Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Question:  What is your cancellation policy?
Answer: Cancellation giving at least 14 days notice of confirmed walk booking - 75% refund of deposit paid or full deposit can be carried over to another later booking during the season.
 
Question:  Do you offer a 2 Day/1 Night Stay option?
Answer:  Yes we do!  You arrive by 10.00am on Day 1 and complete our walk to the beach.  We transport you back to Whareama for your overnight stay and evening meal.  The following day after breakfast, we transport you to the start point and you complete the loop by doing our Day 2 walk, finishing back at the Ica Station Homestead, Whareama.  Please email us for more details on this option.

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. There is no discount for children on the Single Day Walks or the new 2-Day/ 1-Night Walks.

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.

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