Alpaca House Truck

Covid-19 update

Find out more about our COVID-19 Cancellation Terms and Vaccination Policy here.

Takaka, Golden Bay

The Alpaca House Truck is a 20-minute drive from Takaka, 45-minutes drive from Motueka and a 1.5-hour drive from Nelson.

Nothing says 'Golden Bay' like an authentic and utterly charming house truck. And the Alpaca House Truck is all that and more. Leadlight windows, different nooks and levels, handcrafted timber furniture and fittings - all come together to make this one of the most quirky and endearing places in our collection.

The house truck sits peacefully in a quiet corner of a lifestyle property, accompanied by a hot tub, beautiful rock wall landscaping and an outhouse with a wild-flower living roof. A creek runs nearby, with the sound of trickling water and birds filling the otherwise blissful silence of the surrounds.

Tame alpacas roam in the paddock around the house truck - and ducks, chickens as well as plenty of native birds are regular visitors.

With amazing views, gentle farm animals and endless peace and quiet, this is a place to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature.

FROM $250 p/n

Children aged 4-13 only

Sleeps 4
Child Friendly

A $40 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

host address

272 Uruwhenua Road, Takaka 7183

directions

The Alpaca House Truck is a 20-minute drive from Takaka, 45-minutes drive from Motueka and a 1.5-hour drive from Nelson.

After driving over Takaka Hill, and through Upper Takaka, Uruwhenua Road is the first left-hand turn after the Takaka River Bridge. Follow the directions below to get to the address - don't follow GPS or Google Maps as the directions are not accurate:

Drive along Uruwhenua Road (a dirt road) for about 2km.
When you see a white house on the left and 8 letterboxes on the right then turn right at those letterboxes. You’ll see the numbers 272 & 274 on the gate post.
Drive over the cattle stop up that road and continue over the bridge that has a sign saying 'caution creek crossing'.
When you come to a fork go to the right. You’ll see a 'no parking' sign at the fork.
Then you’ll see a small creek crossing at the entrance to the property.

When you’re at the T-junction at the top of the driveway turn right. Follow the driveway down to the farm shed and your hosts will meet you there. Please close any gates that you need to open and keep an eye out for roaming animals.

Alpaca House Truck

What time is check-in & check-out?

Check-in - after 2pm - 8pm (or later by arrangement)
Check-out - by 11am

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

The house truck sleeps up to two adults and two children.

The main bedroom area has a double bed. You'll need to step up and climb a few stairs to enter the sleeping area in the truck. A general level of fitness and comfort with heights will be required.

The duvet is wool, and the sheets are 100% cotton. Extra wool blankets are available in winter.

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

The kitchen is inside the truck and has a sink, water purifier, gas oven and stovetop. Hot water needs to be boiled for washing dishes. There is a dining table is next to the kitchen inside the truck and an outdoor dining area is also available. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided.

For cool food storage - a chilly bin with daily deliveries of ice packs is supplied.

A Weber BBQ is provided for al fresco cooking.

Some pantry basics are supplied - olive oil, coffee, tea, salt, pepper, honey.

What are the bathroom facilities?

The truck has a shower at the entrance which has a gas califont for hot water and a washbasin.

A pleasant-to-use and well-ventilated composting toilet is also located in a stand-alone shed, close to the truck.

Environmentally friendly shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided.

How does breakfast work?

Breakfast is served on the deck at your host's house (about 150m away) at 9am. This is optional - and you're most welcome to bring your own breakfast and eat at your leisure at the house truck if you prefer.

Breakfast changes day-to-day, and is generally either homemade muesli, pancakes or eggs with homemade fresh bread. Your host Nat will let you know at check-in what the breakfast will be during your stay.

Is there power?

The Alpaca House Truck is completely off-the-grid. There is 12-volt lighting in the lounge, bedroom and kitchen. A charged lantern is also supplied.

There are solar lights lighting the outside area leading to the toilet. Phones can be charged in the truck but no other electrical appliances can be used.

Is there mobile phone reception?

The property only has mobile coverage with the Spark or Skinny network. Devices can be charged during the day in the truck.

Guests can access wifi at the main house during breakfast at 9am each morning.

What sort of heating is there?

The house truck has a small wood burner for use in cooler weather.

Are children welcome at the Alpaca House Truck?

Yes! Children between the ages of 4 - 13 years are welcome at the Alpaca House Truck. The house truck is not safe for children under 4 years due to the different levels and steps inside the house truck, nor suitable for children over 13 years due to the amount of space available.

Note that there is not enough room in the house truck for a portacot so babies are not recommended.

Can I bring my dog?

The Alpaca House Truck is strictly 'no dog' accommodation (with no exceptions).

How private and remote is the Alpaca House Truck?

The house truck is set on a very private rural property, however, there is a barn on the property (that is also rented as holiday accommodation) which is about 50 metres away from the house truck. You pass by this on the way to the truck when you arrive.

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

There is a small creek crossing at the entrance to the property and the driveway into the property is steep and gravel, meaning that it can be difficult to negotiate if you are not confident on this type of track. 4WD vehicles are best, however, 2WD vehicles can negotiate the driveway if you drive slowly with confidence.

If you would prefer to park at the entrance and have your hosts transport your luggage, they are happy to do so. There is an area to the left before the creek crossing where you can park your car. You'll receive a pre-arrival email with your host's details 5 days prior to your stay. You can request a transfer at this point if you choose this option.

Can I have a campfire?

No, due to the risk of fire in this region, there are no campfires allowed at Alpaca House Truck.

What are the safety considerations?

Alpaca House Truck is set on a lifestyle block, so for the safety of all concerned, it’s very important to follow the safety guidelines and terms that you’ll find in our booking terms and in your Welcome Guide on site. These terms and guidelines include:

Visitors stay at their own risk, the property has hazards both farm-related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural.
There is a steep drop-off on the driveway - guests will need to take extra care. Do not drive up the driveway if you are not confident.
There is a creek crossing at the entrance that you will need to cross with your vehicle.
The property has electric fencing so please ensure you use gates when walking around the property.
Close all gates that you need to open.
Animals are unpredictable - best to avoid them.
Extreme caution driving on farm tracks.
For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter any buildings on the property.

What do I need to bring?

Food and drink for your stay
Warm clothes for star-gazing at night
Long sleeves and pants for sandfly protection
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Towels for swimming.

Can I stay for one night only?

Weekends and peak Summer period:

There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night) and during the main peak Summer period (20 October - 31 March).

Please note that during this period single nights are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online with a $40 Single Night Surcharge applicable.

Weeknights:

Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) outside the periods specified above with a Single Night Surcharge of $40 applicable.

Public Holiday Weekends:

The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.

Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Alpaca House Truck.

Minimum Nights

Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Alpaca House Truck.

Weekends and peak Summer period:

There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night) and during the main peak Summer period (20 October - 31 March).

Weeknights:

Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) outside the periods specified above with a Single Night Surcharge of $40 applicable.

Public Holiday Weekends:

Rates

Year-Round

The standard nightly rate is $250 per night for up to 2 people.

Up to two extra children (between 4 - 13 years) can be accommodated for $75 per child, per night

Single Night Surcharge:

Where single nights are bookable (see Minimum Stay Periods) a Single Night Surcharge of $40 applies. Please apply this during the online booking process.

The Single Night Surcharge applies to all one night stays, even when there is only one night available. By their nature, glamping sites are more remote and time-consuming to service than more standard accommodation types. Therefore, in order to cover the costs and time involved, a Single Night Surcharge is applicable to all one night stays.

Gift Vouchers

Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for all of our Canopy Camping Escapes glamping sites. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.

2. cancellation, date changes and severe weather warnings

2.1 Canopy Camping reserves the right to cancel the booking in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:

(a) Extreme weather conditions that mean accessing or staying may pose a safety risk for the guest;

(b) Any alteration to the host property which may pose a safety risk for the guest;

(d) A death in the host families.

Canopy Camping’s liability will be limited to refund of booking cost and under no circumstances shall extend to any other incidental or other costs incurred by the client. In the unlikely event that Canopy Camping must exercise this option it will use its best endeavours to offer either a full refund, or to alter the booking to another date, or site at no additional cost or penalty.

2.2 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 21 days prior to your arrival.

2.3 Cancellation or date changes by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.

2.4 Date changes made more than 21 days prior to your original arrival date are allowed without penalty.

3. safety and hazards

3.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you enter the property at your own risk to participate in a glamping holiday.

3.2 Participation in activities such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.

3.3 Canopy Camping Escapes accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.

4. pets

No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets.

5. GST

GST of 15% (where applicable) is included in the daily per night cost. A GST invoice will be supplied if requested.

6. conditions of occupancy and conduct

6.1 Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.

6.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the accommodation.

6.3 Guests shall take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects in or on the property and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period.

6.4 Guests are required to inform the owner of any damage or breakage in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next guests. Guests are bound to reimburse the owners for replacement or repair.

6.5 Where the property has not been left in the same state of condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, the guest will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100.

6.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.

6.7 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consultation with Canopy Camping Escapes.

7. authority to sign

The person who completes the Booking Form certifies that: he or she is authorised to agree the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; the signatory is over eighteen years of age; they agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property, and to notify Canopy Camping Escapes if they are not a member of the holiday party.

Eating and Drinking

Breakfast is included in the cost of your stay. This is served on the deck at your host's house (about 150m away) at 9am each morning. This is optional - and you're most welcome to bring your own breakfast and eat at your leisure at the house truck if you prefer. Breakfast changes day-to-day, and is generally either homemade muesli, pancakes or eggs with homemade fresh bread.

For all your other meals, the Alpaca House Truck is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in the kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you fancy trying the local fare, Takaka is just a 20-minute drive away and has a fantastic selection of delicious cafes and restaurants to eat at.

The nearest supermarket to stock up on supplies is at Takaka (20-minutes away), but if you're coming over the Takaka Hill, you're best to stock up before leaving at Motueka. The turn off to the Alpaca House Truck is about 15 minutes before you reach Takaka.
Things to do

This peaceful haven is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of real-life and just relax. Enjoy a soak in the bath, a nap in the hammock or a bit of low-key competition with a board game.

On the property are some walking tracks along the creek and into the pine forest... Visit the animals and interact with the friendly alpacas - take them for a walk! For some more physical exertion - hike or bike the Kill Devil track which is right next door.

There is so much to do in this magical corner of New Zealand. Kayak at Tata Beach, walk in to the Abel Tasman National Park or catch a salmon for dinner at Anatoki Salmon. And make sure you make time to visit the incredible Waikorupupu Springs (the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere), followed-up by a cold beer and some nachos at the must-visit, famous Mussel Inn.
Your hosts

Your hosts at the Alpaca House Truck are Grant, Natalie, Shanti the Tibetan Spaniel, 12 Alpacas, 6 chickens and 12 ducks.

Their property used to be part of a large farm owned by the Riordan family. It was later subdivided and Grant and Nat purchased one of those subdivided sections in May 2019. With the creek, the off-grid house, and plenty of grazing for the alpacas - it was just what they were looking for.

Both Nat and Grant have both travelled extensively, and most recently lived for 5 years on Waiheke Island before moving to Golden Bay. Nat is a yoga teacher, originally from Brisbane and spins and knits garments from her alpaca's fleece. Grant loves the outdoors and frequently runs up the Kill Devil track on the neighbouring property - for fun!

Nat and Grant are experienced hosts having run a guest house on Waiheke Island during their time there. They love sharing their beautiful part of New Zealand with others - and look forward to welcoming you to the Alpaca House Truck!

"
Nat and Grant were very welcoming and great hosts. The house bus was awesome and very comfortable. The site was peaceful and beautiful. We enjoyed the walks, cooking our dinners out in the open, and soaking in the outdoor bath. Loved being off the grid amongst the Alpacas. Highly recommend.
"
- 20 Dec 2021
"
We arrived in the dark with Nat's help, the fire was stoked and cosy. Then waking in the morning to such a surprise...delightful. Nat and Grant were happy to share their slice of paradise. Great place for bush walks or doing entirely nothing. Thanks so much for a rejuvenating break.
"
- 28 Sep 2021
"
Imagine relaxing in a quirky renovated house truck. Then add a herd of curious alpacas always around you. Then add a parade of cheeky chickens. And as the cherry on top, you meet your wonderful hosts and their happy little pup. Every detail of our stay was a perfect surprise.
"
Cecilia Barr - 07 Jun 2021
"
Lying on her hill top knoll the great Pyrenees half dreams doing what she was born to as the alpaca sleeps. ... beautiful poem by an unknown. It sums up my lovely stay with these dreamy creatures and place. Our hosts were very very cool cats....truly excellent time. PS breakfast was 5 star. Everything was 5 star rustic!
"
- 12 Mar 2021
"
The surroundings, the hot tub, the beautiful breakfast was just stunning definitely recommend.
"
Robert And Anne Ladkin - 15 Feb 2021
"
For those looking for an incredibly unique, off-grid return to nature, this is a wonderful experience! A gorgeous little house truck with the friendliest of chooks. Also for many, a great way to first experience the joys of a composting loo!
"
Steph Lockwood - 15 Feb 2021
"
A magical stay with wonderful animals in an awesome off-grid eco experience. Hosts were exceptional, friendly and helpful. Breakfasts were delicious! Hot tub was soooooo good. Housetruck was quirky and well thought out.
"
Ro Moody - 01 Feb 2021
"
Great stay, great people, very relaxing and enjoyable experience.
"
Lucy Malcolmson - 18 Jan 2021

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Alpaca House Truck

Covid-19 update

Alpaca House Truck

Takaka, Golden Bay

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Getting There

FAQS

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Booking Terms

host address

directions

Alpaca House Truck

Eating and Drinking

Things to do

Your hosts

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