if you want a fishing holiday.
We are happy to put you in touch with a fishing guide
if required also.
Gardens:
We have wonderful local gardens that you can visit
including the popular Zeno's Nurseries always worth a visit at any
time of the year.
Winter:
In the winter we are but a short 45 minute trip to Mt
Lyford and closer still to the Amuri Skifields for those of you
wanting to snowboard and ski.
Lake Sumner Conservation Park:
Is something more energetic to your liking? Then the
Lake Sumner Conservation Park could be all you need. This superb
expanse of mountains, valleys, forest, just 40 minutes from the bed and breakfast
offers an exciting range of outdoor recreation opportunities for
everyone. The reserve contains tracks, picnic spots, fishing spots and
huts to give firsthand experience of this natural splendour. Fishing
for brown trout, & quinnat salmon, kayaking on the Hurunui &
sailing on the lakes. Hunting for red deer, chamois & pig too.
Tramps range from short & easy to steep climbs & valley walks.
Mountain biking is another pursuit.
Golf:
If you are after something less strenuous we have a
lovely 9 hole golf course at Hawarden the next village.
Genealogy:
My hobby is Genealogy (family history research) so I am
interested in all the places you have been, where you are from and
anything historical. My research covers Australia, the UK, Ulster, Eire
and Germany and I have a large number of books that you can browse while
you are visiting.
