Frequently Asked Questions

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Question:  Can we bring dogs?
Answer: Sorry, no dogs allowed.

Question:  What level of fitness is required?
Answer: We recommend a reasonable level of fitness, especially for Day One. Take a look at our distances on the 'About The Walk' pages and ensure you do some hill training before you walk!

Question:  Is there any cell phone coverage?
Answer: Yes - there is some Spark and Vodafone coverage on the walk, but only limited coverage at the accommodations!
 
Question:  Is there somewhere to purchase more petrol or alcohol etc before arrival at the Whareama Walk?
Answer: The last place to fill up or shop is in Masterton.
 
Question:  What are the bedroom/sleeping arrangements? Are there bunks? Do we share a room?
Answer: There are 4 bedrooms at the homestead and retreat lodge. There is a mixture of single beds, bunks and queen beds. You will NOT be expected to share a room with someone you do not know.  See The Accommodation page for more details.
 
Question:  Is there somewhere to leave our cars?
Answer: Yes, at the Ica Station Homestead there is ample parking. The car park is well off the road on private property.
 
Question:  What time do you recommend we book our return flights?
Answer: We recommend you book your return flight for after 5pm on your final day. 
It takes 2 hours+ to drive to Wellington from Whareama, so give yourself plenty of time.
 
Question:  How do I pay the balance of the booking?
Answer: The remaining balance can be paid individually on the night of your arrival at Ica Station Homestead in cash or by credit card. 
(A 3% transaction fee applies to credit card payments). If you prefer to pay by bank transfer, please do so at least 2 weeks prior to arrival - again use your surname and walk arrival date as the Reference. Please note - we DO NOT have Eftpos facilities and no longer take cheques.

Question:  What is your cancellation policy?
Answer:  If you cancel more than 30 days prior to your arrival date, a $50 administration fee will be charged and the remainder of your deposit refunded.  Cancellation giving less than 30 days notice, sorry we are unable to provide a refund of your deposit.
 
Question:  Do you offer a 2 Day/1 Night Stay option?
Answer:  Yes............. however, this is only available to groups of 4 or more persons during the week - arrive Mon, Tue or Wed.  You are accommodated in Whareama for your 1 night stay and the cost is $250 per person, please email us for further details.   

Question:  Do you offer a Self-Catered Option?
Answer:  Yes we do!  .....If you are a group of 6 or less persons, then you have the option to cater for yourselves, as each accommodation is equipped with full cooking facilities, a gas BBQ and all the cooking utensils you may need.  The cost is $225 per person for a 2 Day/Night Walk and $325 for a 3 Day/Night Walk.

Question:  Do you offer a discount for children? 
Answer: Yes, there is a discount for children, however, we recommend this walk is not suitable for children under the age of 6 years.  Children 12 years and under receive a $35 discount each on our fully catered walks. There is no discount for children on any of the other walk options we offer. 

Question:  Do you have a linen option?
Answer:  Yes, for our overseas visitors (or anyone who prefers), we can provide bed linen, (top sheet, duvet and towels) for hire - $25 extra per person. Please ask when booking.  
 
Question:  There is only two of us, can we book your walk?
Answer: YES, you can! .....But please note:
If by the time you arrive you are still the only 2 walkers, you will be collected and accommodated in Whareama each night.
 
Question:  Do you recommend any local walks for our arrival day?
Answer: Yes, on the way to Whareama, you pass Rewanui Forest Park, where you have a choice of 3 Bush Walk loops, from 3/4 hrs (moderate) to 2 hrs (steep). Please see www.trimblefoundation.org.nz for more details.