Historic Homestead
Built in 1891, Mataia Homestead was home to the Gardner family as they worked and developed the surrounding farm. Registered as a Category 2 Historic Building with the NZ Historic Places Trust, the homestead was fully restored in 2005 and now plays host to guests from all over New Zealand and the world.
Room for all
The two-storey villa sleeps up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms. Shared facilities include two and half bathrooms, a music & history room with baby grand piano, separate library and TV room, separate dining room, laundry room, and a large open plan kitchen and lounge.
Outdoor living
Soak up the atmosphere from the wrap-around verandas and large deck, or explore the 5ha of beautiful gardens that surround the house. There’s a BBQ and plenty of outdoor tables and chairs if you wish to dine al fresco.
Sleeping arrangements
Four bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 shower)
Upstairs Bedroom 1: 1 Queen Bed
Upstairs Bedroom 2: 3 single beds
Upstairs Bedroom 3: 2 single beds
Upstairs Bedroom 4: 1 Queen bed
Upstairs Bedroom 5: 1 single bed
Upstairs bathroom: shower, clawfoot bath, toilet, vanity
Downstairs Bedroom 1: 2 single beds
Downstairs bathroom: shower, toilet, vanity
Downstairs hall toilet: toilet, vanity
Amenities
A full range of amenities
Kitchen facilities include:
Kitchen facilities include:
Fridge freezer
Full oven
Microwave
Dishwasher
Coffee Maker & coffee plungers
Cooking basics: pots, pans, dishes - everything you would expect to prepare and serve meals for up to 12 people is provided
Basic supplies provided include: tea, sugar, coffee (instant and plunger), herbal teas, salt, pepper, oil, range of herbs and spices, flour, some basic tins and packet items. Tin foil, baking paper, cling film, paper towels, tea towels, and cleaning products are all supplied.
Other amenities
Hairdryer
Iron
Washing machine
Highchair
Heating: log fireplace, oil heaters, electric blankets
Games & Recreation
Television with Freeview (or BYO SKY card)
DVD player with a limited range of children’s and adult DVDs
Books and small range of board games
Baby grand piano
Guitar
Homemade jams & jellies available for purchase from in-house mini-shop
Essentials are all provided including full linen, towels, soap, shampoo & conditioner.
Gardens
5ha of park-like grounds
The homestead is surrounded by 5ha of park-like grounds featuring large sweeping lawns, two ponds and a creek.
Highlights of the gardens include the large, productive vegetable gardens where — depending on the time of year — you will be able to source fresh, spray-free, organically-grown veges to prepare meals during your stay. We grow lettuce, potatoes, asparagus, tomatoes, beans, peas, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, broadbeans, rhubarb and carrots ... just to name a few!
A curving perennial garden frames the northern side of the homestead, offering a beautiful colourful vista. Further afield, you can explore the old sheds, the winding trails, the expansive lawns – or just find a cosy spot to curl up in the sun with a book and a cup of tea.
On the southern side of the gardens, a 5-minute walking tracks winds through a small stand of native bush and passes underneath the feet of some grand-daddy Kahikatea trees, finishing in a glorious rose garden.
The large orchard is based around heritage fruit trees, and season-dependant you will be able to fill your fruit bowl with plums, apples, guava, lemons, limes, oranges, mandarins, feijoas and pears. At the right time of year there are also plenty of summer berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
In the adjacent herb garden you will normally always find a supply of parsley, mint, chives, oregano, basil, thyme, horseradish root and bay leaves.