Waikonini Homestead

The accommodation advertisement was extremely misleading. The photos show a homestead, not an animal outhouse without power, water, insulation or even walls without huge gaps in the cladding. In short, a place not fit for human habitation.

A fabulous grand old home with so much beauty surrounding it. I spent 3 nights visiting the area, and it's lovely to come home to a welcoming and comfortable place. Do yourself a favour and spend some time in this home with the host Mary and other guests. For an extra fee Mary will cook a really great meal to be shared with other guests - make new friends, hear stories and travel tips. Very comfortable beds, clean home. Just perfect

We booked a one night stay at Waikonini Homestead.We booked what we thought was a cabin advertised at $85 per night.On arrival we were taken to what I can only describe as a shack.With day light showing through cracks in the wall.There was no electricity.No heating and candles for light.There did not appear to have a toilet near by.Mary the owner then offered us a room in the homestead for $200 per night.As we were a long way from Geraldine and late in the day we decided to take it.Mary did not offer to supply an evening meal, so we made do with some snack we had.There was no tea making facilitys in or near our room.The heating unit in our room did not work.After repeated asking Mary came up with a small heater which was not big enough to do good job.In the morning she supplied a basic continental breakfast.We thought homestead had a lot of character and nice country area. Cheers Colin and Michael

A quaint rather anachronistic place giving a great idea of what colonial New Zealand must have been like half a century or more ago. Sadly the stay marred by the attitude of the owner who overcharged on dinner and took a very high handed attitude when called on it.

Very carefully restored Victorian house. Mary the host and the owner of the homestead revived the glory of almost forgotten comfort of old times with unmistakable choices of beddings, beautiful soaps, authentic looking bathroom, home made food, the way how she serves tea. Old clock with its own tune is giving a special charm when you are seated in a glorious hallway. Kitchen and verandah where meals are cooked and served are modern and new, but they correspond with the old home with the same architectural language. It is a very peaceful place, but very happy and full of life at the same time. Nearby we walked on a 2 hours track through the native forest to Emily's waterfall. I would like to come again.