Summary:
Welcome to the high country Mackenzie Pass Retreat by Tiny Away! Your holiday homes NZ escape is tucked away on Bauchops Hill Station, just an hour’s drive from the port city of Timaru.
Soak in whiffs of fresh country air on the edge of the Mackenzie Basin as you’re accompanied by the friendly bleating of sheep and mooing of cows. With a vast landscape, sceneries, and farm animals, you can be sure this countryside getaway will capture your restless soul as you unwind in peace.
The Space:
Mackenzie Pass Retreat by Tiny Away offers a quintessential countryside farm stay, nestled in a paddock with sweeping views of the valley and rolling hills. Explore the farm, meet the animals, and delve into the history of James Mackenzie and the farm's legacy.
Nearby, you’ll find nature-centric attractions like Lake Tekapo, Tekapo Springs, and Mt Dobson. For dining, consider trying Kohan Restaurant or Fairlie Bakehouse, both excellent options just a short drive away.
It's a cozy 139-square-foot tiny home and pet friendly accommodation with easy access to water, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking equipment, and excellent bathroom facilities. These amenities include an eco-friendly cassette toilet with a removable waste holding tank, hand basin, and shower (gas-heated for hot showers).
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you're booking for a group, we also have three holiday homes, "Avalanche Creek Cabin, Airstrip Stays, and Tussock Views" available with 24 hours' notice in advance.
If you plan to spend your holiday homes NZ escape here, we advise that you bring your basic necessities, such as food and water during your stay with us. Thank you.
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the tiny home and the farm depending on time of year and farming operations. We provide a farm map with hazards and no go zones, indicating where walking tracks are detailed.
- Breakfast and meal ingredients can be purchased such as fresh farm eggs and etc.
- 2 Bikes are available for rental at $25 each a day.
- 4WD and Farm Tour activities are available on the property. Please notify the host upon your arrival about the availability.
- A maximum of one pet is permitted. Additional pets are subject to a fee.
The Neighborhood:
Mackenzie Pass Retreat finds itself just an hour’s drive away from the port city of Timaru. The neighborhood is a farming community, with close towns such as Burkes Pass and outdoor activities friendly for people looking for a good old NZ countryside day out such as star gazing, hot pools, ski field and delicious pies.
Uninterrupted stargazing available on clear nights.
Our local recommendations:
- Discover the charm of the unique Three Creeks Antique Shop, located just a couple of kilometers down the road from our property.
- Mt Dobson and Round hill are famous skiing and snowboarding destination, sunny all day and wide open with a friendly kiwi atmosphere.
- Tekapo Springs allows you to soak up beautiful views in total relaxation in hot and cooler pools in a stunning white alpine environment, as well as ice skating, snow sledding.
- Lake Tekapo is photographic by day and shining with dazzling stars by night, a perfect spot for stargazing and soaking in awe of mother nature’s best views from sunrise to sundown.
Hiking Spots
- Opihi Gorge Track is a scenic, moderately challenging hike in South Canterbury, offering views of the Opihi River, waterfalls, and native bush.
- Cowans Hill Walkway, just minutes away from Lake Tekapo, is a short, easy walk that leads to a lookout with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Kakahu Track is a short trail near Geraldine, passing through farmland and native bush, with great views of the Kakahu Stream and surrounding landscape.
Food Scene
- Indulge in incredible value bar meals just a short 15-minute drive away at the Silverstream hotel, nestled in the charming township of Kimbell.
- Kohan is a restaurant by Lake Tekapo, with salmon farms right on the doorstep, it is considered to have the best sushi and sashimi in the area.
- Fairlie Bakehouse carries the honor of having a ‘must visit’ pie when exploring the Mackenzie region. Known for their pork belly and apple pie with crackling on top and their bacon and salmon pie, they make everything on site that day and pride themselves in sourcing local produce wherever possible.
Getting Around:
By car:
- From Christchurch, it is 2.5 hours from the airport to Bauchops Hill Station.
- From Timaru, it is 1 hour from the airport to Bauchops Hill Station.
Reachable by 2WD and 4WD.
Other Things to Note:
- Wifi is available
- Gas BBQ grill is available
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- Mobile reception has no signal on all networks, only WiFi calling.
- Pets are limited to only (1). Additional pets are subject to a fee.
- Smoking is allowed only in designated areas outside the tiny home
- Please expect free-roaming animals and noise during your stay with us
- Please expect limited connectivity as the tiny house is set in a rural locality
- Pets are not allowed on beds and sofas, and clean after your pet’s droppings
- There is no mobile reception for Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, 2degrees and Spark
- Please keep in mind that some areas are shared, such as the BBQ grill, chairs, etc.
- Don’t forget to close the windows and lock doors when leaving the tiny house/ property
- Make sure to turn off the lights, air conditioning, and electronics (e.g., especially chargers)
- Please clean up after your pet’s shedding before checking out in courtesy of other guests
- Please note that this is a PET-FRIENDLY property, and pet policies will be sent prior to arrival
- We would like to advise guests that longer stays or later check-outs will incur an additional charge
Important note:
- Due to the nature of the property, abundant wildlife may be present on the property
- Keep in mind that BBQ grills and outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban
- For stays of 5 nights or more, an additional cleaning fee will be collected to help maintain the cassette toilets and ensure a clean and fresh experience for all guests. We appreciate your understanding.
Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.
